The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) organised a hybrid outreach programme in New Delhi to explain the Duty Deferment Scheme for Eligible Manufacturer Importers, a key trade facilitation measure announced in the Union Budget 2026-27. The event brought together officials, trade bodies, industry representatives and other stakeholders to examine the scheme's modalities and expected impact on domestic manufacturing. The session combined a detailed presentation with an interactive segment to address queries from the trade. Senior CBIC and Customs officials participated in the outreach, and representatives from Delhi Customs and the Directorate also attended. The Member (Customs) explained that the scheme adopts a trust-based approach designed to speed clearances and reduce dwell time while seeking to minimise the trust deficit between authorities and industry. Other senior commissioners highlighted how the measure can improve import scheduling and working capital management for manufacturer importers. The Duty Deferment Scheme permits eligible manufacturer importers to clear goods without upfront duty payment, with duties payable on a monthly basis, and extends inclusively to micro, small and medium enterprises. The initiative is intended to improve liquidity, strengthen supply chain efficiency and enhance global competitiveness, while aligning with the Make in India drive. Eligibility requires a valid import-export code, a minimum of 25 EXIM documents filed in the preceding financial year or 10 for MSMEs, demonstrable financial solvency, GST compliance with no pending returns and a clean compliance record. Applications are submitted online through the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) portal, which has been operational since 1 March 2026, and the process is fully digital with no physical interface. Approved applicants may avail the facility across all customs formations from 1 April 2026 and the scheme will remain valid for two years up to 31 March 2028. The CBIC emphasised its commitment to a transparent, efficient and globally competitive trade ecosystem through facilitation, technology and trust-based compliance.