India Trade & Customs Updates: Key Changes Issued Between 18 to 24 July 2026
- Team Live IMPEX
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 23 hours ago
The week of 18 to 24 July 2026 witnessed several important regulatory developments from the DGFT and CBIC that impact importers, exporters, customs brokers, logistics service providers, and businesses engaged in international trade.
The updates focus on simplifying export procedures for MSMEs, strengthening India's trade classification framework, and expanding customs infrastructure to improve cargo handling efficiency.
Here's a quick overview of the key changes.
1. DGFT Invites Stakeholder Feedback on RCMC Exemption for Low-Value Exports
DGFT has released a draft proposal seeking stakeholder comments on introducing a de minimis exemption from the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) requirement for small-value export consignments.
Proposed Amendment
Export consignments with an FOB value up to ₹10,000 may no longer require an RCMC or Certificate of Registration while applying for:
Import or export authorisations under FTP
Benefits or concessions available under the Foreign Trade Policy
Other eligible export-related approvals
The exemption will not apply to Restricted items under ITC (HS).
Stakeholders have been invited to submit suggestions within 10 days of the Trade Notice.
Why It Matters
If implemented, the proposal would:
Reduce compliance requirements for small exporters
Encourage e-commerce and courier-based exports
Support MSMEs entering international markets
Simplify low-value export transactions
2. CBIC Notifies Udangudi Port for Imported Coal Unloading
CBIC has amended Notification No. 62/1994-Customs (N.T.) by adding a new customs location in Tamil Nadu.
Key Change
The following facility has been notified:
Udangudi – Authorized for unloading imported coal
Impact
This notification is expected to:
Improve coal import logistics
Expand customs-approved unloading infrastructure
Support industrial and energy requirements in Tamil Nadu
Reduce congestion at existing ports
3. DGFT Synchronizes ITC (HS) 2022 with the Finance Act, 2026
DGFT has updated the ITC (HS) 2022 Schedule-I (Import Policy) to align it with the Finance Act, 2026.
Major Highlights
The notification introduces a comprehensive revision of India's import classification by:
Adding newly created ITC (HS) codes
Deleting obsolete tariff codes
Splitting and merging existing classifications
Updating descriptions of several tariff items
Revising import policy entries to reflect current customs legislation
The amendments take immediate effect.
Why This Matters
Businesses should review their product classifications because changes in ITC (HS) codes can affect:
Customs declarations
Import policy applicability
Licensing requirements
Duty assessment
Trade documentation
ERP and customs software master data
Incorrect classification after these updates may result in filing errors or compliance issues.
What Businesses Should Do
Importers, exporters, customs brokers, and logistics professionals should:
Review whether any imported products are impacted by the revised ITC (HS) codes.
Track the proposed RCMC exemption if dealing with low-value export consignments.
Update customs classification databases and ERP master records.
Ensure customs filings reflect the revised tariff structure.
Monitor implementation of the proposed FTP amendment after stakeholder consultation.
Conclusion
This week's updates reflect the government's continued efforts to simplify export procedures while modernizing India's customs and trade framework.
The proposed RCMC exemption could significantly reduce compliance for small exporters, while the ITC (HS) synchronization ensures India's import classification remains aligned with the Finance Act, helping maintain consistency across customs processes. The addition of Udangudi as a notified customs unloading location further strengthens India's trade infrastructure.
Staying updated with these regulatory changes helps businesses remain compliant, avoid filing errors, and ensure smoother import-export operations.
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