In a significant step toward enhancing the efficiency of India’s logistics and trade ecosystem, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), under the Ministry of Finance, has unveiled a series of progressive trade facilitative measures. These reforms, announced on April 25, 2025, align with the vision laid out in the Union Budget 2025-26 and are being introduced as part of the nation-wide celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav—marking 75 years of India’s independence and a future-forward vision for the next 25 years.
The latest measures are centered around improving infrastructure and streamlining customs protocols in air cargo and transhipment procedures. Recognizing the crucial role of high-value and perishable goods such as horticultural produce in trade, the CBIC has taken targeted steps to simplify customs processes, reduce transaction costs, and enhance user-friendliness.
One of the landmark reforms is the waiver of the transhipment permit fee for all movements under transhipment procedures. Previously, logistics operators had to pay a fee for every transhipment permit issued under the Customs Act, 1962. Given the exponential growth in cargo volumes over the years, this often led to procedural delays. Effective from April 24, 2025, this fee has been waived via Notification No. 30/2025-Cus (N.T.), easing the operational burden on logistics operators and encouraging faster cargo movement across ports, container freight stations, and inland container depots.
Another pivotal reform relates to the handling of Unit Load Devices (ULDs)—air containers used to consolidate cargo. Until now, these had to be unloaded within the air cargo complexes before clearance, which posed challenges, especially for sensitive or perishable items. CBIC has now introduced a simplified, internationally aligned protocol for the temporary removal of ULDs outside the customs area. Under the new rule, air carriers and console agents can execute a Continuity Bond taking responsibility for the re-export of ULDs, rather than the importer bearing that responsibility. This shift mirrors the existing marine container procedure that’s been in place at seaports since 2005.
Additionally, to reduce administrative complexity and improve nationwide coordination, the ‘All-India National Transhipment Bond’, operational since 2022, continues to support the seamless movement of cargo by removing the need for multiple bond submissions at different customs stations. The facility is now further strengthened with the introduction of online transhipment application filing via ICEGATE, eliminating the need for physical submission at service centers.
These forward-looking measures by CBIC are a part of a broader government initiative to facilitate trade, improve ease of doing business, and bolster India’s position in the global logistics network. As the nation commemorates Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, such reforms are a testament to India’s resolve to embrace modernization and digitalization in governance.
Stakeholders including airlines, console agents, and logistics providers are encouraged to take full advantage of these new facilities to improve turnaround time and reduce compliance burdens.
