Enhanced checks to delay courier imports

NEW DELHI: Courier imports are now under greater scrutiny with enhanced checks leading to delay in clearances at Bangalore, Delhi and Hyderabad.

“There is an issue in clearances of courier,” said a person privy to the development. Customs officials, however, maintain that there is no issue in clearances.

Clearances at ports, airports and customs stations have begun to normalise after almost 10 days. Customs authorities had resorted to 100% physical checks of China-origin shipments.


Courier imports have been on the radar of authorities after it was found that the route was being misused by some ecommerce platforms to bring goods declaring them as gifts, which are duty-free. Some such Chinese platforms operating via mobile apps selling goods including Shein have been banned as part of a larger clampdown.

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations has flagged the issue with the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs saying the delay is hurting exporters.

“Courier import clearances at Bangalore, Hyderabad and Delhi have been delayed..." said Ajay Sahay, director general, Fieo.

“We would like to bring to your notice the problem faced by the exporters, many of whom have imported goods through courier for export production,” Fieo said in the letter to CBIC chairman.

A customs official said there could be some issues due to transition of clearance from Express Industry Council of India to customs.