Streamlining Global Trade: CBIC’s Circular No. 09/2025-Customs Brings New Ease to Import and Export Through Personal Carriage.

New Delhi, March 28, 2025 – In a significant move aimed at enhancing trade facilitation, particularly for high-value and time-sensitive commodities like gems, jewellery, and industrial prototypes, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) has issued Circular No. 09/2025-Customs. This circular sets forth a harmonised and technologically enabled procedure for the import and export of goods through personal carriage, effective from May 1, 2025.

The directive aligns with India’s broader goal under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 and Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023 to simplify customs processes, promote exports, and strengthen global supply chain integration.

Background and Purpose

Representations from stakeholders in the gems and jewellery industry, as well as high-end manufacturing sectors, have called for an overhaul of outdated, manual systems for handling commercial cargo carried personally by air passengers. This circular responds to that call with an aim to:

• Minimize delays and reduce logistics costs;
• Standardize procedures across airports;
• Digitize documentation and clearance;
• Ensure regulatory compliance through clear responsibilities.

Key Highlights of the Circular

1. Scope and Applicability

The procedure is applicable to:

• Export of gems and jewellery through personal carriage via 9 designated airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Jaipur, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, and Kochi.
• Import through 7 major airports as listed in the HBP.
• Movement of samples and prototypes, initially through Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai airports.

2. Harmonised Electronic Processing

From May 1, 2025, electronic processing of Bills of Entry (BE) and Shipping Bills (SB) for goods carried via personal carriage becomes mandatory. This move ensures transparency, real-time tracking, and expedited clearance.

3. Procedure for Personal Carriage

For Importers:

• Must file an advance BE marking it for 'Personal Carriage' and provide details such as passenger name, flight information, IEC, and AD Code.
• Upon arrival, the passenger must report at the Red Channel, declare the goods, and request temporary detention using the format provided in Appendix-I.
• Customs will seal, store, and verify the items before release.

For Exporters:

• Must file an electronic Shipping Bill at least 24 hours before departure, including detailed travel and exporter information.
• Goods must be presented a day prior for inspection and sealing or on the day of departure if logistics permit.
• Upon granting of Let Export Order (LEO), goods are detained in the customs warehouse for collection at departure.

In both cases, detention receipts are crucial for claiming the goods.

4. Role of Stakeholders

Customs Officials are tasked with:

• Verifying documentation;
• Overseeing detention, sealing, and warehousing;
• Escorting passengers for export fulfilment and ensuring proper recording of departure and shipment.

Passengers must:

• Cooperate with the customs process at arrival or departure;
• Present the necessary documentation and detention receipts;
• Factor in additional time for clearance and processing.

5. Special Provisions for Samples and Prototypes

For industrial samples or engineering prototypes:

• Exports can be examined at factory premises if the exporter is eligible.
• Imports may also be examined offsite at designated importer premises under customs bond.
• Use of coloured images is mandatory for gems/jewellery, optional for other goods.

6. Support for Trade and Infrastructure Readiness

To ensure smooth implementation:

• DG Systems will issue technical advisories on electronic filing systems.
• Jurisdictional Commissioners will release operational guidelines and facilitate outreach programs.
• Adequate infrastructure at designated airports will be ensured for cargo handling and inspection.

Legal and Policy Framework

The circular refers to key regulatory documents:

• Customs Notifications: 154/94-Cus, 08/2016-Cus, 52/2003-Cus
• FTP and HBP 2023: Specific clauses outlining policy for gems, jewellery, and samples under personal carriage mode.

Conclusion

CBIC’s Circular No. 09/2025-Customs represents a critical step in modernizing India’s trade facilitation infrastructure, making it more responsive to industry needs while upholding compliance. By enabling streamlined, electronically managed personal carriage of goods, the Government is further cementing India's position as a competitive player in global trade—especially for exporters dealing in luxury goods, prototypes, and bespoke merchandise.

Stakeholders are encouraged to review the circular in full, consult the FTP and HBP for contextual clarity, and reach out to jurisdictional customs authorities with queries or implementation challenges.

For further reference, stakeholders may consult Annexures I, II, and III of the circular, which detail the roles, processes, and policy references across different categories of goods and procedures.