Govt. Removes ₹10 Lakh Cap on Courier Export: GJEPC Applauds Courier Reforms, But Urges Extension of Risk-Based Norms to Jewellery

Key Highlights

Government of India removes the ₹10 lakh per-consignment cap on courier exports, effective 1 April 2026
Move expected to boost high-value e-commerce exports and ease cross-border logistics
CBIC introduces simplified procedures for the re-import of returned and rejected goods
Risk-based assessment replaces stringent verification norms for most courier re-imports
Precious and imitation jewellery excluded from the new risk-based re-import framework
GJEPC welcomes export cap removal but raises concern over jewellery sector exclusion
“Return to Origin” (RTO) permitted for uncleared imports after 15 days at the courier terminals
Amendments were notified to the Courier Regulations 1998 and 2010 to enable smoother re-export processes
New “Return Module” launched under the Express Cargo Clearance System (ECCS) for faster processing
Reforms aligned with broader customs policy push to improve ease of doing business in 2026

The Government of India on 31st March 2026 issued a set of notifications and a circular to ease re-imports and streamline courier mode shipping, following announcements made in the Union Budget. The reforms target e-commerce exporters and aim to reduce friction in cross-border returns and logistics.

A key change is the removal of the per-consignment value cap for exports through courier mode. The earlier ₹10 lakh limit has been abolished, allowing unrestricted value shipments via registered courier services, effective 1 April 2026.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), through Circular No. 17/2026 and Notification No. 08/2026-Customs, also introduced a simplified framework for handling returned and rejected goods. While a risk-based approach will now apply to most courier re-imports to replace earlier stringent verification norms, however, precious and imitation jewellery exported via e-commerce have been excluded.

Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “We wholeheartedly welcome these progressive reforms by the Government of India. The removal of the ₹10 lakh value cap on courier exports is a landmark decision for the gem and jewellery sector. It empowers our exporters to seamlessly ship high-value goods to global customers without being hindered by outdated value restrictions.

“However, it is a matter of concern for the sector that the new risk-based approach for re-imports specifically excludes jewellery. Adopting a risk-based system for all returns has been a longstanding demand of GJEPC, represented to various ministries over the years to ensure a level playing field. While we appreciate the broader shift toward digitisation and the removal of export caps, we urge the Government to extend the risk-based treatment to the gem and jewellery industry to truly boost our global competitiveness.”

To further ease operations, “Return to Origin” (RTO) has been permitted for uncleared or unclaimed imports lying at courier terminals beyond 15 days, provided the goods are not restricted or under investigation. This is expected to reduce congestion at International Courier Terminals and speed up disposal processes.

Supporting these changes, amendments have been notified to both the Courier Imports and Exports (Electronic Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2010 and the Courier Imports and Exports (Clearance) Regulations, 1998. These enable re-export of uncleared goods after 15 days and remove value-based restrictions embedded in earlier provisions.

Additionally, a dedicated “Return Module” has been introduced in the Express Cargo Clearance System (ECCS) to handle returns and rejected shipments, including those from e-commerce channels, signalling a shift towards digitised and faster processing.

Collectively, the measures are positioned as part of broader customs reforms for 2026, aimed at improving ease of doing business and supporting India’s growing e-commerce export ecosystem.