CBIC Runs Outreach On Duty Deferment Scheme For Manufacturer Importers

31 Mar 2026 CW Team

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.

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.

Real Estate

11 May 2026

Casagrand Launches 41-Acre Highcity Project in Chennai

Casagrand has launched Casagrand Highcity, a 41-acre integrated residential development on Chennai’s Outer Ring Road (ORR), marking the company’s largest residential project to date.The project will comprise over 4,000 two and three BHK apartments across four G+22 towers and is positioned as one of the largest organised residential developments in the ORR corridor.Located along Chennai’s emerging residential and infrastructure growth belt, the project benefits from connectivity to IT hubs including Navalur, Siruseri SIPCOT and Porur, as well as industrial clusters such as Sriperumbudur, ..

Real Estate

11 May 2026

Brigade, Marriott Open Courtyard Kochi Infopark

Brigade Hotel Ventures (BHVL) and Marriott International have opened Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Infopark, a rebranded and upgraded hotel formerly operating as Four Points by Sheraton Kochi Infopark.Located in Kakkanad adjoining Infopark Kochi, the 218-room property strengthens Brigade’s hospitality portfolio in one of the city’s key IT and commercial corridors. The hotel is positioned to cater to corporate, MICE and leisure travellers visiting Infopark, SmartCity and other business hubs in Kochi.The property offers flexible workspaces, smart TVs and high-speed WiFi across rooms and suites..

Real Estate

11 May 2026

WorkEZ Expands South India Portfolio to 1.7 Mn Sq Ft

Work Easy Space Solutions (WorkEZ) has expanded its managed workspace portfolio to approximately 1.7 million sq. ft. across 12 operational buildings and two upcoming developments, strengthening its footprint across South India.The expansion includes the addition of 65,000 sq. ft. at Phoenix One National Park in Chennai and the company’s entry into Kochi through a partnership with Lulu Developers, adding another 70,000 sq. ft.WorkEZ has also signed a 0.4 million sq. ft. development in Coimbatore with Veeras Infra following the successful leasing of 0.1 million sq. ft. in the first phase. The ..