CBIC Rolls Out E-Commerce, Courier Export Reforms from April 1

₹10 lakh cap on courier export consignments removed to boost e-commerce exports
Measures to strengthen India’s e-commerce export ecosystem and global competitiveness

Major push to ease of doing business with flexibility enhanced for MSMEs, artisans and start-ups

Reforms to reduce logistics inefficiencies, dwell time and transaction costs with system-driven process simplification to improve efficiency in courier-based trade

Return to Origin (RTO) mechanism introduced for faster clearance of unclaimed imports; Uncleared courier imports beyond 15 days to be returned through simplified process; risk-based framework adopted

A risk-based framework is adopted for re-importing returned or rejected goods and a dedicated return module is created to simplify courier returns to boost e-commerce exports, which currently face high return rates

In pursuance of the Union Budget 2026-27 announcement, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has operationalised a set of comprehensive reforms to strengthen and streamline E-Commerce exports as well as broader courier-based imports and exports with effect from 1^st April 2026.

These reforms include the complete removal of the ₹10 lakh value cap per consignment on courier exports, the introduction of a streamlined framework for handling returned and rejected parcels and a legally backed Return to Origin (RTO) mechanism for uncleared shipments, aimed at enhancing ease of doing business, reduce logistics inefficiencies and strengthen India’s global export competitiveness, particularly for MSMEs, artisans and start-ups

As part of these reforms, the existing value limit of ₹10 lakh for commercial export consignments through courier mode has been removed. This measure is expected to significantly boost exports, especially for e-commerce exporters, by allowing greater flexibility in shipment value and enabling seamless exports through the courier mode. eliminating the need to divert such shipments to conventional air or sea cargo solely due to value restrictions.

In order to address congestion and delays in disposal of uncleared or unclaimed imported goods at International Courier Terminals, CBIC has introduced a Return to Origin (RTO) facility. Under this facility, goods that remain uncleared or unclaimed for more than 15 days and are not prohibited, restricted or under enforcement hold may be returned to the origin following a simplified procedure. This is expected to ease congestion at courier terminals and improve logistics efficiency.

CBIC has also simplified the procedure for re-import of returned or rejected goods, including those relating to e-commerce exports. A risk-based approach has been adopted in place of consignment-wise verification, and necessary amendments have been carried out in the relevant notification. In addition, a dedicated return module has been developed in the Express Cargo Clearance System to facilitate smooth processing of such returns.

These reforms are supported by system-based enhancements and process simplifications aimed at improving the overall efficiency of courier-based trade. The measures are expected to reduce dwell time, lower transaction costs and provide significant relief to exporters, logistics operators and other stakeholders involved in international courier trade, especially E-commerce.

The introduction of these measures marks another important milestone in the Government’s ongoing efforts to promote ease of doing business, strengthen India’s e-commerce export ecosystem and enhance the country’s competitiveness in global trade.

The CBIC has carried out amendments in the Courier Imports and Exports (Electronic Declaration and Processing) Regulations 2010 vide Notification 33/2026-Customs (N.T.) and Courier Imports and Exports (Clearance) Regulations, 1998 vide Notification 34/2026-Customs (N.T.). Further, Circular No. 17/2026-Customs explaining the amendments and detailing the operational modalities have also been issued today.

COURIER IMPORTS AND EXPORTS (ELECTRONIC DECLARATION AND PROCESSING) REGULATIONS 2010 VIDE NOTIFICATION 33/2026-CUSTOMS (N.T.) NOTIFICATION

COURIER IMPORTS AND EXPORTS (CLEARANCE) REGULATIONS, 1998 VIDE NOTIFICATION 34/2026-CUSTOMS (N.T.) NOTIFICATION

CIRCULAR NO. 17/2026-CUSTOMS