Export Game-Changer: Budget 2026 Scraps ₹10 Lakh Courier Cap

The Union Budget 2026 has lifted the ₹10 lakh per consignment limit on courier exports, opening global markets to small businesses, artisans, and start-ups across India. 

The move is part of a broader set of reforms aimed at simplifying customs, boosting exports, and easing duties on individuals.

Domestic manufacturing will benefit as the basic customs duty on specified parts for microwave ovens is exempted, while eligible SEZ units can sell limited exports in the Domestic Tariff Area at concessional rates. 

For individuals, the tariff on imported goods for personal use falls from 20% to 10%, and 17 essential drugs and medicines will attract zero customs duty. 

Duty-free allowances are also expanded for seven additional rare diseases.

Customs processes will be streamlined under trust-based systems, with duty deferral periods for Tier-2 and Tier-3 AEOs extended to 30 days, and advance rulings valid for five years. 

The warehousing framework will shift to self-declaration, electronic tracking, and risk-based audits, reducing compliance hurdles.

To ease business operations, cargo clearances from multiple agencies will be integrated into a single digital window, and goods without compliance requirements will be cleared immediately after online registration. 

Over the next two years, a Customs Integrated System (CIS) and AI-enabled scanning for every container will be implemented at major ports.

Additionally, fish caught in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone or high seas will now be duty-free, encouraging the growth of the fishing and export sectors.