CBIC Introduces Trade Facilitative Measures for Transhipment and Air Cargo
By Author | April 26, 2025
CBIC Press Release
Infrastructure Upgrades and Cargo Streamlining
In line with the 2025-26 Budget Speech by the Union Finance Minister, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has introduced new trade facilitative measures. These reforms focus on upgrading air cargo infrastructure, improving warehousing for high-value perishables, and streamlining customs screening protocols.
Waiver of Transhipment Permit Fees
Logistics operators often move imported cargo between customs areas without paying duty by following the transhipment procedures under the Customs Act, 1962.
Traditionally, every transhipment permit required a fee. However, with the rising volume of trade and cargo, this process caused delays.
To promote ease of doing business, CBIC decided to waive the transhipment permit fee effective April 24, 2025.
This change was formalized through Notification No. 30/2025-Cus (N.T), available here.
Temporary Movement of Unit Load Devices (ULDs)
With the increase in air cargo volumes, the need to temporarily move Unit Load Devices (ULDs) outside Customs Areas grew, especially for high-value or perishable goods.
Until now, cargo had to be offloaded inside the air cargo complexes.
CBIC has now simplified the procedure for temporary ULD import, aligning it with international best practices.
Air carriers or console agents can now temporarily import ULDs outside customs areas by executing a Continuity Bond, ensuring they export the ULDs within a specified time.
Importers still have the option to take responsibility for re-export if they prefer.
National Transhipment Bond and Online Filing Facilities
Since 2022, CBIC has operationalized the All-India National Transhipment Bond for air cargo complexes.
This initiative eliminates the need for airlines to submit multiple bonds at different customs stations.
Additionally, online filing of transhipment applications through ICEGATE has been enabled.
This upgrade removes the need to visit service centers physically, saving time and effort for logistics stakeholders.
Conclusion: Boosting Ease of Doing Business
All these initiatives aim to ease compliance burdens and facilitate smoother trade operations at air cargo complexes.
CBIC encourages airlines, console agents, and other stakeholders to actively use these new facilities.
For further details, refer to Board Circular No. 15/2025-Customs dated April 25, 2025.
