India Trade & Customs Updates: Key Changes Issued Between 18 to 24 October 2026

India's trade and customs regulatory framework continues to evolve, with new developments affecting import documentation, trade compliance, customs procedures and regulatory administration.

During the week of 18–24 October 2026, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) introduced several important changes relevant to importers, exporters, customs brokers and other international trade stakeholders.

The key developments include revised inspection requirements for metallic waste and scrap imports, a precautionary advisory concerning a Bangladesh-based company, an extension of a customs notification deadline and changes relating to customs adjudication.

Here is a closer look at these updates and their implications for businesses.

1. Revised PSIC Requirements for Metallic Waste and Scrap Imports

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has revised the provisions governing Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificates (PSIC) for the import of metallic waste and scrap through Public Notice No. 35/2026-27, dated 21 October 2026.

Under the amended provisions of the Handbook of Procedures, 2023, imported metallic waste and scrap generally remain subject to a PSIC issued in the country of origin. However, the exemption available for consignments originating from designated safe countries or regions has been clarified and made subject to specific conditions.

What Has Changed?

Metallic waste and scrap, including shredded and unshredded material, imported from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the European Union may qualify for the PSIC exemption.

To qualify, consignments must meet the following conditions:

• A certificate from the supplier or scrap yard authority must confirm that the material does not contain radioactive materials or explosives.

• Consignments must enter through designated sea ports, including Chennai, Tuticorin, Kandla, JNPT, Mumbai, Krishnapatnam, Mundra, Kattupalli, Hazira, Kamarajar and Adani Gangavaram.

• Mandatory radiation and explosive checks must be conducted through portal monitors and container scanners at the designated ports.

• Consignments trans-shipped through these safe countries or regions do not qualify for the exemption solely on that basis.

The amendment also clarifies that eligible consignments can receive customs clearance at an Inland Container Depot (ICD), provided the required conditions are fulfilled at the port of entry and supporting proof is submitted at the ICD.

Impact on Importers and Customs Brokers

The revised provisions provide greater clarity regarding the eligibility and documentation requirements for PSIC exemptions.

Importers and customs brokers handling metallic scrap should verify the country of origin, ensure the availability of supplier certificates, confirm eligible ports of entry and maintain proper inspection records.

These requirements are particularly important for businesses managing scrap imports through multiple ports and inland clearance facilities.

Key Takeaway: The exemption from PSIC is conditional. Importers must satisfy the prescribed origin, certification, routing and safety inspection requirements.

2. DGFT Advises Enhanced Due Diligence for Transactions With Bangladesh-Based Company

DGFT has issued a precautionary trade advisory concerning M/s Julfikar Fashions Limited, Mirpur, Bangladesh, through Trade Notice No. 31/2026-27, dated 21 October 2026.

The advisory follows a complaint received under DGFT's Quality Control and Trade Dispute mechanism.

According to the notice, the matter was pursued through appropriate diplomatic and administrative channels. However, despite repeated communications, no substantive response was received from the concerned company or relevant authorities.

This prevented the verification of the facts and an amicable resolution of the complaint.

What Has Changed?

DGFT has advised Export Promotion Councils, industry associations, regional authorities, ECGC, authorised dealer banks and other stakeholders to exercise heightened vigilance when dealing with the company.

The advisory recommends:

• Conducting comprehensive due diligence before entering into commercial transactions.

• Informing exporters, importers and trade participants about the concerns associated with the entity.

• Evaluating transaction risks before extending credit, financial assistance or trade facilitation services.

• Reporting adverse experiences, payment-related issues or contractual disputes to DGFT.

The advisory is precautionary and does not itself impose a general prohibition on trade with the company.

Impact on Exporters

The development highlights the importance of counterparty verification and commercial risk assessment in international trade.

Indian exporters should carefully evaluate the credibility of overseas buyers, review payment terms and maintain appropriate safeguards before entering into commercial agreements.

Businesses should also remain informed about trade-related advisories issued by DGFT to support better decision-making.

Key Takeaway: Strong due diligence and risk assessment can help exporters identify potential commercial and payment-related risks before entering into international transactions.

3. Customs Notification Date Extended to 31 December 2026

The Central Government has extended the date specified under an existing customs notification through Notification No. 33/2026-Customs, dated 22 October 2026.

The amendment modifies Paragraph 2 of Notification No. 30/2026-Customs, originally issued on 21 August 2026.

What Has Changed?

The previously specified date of 31 October 2026 has been extended to 31 December 2026.

This provides an additional two calendar months under the amended provision.

The new notification changes only the specified date. The underlying scope and applicability must be determined by referring to the original Notification No. 30/2026-Customs.

Impact on Importers and Customs Brokers

Businesses operating under the provisions of the original notification should review the revised date and update their applicable compliance schedules.

Customs brokers should also ensure that relevant clients are informed about the amendment and that internal records reflect the updated deadline wherever applicable.

Maintaining accurate notification records is particularly important for organisations managing multiple clients, shipments and customs requirements.

Key Takeaway: The specified date under Notification No. 30/2026-Customs has been extended to 31 December 2026. Businesses should verify the applicability of this amendment to their operations.

4. Common Adjudicating Authority Appointed for Specified Customs Cases

CBIC has appointed a common adjudicating authority for certain customs proceedings involving Amway India Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., formerly Amway India Enterprises, through Notification No. 87/2026-Customs (N.T.), dated 21 October 2026.

The notification covers seven specified show cause notices involving customs authorities across different locations, including New Delhi, Nhava Sheva, Mumbai and Chennai.

What Has Changed?

The Principal Commissioner/Commissioner of Customs (Nhava Sheva-I), JNCH, Mumbai Zone-II, has been appointed as the common adjudicating authority for the identified proceedings.

The designated authority will exercise the adjudication powers and discharge the duties associated with the specified show cause notices.

The notification establishes the responsible authority for these proceedings but does not determine the outcome of the cases.

Impact on Customs Proceedings

Customs proceedings may involve multiple jurisdictions, authorities and documentation requirements.

The appointment of a common adjudicating authority establishes a designated official to handle the identified matters and may support coordination during the adjudication process.

Businesses involved in similar proceedings should maintain accurate records of show cause notices, supporting documentation, submissions and hearing-related communications.

Key Takeaway: Monitoring adjudication-related notifications helps businesses identify the appropriate customs authority and manage regulatory proceedings more effectively.

What These Updates Mean for Importers, Exporters and Customs Brokers

The latest developments highlight the importance of maintaining accurate documentation, monitoring regulatory changes and strengthening compliance processes.

For importers, the revised PSIC provisions reinforce the need to verify eligibility for exemptions and maintain supporting inspection records.

For exporters, the DGFT trade advisory underlines the importance of assessing overseas trading partners and managing commercial risks.

The extension of a customs notification date also demonstrates why businesses must regularly review amendments and update their applicable compliance timelines.

Meanwhile, the appointment of a common adjudicating authority highlights the importance of organised documentation and clear tracking of customs proceedings.

For customs brokers handling multiple clients and declarations, these updates reinforce the value of maintaining a structured approach to compliance management.

Conclusion

The DGFT and CBIC updates issued during the week of 18–24 October 2026 reflect important developments in India's trade and customs regulatory environment.

From revised PSIC requirements and trade-risk advisories to amended customs timelines and adjudication procedures, these changes require careful attention from businesses involved in international trade.

Importers, exporters and customs brokers should review the applicable notifications, maintain accurate records and ensure that their processes remain aligned with current regulatory requirements.

Staying informed about official customs and foreign trade developments remains essential for supporting compliance, reducing documentation gaps and maintaining efficient trade operations.