The Express Industry Council of India (EICI), in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), convened an industry outreach programme in New Delhi to discuss the implementation of customs reforms announced in Union Budget 2026 and their implications for India's cross-border trade ecosystem.

The event brought together senior officials from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), policymakers and industry stakeholders to evaluate the early impact of the reforms and identify priorities for the next phase of trade facilitation.

Discussions focused on customs modernisation, digital integration, cross-border e-commerce and export competitiveness, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Participants noted that while recent reforms have strengthened the foundation for simplified cross-border trade, future efforts should prioritise technology-enabled customs processes, risk-based inspections, paperless documentation and greater coordination among regulatory agencies.

"The express sector has become a cornerstone of India's trade competitiveness, enabling MSMEs, artisans and e-commerce businesses to seamlessly access global markets," said Vivek Chaturvedi, Chairman, CBIC. He added that measures introduced under the Union Budget 2026-27, including the removal of export value caps, streamlined return mechanisms and enhanced digital processes, are aimed at making cross-border trade faster and more efficient.

Yogendra Garg, Member (Customs), CBIC, highlighted the growing importance of the express courier ecosystem in supporting India's trade ambitions and emphasised the need for a trust-based, technology-driven customs framework.

R S Subramanian, Vice Chairman, EICI, said the reforms and continued collaboration between industry and regulators present an opportunity to create a fully digital and compliance-driven trade ecosystem that reduces transaction costs and improves ease of doing business.

Industry representatives also called for enhanced automation, unified digital platforms, intelligent risk management systems and continued institutional dialogue to further strengthen trade facilitation. The programme concluded with a reaffirmation of the shared commitment between customs authorities and industry stakeholders to support export-led growth, innovation and India's vision of becoming a leading global trading hub.