Customs Relaxation to Procedural Rules Extended to 30 June to Facilitate Exports Hit by Hormuz Blockade

· The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has extended the validity of various customs facilitation measures issued under Section 143AA of the Customs Act, 1962.

· The extension has been granted due to continuing disruptions in maritime trade routes caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

· Facilities provided under the following circulars will now remain effective up to 30 June 2026:

o Circular No. 09/2026-Customs dated 08.03.2026

o Circular No. 10/2026-Customs dated 10.03.2026

o Circular No. 12/2026-Customs dated 17.03.2026

o Circular No. 15/2026-Customs dated 27.03.2026

o Circular No. 19/2026-Customs dated 10.04.2026

o Circular No. 21/2026-Customs dated 15.04.2026

· All existing terms, conditions, and operational procedures prescribed under these circulars will continue unchanged.

· The extension is aimed at ensuring smoother customs clearance and minimizing trade disruptions arising from the ongoing maritime crisis in the Gulf region.

· CBIC has requested stakeholders to report any implementation difficulties for further necessary action.

[CBIC Circular No. 25/2026-Customs dated 14 May, 2026]

Subject: Extension of validity of the circulars issued under Section 143AA of the Customs Act. 1962. to mitigate challenges arising from ongoing disruptions jn maritime routes due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Kind reference is invited to various circulars issued by the Board under Section 143AA of the Customs Act, 1962, in view of the ongoing disruptions in maritime routes due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

2. In this regard, it is hereby informed that, upon due consideration of the prevailing circumstances, the Board has decided to extend the validity of the aforesaid circulars. Accordingly, the facilities which are extended vide Circular No. 09/2026-Customs dated 08.03.2026, Circular no. 10/2026-Customs dated 10.03.2026, Circular no. 12/2026-Customs dated 17.03.2026, Circular no. 15/2026-Customs dated 27.03.2026, Circular no. 19/2026-Customs dated 10th April, 2026 and Circular no. 21/2026-Customs dated 15th April, 2026 shall continue to remain in force up to the 30th June, 2026. All other facilities, terms and conditions as stipulated in the said Circulars shall remain unchanged.

Difficulties, if any, in implementation of this Circular may be brought to the notice of the Board for further necessary action.

No. 450/23/2026-Cus-IV