Topic
import clearance
Trade India-UK trade pact: CBIC issues guidelines on implementation of self-certification of origin declarations
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued guidelines for implementing self-certification of origin declarations under the India-UK trade agreement. The framework replaces conventional certificates with self-declarations, requiring an authentication process by customs authorities of both countries. Preferential duty treatment is granted only after authenticity is established, and each declaration applies to a single shipment.
Trade Government proposes simplified drug import rules to boost pharma R&D
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945, to simplify import of drugs for examination, test or analysis via an acknowledgement-based system, exempting small quantities for non-clinical testing from prior licensing. The move follows a similar domestic reform in January 2026 and aims to boost pharmaceutical R&D and ease of doing business. A draft notification has been placed for stakeholder consultation.
Trade India Tightens Scrutiny of Chinese Herbicide Imports Amid Anti-Absorption Review
India's Department of Revenue has tightened scrutiny on imports of Chinese herbicide glufosinate, directing customs to provisionally assess all imports pending an anti-absorption review by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR). Importers must furnish financial guarantees for potential additional duties. Separately, anti-dumping duties on butyl alcohol from the US, Malaysia, and South Africa were extended for five years.
Trade Australia suspends 60% of Indian fumigation service providers, raising export costs
Australia has suspended the licences of 60 per cent of Indian fumigation service providers, affecting 44 companies, after an audit by Australian biosecurity authorities. The suspension, effective last week, could force exporters to pay additional refumigation costs of A$700 to A$1,200 per container upon arrival in Australia. India's agri-exports to Australia exceed $500 million annually, with Basmati rice as the top export at $79 million.
Trade EU crackdown on small parcels: New customs rules and fees take effect July 1
The European Union’s new customs rules for low-value parcels took effect July 1, eliminating the duty exemption for goods under €150 and imposing a flat €3 fee per product category. A further processing fee of €2–3 is expected in November. The measures target e-commerce imports from China, with volume rising 314% since 2022 to $5.8 billion in 2025. Early data shows freighter capacity from China to Europe fell 19% in 48 hours.
Trade China Rejects Indian Red Chilli Cargoes Over Pesticide Residues, Suspends Three Exporters
China has rejected at least three consignments of Indian dried red chillies and suspended three Indian exporters over traces of methamidophos, a pesticide residue. The move follows similar rejections of Indian rice and signals heightened scrutiny on food safety. India's chilli exports to China grew 31% in 2024-25 to 2.36 lakh tonnes, according to The Hindu Business Line.