Coal India has recently permitted coal consumers from neighbouring countries to directly participate in its Single Window Mode Agnostic (SWMA) e-auctions, effective 1 January 2026. Buyers from Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal seeking to import coal from India can now bid directly alongside domestic consumers.

The move follows approval by CIL’s Board, which revised the SWMA auction framework to enable foreign participation while safeguarding domestic coal requirements. A senior company official said the decision reflects a calibrated approach to market expansion, enhancing transparency, competition and global market integration.

Under the revised mechanism, foreign buyers are allowed to participate through a digital bidding process. Earlier, overseas consumers could access CIL coal only through Indian traders, who were permitted to buy and sell coal without end-use restrictions.

The updated scheme incorporates all operational and procedural modalities for foreign buyers, including one-time registration, advance electronic payments and exports through notified logistics channels. Payments will be processed transparently in line with Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) norms.

Buyers from Nepal may make payments in Indian Rupees or US Dollars, while buyers from Bangladesh and Bhutan are required to pay in US Dollars, with valuation linked to the Indian Rupee. CIL had earlier engaged with prospective overseas consumers to assess demand and finalise enabling provisions.