New Delhi: The Government of India on 31st March 2026 issued a set of notifications and a circular to ease re-imports and streamline courier mode shipping, following announcements made in the Union Budget. The reforms target e-commerce exporters and aim to reduce friction in cross-border returns and logistics.
A key change is the removal of the per-consignment value cap for exports through courier mode. The earlier ₹10 lakh limit has been abolished, allowing unrestricted value shipments via registered courier services, effective 1 April 2026.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), through a Circular also introduced a simplified framework for handling returned and rejected goods. While a risk-based approach will now apply to most courier re-imports to replace earlier stringent verification norms, however, precious and imitation jewellery exported via e-commerce have been excluded.
Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “We wholeheartedly welcome these progressive reforms by the Government of India. The removal of the ₹10 lakh value cap on courier exports is a landmark decision for the gem and jewellery sector. It empowers our exporters to seamlessly ship high-value goods to global customers without being hindered by outdated value restrictions.
“However, it is a matter of concern for the sector that the new risk-based approach for re-imports specifically excludes jewellery. Adopting a risk-based system for all returns has been a longstanding demand of GJEPC, represented to various ministries over the years to ensure a level playing field. While we appreciate the broader shift toward digitisation and the removal of export caps, we urge the Government to extend the risk-based treatment to the gem and jewellery industry to truly boost our global competitiveness.”
To further ease operations, “Return to Origin” (RTO) has been permitted for uncleared or unclaimed imports lying at courier terminals beyond 15 days, provided the goods are not restricted or under investigation. This is expected to reduce congestion at International Courier Terminals and speed up disposal processes.
Supporting these changes, amendments have been notified to both the Courier Imports and Exports (Electronic Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2010 and the Courier Imports and Exports (Clearance) Regulations, 1998. These enable re-export of uncleared goods after 15 days and remove value-based restrictions embedded in earlier provisions.
Additionally, a dedicated “Return Module” has been introduced in the Express Cargo Clearance System (ECCS) to handle returns and rejected shipments, including those from e-commerce channels, signalling a shift towards digitised and faster processing.
Collectively, the measures are positioned as part of broader customs reforms for 2026, aimed at improving ease of doing business and supporting India’s growing e-commerce export ecosystem.
