New Duty Deferment Scheme: CBIC Outreach Highlights Benefits for MSMEs



Quick Summary
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) has launched an outreach programme for its new Duty Deferment Scheme, designed to help eligible manufacturer importers, including MSMEs. This initiative, announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, allows businesses to defer import duty payments to a monthly basis, rather than paying upfront. The scheme aims to improve cash flow, speed up cargo clearance, and support domestic manufacturing.

CBIC organises outreach programme on Duty Deferment Scheme for Eligible Manufacturer Importers in New Delhi

CBIC Member (Customs), Delhi Chief Commissioner for Customs, Chief Commissioner, Delhi Customs (Preventive) Zone, and Chief Commissioner, DIC participate and deliberate on key benefits and modalities of scheme with trade bodies, industry and key stakeholders

In pursuance of the key trade facilitation initiative announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) organised a hybrid outreach programme in New Delhi on the  Duty Deferment Scheme for Eligible Manufacturer Importers (EMI)  in New Delhi, today.

Duty Deferment Scheme Benefits for UK MSMEs

Shri Yogendra Garg, Member (Customs), CBIC; Shri Manish Kumar, Chief Commissioner, Delhi Customs; Shri Sanjay Gupta, Chief Commissioner, Delhi Customs (Preventive) Zone; Shri Akhil Kumar Khatri, Chief Commissioner, DIC; representatives from trade bodies, industry, and key stakeholders also participated and deliberated upon the benefits and modalities of the EMI Scheme.

The session included a detailed presentation followed up with an interactive segment to address the queries from trade and industry.

Addressing the participants, Shri Yogendra Garg stated that the scheme adopts a trust-based approach aimed at facilitating faster clearances and reducing dwell time. He emphasised that the initiative seeks to minimise the trust deficit and promote a more efficient and collaborative compliance environment. Shri Garg also encouraged stakeholders to avail the benefits of the scheme and provide feedback.

Shri Manish Kumar highlighted that the scheme enhances the commercial viability of manufacturer importers by enabling better import scheduling and more efficient working capital management.

ABOUT THE EMI SCHEME

The EMI Scheme enables deferred payment of import duties, allowing eligible manufacturer importers to clear goods without upfront duty payment. Duties are to be paid on a monthly basis.

The scheme is inclusive and extends to MSMEs. It aligns with the Government’s  Make in India  initiative and aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing by improving liquidity and expediting cargo clearance.

Key Benefits

  • Improved liquidity for manufacturers
  • Faster clearance and reduced dwell time
  • Better import planning and inventory management
  • Strengthened payment discipline
  • Enhanced global competitiveness
  • Improved supply chain efficiency

Eligibility Criteria

  • Manufacturer importer with a valid IEC
  • Minimum 25 EXIM documents filed in the preceding financial year (10 for MSMEs)
  • GST compliant with no pending returns
  • Demonstrated financial solvency
  • Clean compliance track record

Application Process

Applications can be submitted online through the AEO portal ( www.aeoindia.gov.in ), operational since 1 March 2026. The process is fully digital and does not require any physical interface.

Approved applicants may avail the scheme across all Customs formations from 1 April 2026. The scheme will remain valid for a period of two years, up to 31 March 2028.

The CBIC remains committed to fostering a transparent, efficient, and globally competitive trade ecosystem through facilitation, technology, and trust-based compliance.

FAQ :

The Duty Deferment Scheme allows eligible manufacturer importers to defer the payment of import duties, paying them on a monthly basis instead of upfront.

Eligibility includes manufacturer importers with a valid IEC, a minimum number of EXIM documents filed in the preceding financial year (25 for general, 10 for MSMEs), GST compliance, demonstrated financial solvency, and a clean compliance record.

The scheme is inclusive of MSMEs and aims to improve their liquidity, facilitate faster clearances, and enhance their overall competitiveness by allowing better import scheduling and working capital management.

Applications can be submitted online through the AEO portal (www.aeoindia.gov.in). The process is fully digital.

The scheme is valid for a period of two years, from 1 April 2026 up to 31 March 2028.




News posted by

Finance news reporter covering taxation, GST, income tax, business compliance, and economy updates. I simplify complex financial topics into easy-to-understand articles for professionals, taxpayers, and business owners on leading finance and tax platforms.

Comments :


More »


Popular News





CCI Pro



Company
Featured 21 September 2026
Consultant - Reporting

Finrep Advisors LLP

Mumbai

CA

View Details
Company
20 September 2026
Semi Qualified CA

Navin & Associates

Mumbai

CA Inter

View Details
Company
Featured 11 September 2026
Audit Executive

RBSM Corporate Advisors Private Limited

Pune

CA

View Details
Company
09 September 2026
Semi Qualified CA / CA Inter - 2 Groups Cleared

Getmyca Consultant Pvt Ltd

New Delhi

CA Inter

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 16 September 2026
CA Article Trainee

SR BAGAI & Co.

New Delhi

CA Inter

View Details
Company
28 August 2026
Assistant Manager

NRS AND ASSOCIATES

Kozhikode

CA Inter

View Details
Company
27 August 2026
ACCOUNTANT

CHARUPREETI & CO

Noida

Graduate (Any)

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 07 September 2026
CA Articles

Kothari Jain Patil & Chartered Accountants

Pune

CA Inter

View Details