India Trade & Customs Updates: Key Changes Issued Between 25 to 31 July 2026

India's trade and customs landscape witnessed several important regulatory developments during the week of 25–31 July 2026. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) introduced updates impacting exporters, importers, customs brokers, courier operators, and logistics service providers.

From extensive amendments to the Export Policy under ITC (HS) 2022 to the digitisation of courier import refund processing and the imposition of anti-dumping duties on Low Ash Metallurgical Coke, these notifications are aimed at improving trade facilitation, strengthening compliance, and modernising customs procedures.

This weekly roundup highlights the key notifications issued during the period, explains their business impact, and outlines the actions trade stakeholders should consider.

Covered Notifications:

• DGFT Notification No. 26/2026-27 – Amendments to Schedule-II (Export Policy) of ITC (HS) 2022

• CBIC Circular No. 34/2026-Customs – Automation of Refund Applications for Courier Imports through ECCS

• Notification No. 18/2026-Customs (ADD) – Anti-Dumping Duty on Low Ash Metallurgical Coke

• Corrigendum to Notification No. 28/2026-Customs

1. DGFT Revises Schedule-II (Export Policy) Under ITC (HS) 2022

The DGFT issued Notification No. 26/2026-27 dated 27 July 2026, harmonising the Export Policy under ITC (HS) 2022 with the provisions of the Finance Act, 2026. The notification introduces numerous amendments across multiple tariff chapters.

Key Highlights

• Introduction of new export tariff entries

• Deletion of obsolete HS Codes

• Updates to tariff descriptions

• Changes to export policy conditions

• Alignment of ITC (HS) with the Finance Act, 2026

Business Impact: Exporters should verify product classifications and applicable policy conditions before filing shipping bills to avoid compliance issues or shipment delays.

2. CBIC Introduces Digital Refund Processing for Courier Imports

Through Circular No. 34/2026-Customs dated 30 July 2026, CBIC has automated refund application filing and processing for courier imports using the Express Cargo Clearance System (ECCS).

Key Features

• Online refund application submission

• Electronic document upload

• Automatic generation of a Refund Request Number (RRN)

• Online tracking of refund status

• Electronic communication of deficiencies and refund orders

• MIS dashboards for Customs officers

Transition Period

Both manual and online refund applications will be accepted until 30 September 2026. After this date, refund applications for Courier Bills of Entry will generally be processed only through ECCS, unless specifically permitted by the jurisdictional Customs authority.

Business Impact: Courier operators should begin using the ECCS Refund Module to ensure a smooth transition to the fully digital process.

3. Definitive Anti-Dumping Duty on Low Ash Metallurgical Coke

The Government has notified Notification No. 18/2026-Customs (ADD) imposing definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of Low Ash Metallurgical Coke originating in or exported from Australia, China PR, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, and Russia.

Key Highlights

• Country-specific anti-dumping duties ranging from USD 42.95 to USD 128.83 per metric tonne

• Certain specialised imports remain exempt subject to prescribed conditions

• Duty applicable for five years, unless amended or withdrawn earlier

Business Impact: Importers sourcing metallurgical coke should evaluate the revised landed cost and review procurement strategies accordingly.

4. Corrigendum to Notification No. 28/2026-Customs

CBIC has issued a corrigendum correcting the Gazette reference in Notification No. 28/2026-Customs by replacing G.S.R. 615(E) with G.S.R. 613(E). This is a clerical correction and does not change the substance of the notification.

Business Impact: No operational changes are required; however, businesses should reference the corrected Gazette citation in official documentation where applicable.

Key Takeaways

• Exporters should review revised ITC (HS) classifications and export policy conditions before shipment.

• Courier operators should migrate to the ECCS Refund Module before the mandatory implementation deadline.

• Importers dealing in Low Ash Metallurgical Coke should assess the financial impact of the new anti-dumping duties.

• Customs brokers and compliance teams should update their internal procedures to reflect these regulatory changes.

Conclusion

The notifications issued between 25 and 31 July 2026 reinforce India's continued focus on trade facilitation, digital customs processes, and stronger regulatory compliance. Staying informed about these developments helps businesses minimise compliance risks, avoid delays, and maintain efficient import-export operations in an evolving trade environment.