April 2025 Customs & FTP Updates: Key Regulatory Shifts for Indian Trade and Logistics
In a significant move towards trade facilitation and digital transformation, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) have rolled out critical updates in Customs procedures and India’s Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) for April 2025. These policy enhancements are designed to accelerate cargo clearance, digitize compliance processes, and simplify post-repair export mechanisms—making them highly relevant for importers, exporters, logistics providers, and compliance professionals across India.
Some of the standout reforms include:
- Automated Out of Charge (Auto-OOC) for AEO-T2 and T3 clients, streamlining cargo release without manual intervention.
- “Ekal Anubandh” – a Single Unified Electronic Bond to replace multiple customs bonds with a digital, nationwide solution.
- Full automation of Customs refund processing, reducing delays and enhancing transparency.
- Digital enforcement under the FTD&R Act, mandating online replies and penalty payments for show-cause notices.
- Simplified General Authorization for Export After Repair (GAER) of sensitive items like SCOMET goods.
- Extended deadline for RoDTEP Annual Return filing, offering relief to exporters with high-volume claims.
These updates reinforce India’s vision for a digitally empowered trade ecosystem and align with global best practices in customs compliance and foreign trade facilitation.
