New Delhi : CBIC eases procedures for provisional assessments of imports and exports to speed up customs processes, protect revenue, and resolve long-pending trade cases, industry experts said on Tuesday. The new Customs (Finalisation of Provisional Assessment) Regulations, 2025, specify clear timelines for submission, enquiry, and finalisation, aiming to improve transparency and efficiency in customs administration.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) issued the Customs (Finalisation of Provisional Assessment) Regulations, 2025, to enhance speed, certainty, and transparency in customs administration. The new regulations specify timelines for completing provisional assessments.
Experts expect the move to ease persistent bottlenecks in trade and customs administration.
Manoj Mishra, Partner and Tax Controversy Management Leader at Grant Thornton Bharat, said, “The Customs (Finalisation of Provisional Assessment) Regulations, 2025 mark a long-awaited move toward certainty and efficiency in customs administration. By introducing clear timelines, CBIC has addressed a pain point that long burdened both trade and authorities.”
He added that businesses will experience faster release of blocked working capital, lower compliance costs, and improved predictability in supply chains.
Mishra noted that the true test lies in implementation, especially regarding Special Valuation Branch proceedings, DRI investigations, or prolonged litigation.
“Timely finalisation, while safeguarding the assessee’s right to present submissions, will be critical. If executed in the intended spirit, these regulations can balance revenue protection with trade facilitation, bring closure to long-pending cases, and build greater trust between industry and administration,” he said.
Under the new rules, importers and exporters must submit required documents within 15 days of requisition, with a possible extension of up to two months. Customs officers must complete enquiries within 14 months. Authorities must finalise provisional assessments within two years from the date of provisional assessment, except in cases involving appeals, stay orders, or international information requests.
The new framework allows importers and exporters to voluntarily pay duties during the provisional assessment phase. Officials will adjust these payments against the duties assessed at the time of finalisation.
The regulations also specify interest obligations and penalties up to Rs 25,000 for non-compliance. Additionally, authorities detailed procedures for refunds, duty recovery, and bond cancellations to streamline processes.
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