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TaxTMI 
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TaxTMI 
JNCH PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 27/2026 dtd. 23 02.2026
Attention of importers, exporters, customs brokers and all stakeholders under the jurisdiction of Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House (JNCH) has been drawn to the prescribed timelines for testing of samples in Revenue Laboratories. The issue of defined timelines was consistently raised by the trade to ensure transparency, accountability and predictability in laboratory testing, which directly impacts assessment, clearance and adjudication processes. At present, the JNCH Laboratory/DYCC has generally been issuing test reports for First Check/Live Samples within five working days and for Second Check samples within eight to ten working days, subject to prevailing operational conditions.
In order to standardise timelines across Revenue Laboratories, the Director (RLS), Central Revenues Control Laboratory, vide Circular F. No. 1-Dir./Technical Misc./2025/4485A dated 04.02.2026, has prescribed category-wise timelines for testing of samples. Accordingly, JNCH has informed that the prescribed timelines shall be followed with effect from issuance of the communication, reckoned from the date of receipt of samples in the laboratory. The timelines are as under:
- Petroleum Products - 7-10 days
- Minerals & Ores - 6-8 days
- Coal & Coke - 5-7 days
- Metals - 6-8 days
- Plastic Polymers - 5-7 days
- Textiles - 8-10 days
- Food Products - 7-10 days
- Rice - 3-5 days
- Fertilizers - 5-7 days
- NDPS cases - 15-20 days
- Solvents & Chemicals - 6-8 days
- Oils & Fats - 5-7 days
- Miscellaneous Items - 7-10 days
- Drugs - 5-7 days
It has been clarified that adherence to the above timelines shall remain subject to availability of adequate manpower, proper functioning of laboratory instruments and the prevailing workload of testing officers (CAs/ACEs). Stakeholders facing any implementation-related difficulty may represent the matter before the competent authority for appropriate resolution. The initiative marks a significant step towards institutionalising time-bound laboratory reporting, thereby facilitating trade and reducing uncertainty in customs clearance procedures.