CBIC Introduces Automated Customs Clearance
CBIC Introduces Major Automation in Import & Export Clearance: Circular No. 06/2026 Explained
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued Circular No. 06/2026-Customs dated 1st February 2026, marking a significant step towards fully automated, contactless, and faster customs clearance for both imports and exports .
This circular introduces three key automation measures aimed at improving transparency, reducing human interface, and enhancing ease of doing business for trade stakeholders.
Background: Why This Circular Matters
In line with the Government of India’s focus on trade facilitation, predictability, and trust-based compliance, CBIC has been progressively leveraging digital systems to:
- Minimise physical interaction with Customs
- Ensure uniform assessment practices
- Reduce clearance timelines
- Improve monitoring and supervision through system-based controls
Building on feedback from trade and field formations, the Board has now rolled out advanced automation features in both import and export processes.
Key Highlights of Circular No. 06/2026-Customs
1. Auto Goods Registration & Auto Out of Charge (OOC) for Imports
CBIC has expanded the scope of system-driven goods registration and clearance for imports.
Auto Goods Registration
Goods registration will now be automatically carried out by the Customs system (without manual web-based registration) for:
- AEO T2 and AEO T3 importers
- Eligible Manufacturer Importers notified under Notification No. 12/2026-Customs (NT)
- Importers with longstanding supply chains
- Importers availing Direct Port Delivery (DPD) facility
This removes a critical manual step and significantly reduces dwell time at ports.
Auto Out of Charge (OOC)
The Auto OOC facility is now extended to all importers, subject to:
- Payment of applicable customs duty (if any)
- No pending compliance requirements
This expands the earlier benefit that was limited primarily to AEO T2/T3 entities and complements the existing automated OOC mechanism introduced earlier.
2. Auto Goods Registration for Sealed Export Cargo
For exports, CBIC has digitised the goods registration process to eliminate delays caused by physical verification.
Online Goods Registration
- Exporters will now be able to register goods online, without approaching Customs officers after cargo arrival in the customs area.
- This reduces physical interface and speeds up export processing.
Pilot Project for E-Seal-Based Registration
- A pilot project for e-seal-based auto goods registration will be launched at Nhava Sheva (JNPA), Mumbai.
- Based on pilot results, the facility will be rolled out to other ports in a phased manner, subject to installation of e-seal readers.
3. Auto Let Export Order (Auto LEO)
Once goods are registered, Auto Let Export Order (LEO) will be granted automatically based on risk-based assessment, provided the Shipping Bill meets the following criteria:
- Not selected for examination or assessment
- No requirement of any PGA-related NOC
- Export duty or cess (if applicable) has been paid
This is a major step toward paperless and time-bound export clearances.
Risk-Based Controls Remain in Place
While automation has been expanded, CBIC has clarified that:
- Auto OOC and Auto LEO are risk-based
- Customs officers retain the authority to invoke “HOLD” in the system based on intelligence or risk parameters
This ensures facilitation without compromising enforcement.
Implementation & Compliance
- Zonal Customs Heads have been instructed to ensure strict implementation
- Integration of e-seal readers with Customs systems is mandatory for export automation
- DG Systems will issue a detailed advisory for online goods registration procedures
- Trade Notices and Public Notices will be issued to ensure awareness among stakeholders
What This Means for Importers & Exporters
- Faster cargo clearance
- Reduced port dwell time
- Minimal human interface
- Lower transaction costs
- Improved predictability in logistics planning
For compliant importers and exporters, especially those with stable supply chains, this circular represents a significant operational advantage.
How Arrow Shipping Can Help
At Arrow Shipping, we help importers and exporters:
- Align with new Customs automation requirements
- Optimise clearance under Auto OOC and Auto LEO
- Leverage AEO, DPD, and facilitation benefits
- Ensure end-to-end customs and logistics compliance
If you want to understand how this circular impacts your imports or exports, feel free to reach out to our team.