In a pivotal move to bolster courier exports and support India’s burgeoning e-commerce sector, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has extended key export benefits under the Duty Drawback, RoDTEP, and RoSCTL schemes to shipments sent through courier services, effective from September 12, 2024. This initiative aims to level the playing field and foster a more inclusive environment for MSME exporters, enhancing India’s competitive edge in the global e-commerce landscape.
The CBIC has also amended the Courier Imports and Exports (Electronic Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2010, to facilitate the claiming of these benefits for courier-based exports. A new Notification No. 60/2024-Customs (N.T.) and Circular No. 15/2024-Customs outline the changes and guide stakeholders on the updated procedures.
To streamline the processing of claims, the Indian Customs EDI System (ICES) will now be employed at International Courier Terminals (ICTs) for handling Drawback, RoDTEP, and RoSCTL claims, replacing the previous ECCS system. This transition aims to leverage ICES’s advanced capabilities for better claim management and integration with the Public Financial Management System (PFMS). A week-long live trial at ICTs will address potential issues and ensure smooth implementation.
This policy shift aligns with the Government of India’s broader strategy to enhance the e-commerce export ecosystem through digital reforms and policy measures. The Foreign Trade Policy 2023 now includes a dedicated chapter on cross-border trade in the digital economy, supporting e-commerce through various channels like Courier and Post.
India’s e-commerce exports, currently valued at Rs. 7,995 crore for FY 2022-23 with Rs. 3,510 crore attributed to courier exports, are projected to soar to $400 billion by 2030. The ongoing government initiatives, including the innovative ‘Hub and Spoke’ model and the establishment of 1,015 Dak Niryaat Kendras, are set to further accelerate growth and streamline export processes.
