Accreditation for AIF investors may proceed pending certificate, but commitments excluded from corpus and funds only after certification.
SEBI permits investment managers to execute contribution agreements and start operational procedures pending accreditation, provided such commitments are excluded from scheme corpus until accreditation certificate is obtained and funds are received only after certification. The circular abolishes the requirement for a detailed net worth break up annexure and makes it optional for the chartered accountant to state the actual net worth while certifying threshold compliance; net worth certificates must be current within six months. Compliance Test Reports must record adherence to these provisions.

India & Arab Countries Chamber of Commerce authorised to issue non-preferential Certificates of Origin under FTP 2023, effective immediately.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade, invoking paragraph 2.04 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, authorises the India & Arab Countries Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (IACCIA) to issue Certificate of Origin (Non-Preferential) and adds IACCIA at Serial No. 20 (Delhi) of Appendix 2E to the Appendices & Aayat Niryat Forms of FTP 2023, effective immediately, with contact details provided.

eBRC format updated to include GSTIN and GST invoice details; address field modified, effective 13 January 2026.
Appendix 2U has been revised to add GSTIN, GST Invoice No and GST Invoice Date to the eBRC format and to change the Address/GSTIN field to Address; the revised format will be operational from 13 January 2026 and eBRCs remain system-generated and verifiable via QR code or the DGFT website.

Single Unified Multi Purpose Electronic Bond replaces manual customs bond filing from 10 Feb 2026 with electronic execution and e BG linking.
The Single Unified Multi Purpose Electronic Bond (SEB) replaces separate manual bonds and bank guarantees by allowing importers/exporters to select obligations in a common electronic bond, add obligations or amounts later, pay stamp duty electronically, and execute the bond via NeSL integration and electronic signature without notary. SEB enables online end to end linking and verification of electronic Bank Guarantees. Nagpur Customs will discontinue manual bond/BG acceptance after 09.02.2026 and accept SEB electronically from 10.02.2026, with a nominated Nodal Officer and TSK Cell for technical grievance coordination and contingency procedures for unresolved issues.

Specialized Investment Funds must follow modified compliance reporting formats including expanded CTR Part IV and HYTR Clause 72A.
Asset Management Companies managing Specialized Investment Funds must apply mutual fund reporting obligations under Regulation 49V(2) and submit an expanded Compliance Test Report including a new Part IV (Annexure A1) covering minimum investment thresholds, fund manager certification, permissible strategies, limits on fees and expenses, issuer limits, ownership restrictions, INVIT/REIT and derivative limits, product differentiation, branding and disclosure requirements, portfolio and offer document disclosures, subscription/redemption terms, listing, benchmarking, distribution and scenario analysis; trustees must report SIF compliance in HYTR Clause 72A confirming AMC expertise, controls, risk management and adherence to regulatory restrictions and disclosure norms.

De-notification of Haldia CFS removes its custodianship and customs-area status effective 07-01-2026.
De-notification of the Haldia CFS operated by M/s CC Logix Parks India Private Limited removes the facility's status as a Customs Area and de-appoints the entity as Custodian and Customs Cargo Service Provider effective 07-01-2026, revoking prior public notices that declared the area and appointed custodianship; the Principal Commissioner acted under customs statute and cargo-handling regulations and reserved the right to apply existing rules and orders if future disputes arise.

Effective auditor governance communication requires timely two-way dialogue, documented control reporting, and clear audit committee engagement.
Strengthening communication between statutory auditors and those charged with governance, including audit committees, is reiterated as an integral part of the governance and audit framework under the Companies Act, 2013 and the Standards on Auditing. The circular emphasises that the board, independent directors, audit committees, management and auditors each have defined responsibilities in relation to approval of financial statements, oversight of financial reporting, evaluation of financial controls, audit independence, and monitoring of the audit process. Effective communication is presented as a joint and continuing obligation, designed to ensure timely visibility of audit planning, key risks, significant judgments, unusual transactions, internal control issues and matters affecting financial reporting oversight.

Incentive extension for mutual fund distributors: implementation shifted to March 1, 2026 for B-30 and women investors.
Implementation of the distributor incentive framework for onboarding new individual investors (new PAN) from B-30 cities and new women individual investors (new PAN) from T-30 and B-30 cities is deferred from February 01, 2026 to March 01, 2026; all other provisions of the November 27, 2025 circular remain unchanged, and the extension is issued under statutory powers to promote investor interest and orderly industry development.

Body Worn Cameras mandated for customs baggage inspections; recordings must be encrypted, supervised and passengers informed.
The Revised SOP mandates use of Body Worn Cameras with audio video recording for Customs officers during passenger interaction and baggage examination, requires officers to inform passengers, and prescribes activation for the duration of those interactions. It mandates encrypted transfer, secure storage, controlled access and supervised monitoring of recordings, prohibits tampering or unauthorized access, and requires documented supervisory verification where cameras cannot be used; the SOP takes immediate effect and requires reporting of implementation issues.

Customs trade warned: do not pay intermediaries claiming officer demands; report any extortion or harassment immediately.
Trade is warned not to pay Customs Brokers or intermediaries claiming Customs Officers demand extra money; such payments amount to illegal gratification prohibited by the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 and punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Statutory collections are made only as mandated and through the Icegate portal. Any demands, harassment, or undue delays in clearance within Chennai IV (Export) must be reported confidentially to the Commissioner with evidence for prompt action.

Customs clearances at two Nashik ICD/CFS converted to 24x7 to speed clearance of perishable exports until 31.03.2026.
The working hours of ICD Janori, Nashik and CFS Ambad, Nashik are amended to 24x7 operations until 31.03.2026 to facilitate speedy clearance of perishable exports, in terms of the referenced CBIC circular paragraph; the directive shall serve as a standing order for officers and implementation difficulties must be reported to the Additional/Joint Commissioner of Customs, Nagpur.

IFSC unit reorganizations must be intimated by the IFSCA Administrator to SEZ Unit Approval Committees.
Where IFSC units undergo reorganization (change of name, shareholding pattern, business transfer, court-approved mergers/demergers, change of constitution or directors), requisite regulatory compliance under the IFSC Act, 2019 must be observed and the Administrator (IFSCA) shall duly intimate the concerned SEZ Unit Approval Committee for purposes required under the SEZ Act and Rules.

Revised electronic LIQ forms launched for liquidation reporting, with defined timelines, correction utility, and temporary penalty moratorium.
The Board has launched revised electronic liquidation forms LIQ 1 to LIQ 4 with defined filing timelines and scope, to be filed exclusively on the Board's electronic platform using Board provided credentials and DSC/e signature. The forms reduce duplication through auto population, include an OTP authenticated modification utility for corrections (with no fee if corrected before the form's due date), and a penalty moratorium for delayed filings during January-March 2026; noncompliance or inaccurate filings attract liability under applicable provisions.

Collateral support for export credit offers guarantee coverage up to Rs.10 crore to help MSME exporters access export working capital.
Pilot launch of Collateral Support for Export Credit under EPM NIRYAT PROTSAHAN provides credit guarantee support via CGTMSE for export linked working capital to eligible MSME exporters holding active IEC and Udyam registration. Coverage: up to 85% for Micro and Small exporters and 65% for Medium exporters, with a per borrower guarantee ceiling of Rs.10 crore (FY 2025 26). Coverage limited to exports on a notified HSN six digit positive list; MLIs (scheduled banks and select financial institutions registered with CGTMSE) originate loans, validate online UINs and apply for guarantees subject to annual guarantee fees and CGS I terms.

Interest subvention for MSME pre- and post-shipment export credit launched: 2.75% rate, Rs50 lakh annual cap, RBI pilot.
Launch of an interest subvention under Niryat Protsahan to provide a rules-based 2.75% per annum interest relief on pre- and post-shipment rupee export credit for eligible MSME manufacturer and merchant exporters. Support is limited to interest cost, subject to lending in accordance with RBI directions, restricted to exports under a notified HSN six-digit positive list, and capped at Rs 50 lakh per exporter per financial year. Banks must pass benefits upfront and claim monthly reimbursement from RBI via a designated portal, with intent filing and UIN linkage for verification.

Merchant Bankers must meet phased net worth and liquid net worth requirements, with CA certification and re categorisation timelines.
Amendments enact revised capital adequacy and a new liquid net worth requirement effective January 3, 2026; applicants after that date must meet the revised requirements at application, while existing MBs must adopt phased compliance by January 2, 2027 and January 2, 2028 with CA certified net worth (including liquid net worth) filings and half yearly CA certification of continuous maintenance.

Transshipment permission requires manifest control, customs supervision, secured custody, and destination acknowledgment for courier cargo movement.
Transshipment permission is granted to M/s FedEx Express Transportation and Supply Chain Services India Private Limited for movement of import goods from the New Courier Terminal, Delhi to specified air cargo ports through M/s Air India Limited, subject to compliance with customs law, procedures and conditions governing transshipment. The notice requires a transshipment bond with waiver of bank guarantee, mandates manifest-based identification, segregation, secure custody, double-lock arrangements, customs supervision, acknowledgment at destination, maintenance of records, and production of a customs certificate for bond re-credit or discharge.

Transshipment permission for FedEx Express extended to 30 January 2026 with bond and customs supervision conditions.
Transshipment permission is granted to FedEx to transship imported courier consignments from New Courier Terminal, Delhi, to specified air cargo ports through Blue Dart up to 30.01.2026, conditioned on existing transshipment bonds (Blue Dart Rs.5 crore to 31.01.2026; FedEx Rs.60 crore to 31.12.2030) and a Bank Guarantee waiver subject to breach. Transshipment requires specific manifesting, segregation and transfer procedures, TP godown double-lock security under customs supervision, sealing with customs seals, X ray screening, CTM application/approval, destination acknowledgement within ten days to re-credit the bond, and recordkeeping and inspections; failure to produce destination certificates triggers bond liability.

Shipping container as unit of package depends on complete Annexure C details for export cargo examination
Shipping containers for export cargo may be treated as the unit of package for examination where the exporter files complete Annexure C details with the Shipping Bill, including seal type and container number. If Annexure C is incomplete or not filed, the system will continue selecting packages for examination in the earlier manner across containers. The facility depends on furnishing the requisite container particulars so that system instructions can identify the specific container.

Market Access Support launched to fund BSMs, RBSMs, trade fairs, exhibitions and trade delegations for exporters.
Pilot Market Access Support (MAS) under Export Promotion Mission Niryat Disha provides structured financial and institutional support for BSMs, RBSMs, trade fairs, exhibitions and trade delegations via the Trade Connect ePlatform. Eligible organising agencies and participating firms must meet prescribed eligibility, membership, IEC and non denial criteria; proposals and events must be filed online. Governance is via a Sub Committee and EPM secretariat; financial norms set event ceilings, cost sharing patterns (regular 60%/40%, priority 80%/20%), eligible expenditure categories, 50% advance/50% post event release, documentation, audit and post event reporting requirements, and punitive measures for non compliance.