CBIC Pushes Deeper Automation in Customs with Circular No. 06/2026-Customs

A Major Step Towards Contactless, Transparent and Efficient Import–Export Clearance

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, has issued Circular No. 06/2026-Customs dated 1st February 2026, marking another significant milestone in India’s journey towards fully automated, faceless, and technology-driven customs administration.

In line with the Government of India’s broader policy objectives of trade facilitation, transparency, predictability, ease of doing business, and enhanced trust with trade, the Circular introduces three major automation measures aimed at minimizing human interface and expediting cargo clearance processes for both imports and exports.

Background and Policy Context

Over the past few years, CBIC has progressively leveraged digital technologies to streamline customs processes. Initiatives such as faceless assessment, risk management systems, AEO facilitation, Direct Port Delivery (DPD), and automated Out of Charge (OOC) for select categories have already delivered tangible benefits in terms of reduced dwell time and improved compliance consistency.

Building upon stakeholder feedback, field experience, and the need for further optimization, CBIC has now decided to expand automation in critical operational areas—goods registration, Out of Charge (OOC), and Let Export Order (LEO)—with greater emphasis on anonymity, digital supervision, access control, and risk-based governance.

A. Auto Goods Registration and Auto Out of Charge (OOC) for Imports

1. Auto Goods Registration for Imports

Under the new framework, goods registration on arrival of imported cargo will be carried out automatically by the Customs system, replacing the existing web-based or manual intervention in specified cases.

This facility will be available to:

• AEO T2 and T3 entities
• Eligible Manufacturer Importers notified under Notification No. 12/2026-Customs (N.T.) dated 1st February 2026
• Importers with long-standing and established supply chains
• Importers availing Direct Port Delivery (DPD) facility

This measure significantly reduces physical interaction with Customs officers and eliminates procedural delays at the cargo arrival stage.

2. Expansion of Auto Out of Charge (OOC)

The facility of Auto Out of Charge is now being extended to all importers, subject to:

• Payment of applicable customs duty
• Absence of any pending compliance requirement

This expansion complements the existing automated OOC facility already available to AEO T2 and T3 entities under Circular No. 01/2025-Customs dated 1st January 2025, and marks a major step towards universal risk-based clearance.

B. Auto Goods Registration for E-Sealed Export Cargo

1. Online Goods Registration for Exports

At present, exporters are required to approach Customs officers for goods registration after cargo reaches the customs area, resulting in physical interface and potential delays. To address this, CBIC is introducing online goods registration for all exporters, making the process fully digital and contactless.

2. Pilot Project for E-Seal Based Auto Registration

A pilot project for e-seal–based auto goods registration will be launched at Nhava Sheva, Mumbai (INNSAI). Once validated, this facility will be rolled out to other ports in a phased manner, subject to the installation and integration of e-seal scanners with Customs systems.

This initiative aligns with global best practices in secure, technology-backed cargo movement and monitoring.

C. Auto Let Export Order (Auto LEO)

Once goods are registered, Auto Let Export Order (LEO) will be granted automatically on the basis of risk evaluation for facilitated Shipping Bills (SBS) that meet the following conditions:

1. Shipping Bill is not selected for examination or assessment
2. No PGA (Participating Government Agency) related NOC is required
3. Applicable duty or cess has been paid

This reform significantly accelerates export clearance and enhances India’s export competitiveness by reducing turnaround time at ports.

Risk-Based Controls and Safeguards

While both Auto OOC and Auto LEO will operate on a risk-based evaluation framework, the Circular makes it clear that Customs officers retain the authority to invoke a “HOLD” in the Customs system based on credible intelligence or risk inputs. This ensures that facilitation does not come at the cost of enforcement or national security.

Implementation and Responsibilities

• Zonal Heads are directed to ensure strict and uniform implementation of these measures.
• Necessary infrastructure, including e-seal readers and system integration, must be put in place for export automation.
• DG Systems will issue a detailed advisory regarding online goods registration for exports.
• The Circular is to be given wide publicity through Trade Notices and Public Notices, ensuring that all stakeholders are fully informed.
• Any operational difficulties faced by trade or field formations are to be promptly escalated to the Board.

Conclusion

Circular No. 06/2026-Customs represents a decisive move towards next-generation customs administration, combining facilitation with robust risk management. By automating goods registration, Out of Charge, and Let Export Orders across a wider spectrum of importers and exporters, CBIC is reinforcing its commitment to a trust-based, technology-driven, and globally competitive trade ecosystem.

For the trade and logistics community, these measures promise faster clearance, reduced compliance costs, and minimal human interface, further strengthening India’s position as a preferred trading destination.