The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has updated the rules for temporary imports using ATA Carnets. Senior customs officials can now grant extensions beyond the standard four-month period for re-exporting goods, provided it's in the public interest and within the Carnet's validity. This change offers greater flexibility for businesses and professionals needing more time for exhibitions, professional equipment, or commercial samples in India.
The Central Government has amended the existing customs exemption provisions to provide additional flexibility in the temporary import of goods under the ATA Carnet system. Under the latest Notification No. 36/2026-Customs dated 13 November 2026, the Principal Chief Commissioner or Chief Commissioner of Customs has been empowered to extend the prescribed four-month period for re-export of goods, subject to specified conditions.
The amendment is expected to provide relief to businesses, exhibito
An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows goods to be temporarily imported into a country without paying customs duties and taxes, provided certain conditions are met. It's commonly used for exhibitions, professional equipment, and commercial samples.
The CBIC has amended the rules to allow the Principal Chief Commissioner or Chief Commissioner of Customs to extend the usual four-month period for re-exporting temporarily imported goods.
The Principal Chief Commissioner or Chief Commissioner of Customs has the authority to grant extensions.
An extension can be granted if the customs authority is satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest. The extended period cannot exceed the validity of the ATA Carnet itself.
This amendment provides much-needed flexibility, as the previous four-month limit could be restrictive. Businesses now have a mechanism to seek additional time if their goods need to remain in India longer for exhibitions, professional assignments, or other valid reasons.
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