The government’s tax authority has announced a major reform aimed at boosting India’s courier‑based export ecosystem by removing the existing per‑consignment value cap of ₹10 lakh for goods shipped via international courier services, effective April 1, 2026.
Under the updated policy implemented by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), exporters will no longer face a regulatory ceiling that previously restricted the value of commercial consignments that could be sent abroad through courier mode. The cap’s removal is expected to facilitate greater flexibility and broader export participation, particularly benefiting e‑commerce sellers, small enterprises, artisans, and startups who relied heavily on courier services for cross‑border trade.
The decision follows announcements made in the recent Union Budget and aligns with broader efforts to streamline export processes and enhance India’s competitiveness in global markets. The elimination of the ₹10 lakh limit allows higher‑value shipments to move seamlessly through courier channels without being diverted to traditional air or sea cargo solely because of regulatory restrictions.
In addition to lifting the value cap, the reform package introduces a Return to Origin (RTO) facility for goods that remain uncleared or unclaimed for more than 15 days at international courier terminals, provided they are not prohibited or restricted items. This move is designed to reduce congestion, lower logistics costs, and improve the overall efficiency of courier terminals.
CBIC has also simplified procedures for the re‑import of returned or rejected export goods and adopted a risk‑based verification approach in place of consignment‑wise checks — measures aimed at reducing delays and transaction costs for traders and logistics operators.
Officials say the reforms are expected to significantly boost courier exports, encourage more Indian businesses to participate in international trade, and reinforce the country’s position in global e‑commerce supply chains.
