CBIC launches outreach on Duty Deferment Scheme for Eligible Manufacturer Importers

Direct fact

In March 2026, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) held a hybrid outreach programme in New Delhi on the Duty Deferment Scheme for Eligible Manufacturer Importers, whose portal became operational on 1 March 2026 and is scheduled to go live on 1 April 2026.

Key specifics

• The scheme’s online portal became operational on 1 March 2026.
• The Duty Deferment Scheme will go live across Customs formations on 1 April 2026.
• The scheme is valid for 2 years, ending on 31 March 2028.
• Eligible applicants must be Manufacturer Importers with a valid IEC and at least 25 EXIM documents in the preceding financial year, or 10 for MSMEs.
• Monthly settlement of duties replaces upfront payment, and the scheme supports MSMEs and the Make in India initiative.

Exam lens

Question type: Economy and customs policy, dates and eligibility criteria, scheme period, MSME benefit. TNPSC one-liner: Which customs scheme allows monthly duty settlement for eligible manufacturer importers and when does it become fully operational?