Rule tweaks on import of raw materials, finished goods to help ease local manufacturing

The customs department has notified the latest changes in the rules for importing raw materials and finished goods, which will facilitate outsourcing of manufacturing operations within India, allow inter-company transfer of raw materials and other simplifications and ensure ease of manufacturing.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), in a circular dated May 17, notified the amendments related to job-work which were announced in this year’s Budget and made effective from February 2.

As per the new norms, all importers and manufacturers are now allowed to get finished goods (100% outsourced) and intermediate goods (partially outsourced) manufactured on a job-work basis.


Importers are now given an option to import capital goods for the specified purpose at a concessional rate and clear the same after use on payment of applicable customs duties along with interest on the depreciated value.

The government has also modified the approval system to a one-time intimation which needs to be sent by the importer, reducing the compliance-related paperwork, experts said.

The India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA) said that the new rules will ensure that job work to vendors by the industry majors can now be performed seamlessly after the clarifications.

“They can also distribute from major warehousing nodes without unnecessary interference from customs field formations. The machinery can be imported duty free. Communications including consumption return to the customs will be accepted by email,” ICEA said.