Customs Duty refers to the taxation imposed when goods cross the borders of one country. In India, the two main functions fulfilled by the Customs Duty are revenue generation for the government and safeguarding local businesses from foreign competitors. In the aftermath of the Union Budget of 2026, customs duties in India have taken a new turn towards "Lower Tariff, Higher Compliance." Basic Customs Duty rates for several industries, including electronics, renewable energy (Lithium-Ion Cells) and medical supplies (cancer & rare disease treatments), have been reduced to 10% or 0%.
Ruchi Anand & Associates is here to provide you with our services as your professional trade consultants. No longer does it suffice to merely pay your bill, for the true art lies in proper HSN Classification, valuation according to the Customs Valuation Rules, and using FTAs to reduce your customs duty to nil!
Calculating the total tax on an import is a multi-layered process. In 2026, the formula is as follows:
BCD on personal imports and baggage has been slashed by 50%, with the duty-free allowance for returning Indians increased to ₹75,000.
0% duty on capital goods used for manufacturing battery energy storage systems (BESS) and solar glass.
Full exemption of BCD on 17 life-saving cancer drugs and 7 rare disease medications.
Eligible "Authorized Economic Operators" (AEO) can now defer duty payments and settle them monthly rather than at the time of each clearance, providing a massive liquidity boost.
We guarantee your goods will be classified under the proper 8-digit HSN codes to prevent "Mis-declaration" fines.
We enable you to take advantage of Free Trade Agreements made with nations such as the UAE, Australia, and the EFTA (Switzerland and Norway) for preferential tariffs.
We handle the submission of Bill of Entry for imports and Shipping Bills for exports through the SWIFT 2.0 single portal platform.
We guide you on MOOWR schemes where you can import raw material tariff-free for production provided the end product is exported.
We facilitate the AEO certification process that provides you "Green Channel" clearances and quicker refunds.
A single missing document can lead to "Demurrage" charges (port storage fees). Ensure you have this 2026-compliant set:
Yes, under the Baggage Rules 2026, one laptop is permitted duty-free for passengers over 18 years of age.
BCD is a "cost"—it is not refundable. IGST is a "tax"—if you are a business, you can claim it back as Input Tax Credit against your domestic GST liability.
If an importer does not clear the goods within 30 days of arrival, the authorities have the right to auction the goods under Section 48. We help you avoid this through "Prior-Arrival" filings.
You can use the "Enquiry" feature on the ICEGATE portal using your Bill of Entry number and Date to see if the "Out of Charge" (OOC) order has been issued.
Customs is the 'High Speed' tax collection route. Even a 48-hour delay in port can erase your margins because of detention costs in warehouses and containers.
Here at Ruchi Anand & Associates, we have Pre-Clearance Verification services. We analyze your supplier's invoices before the cargo is even dispatched from the foreign port to check the HSN, Valuation, and Country of Origin. We not only resolve issues at the border but also prevent any issues from reaching the border itself. With our extensive experience of over two decades in Indirect Taxation, along with our insights into the 2026 budget, we can make sure that your international trade is smooth and efficient.
Message Us