Not all products may be allowed to be imported into India without restriction. A great deal of what a company […] The post April 2026 Compliance Checklist: Customs & DGFT Essentials for the New Financial Year appeared first on Afleo.
Beginning with fiscal year (FY) 2026-27 as a time that all businesses are entering; April is much more than just the beginning of a new fiscal period but also an opportunity for importers/exporters to take advantage of it as a critical compliance reset.
Due to policy roll overs, regulatory changes and additional relaxation opportunities presented in 2026, companies will need to move past the normal filing process and develop a proactive compliance plan. Every section of a company’s compliance program including DGFT schemes, customs valuation and SEZ benefits needs to be addressed.
Financial Year Closure: Reset & Reconcile
April requires businesses to close the previous financial year cleanly while ensuring all registrations and authorisations are valid for the new one.
Reset / Carry Forward
Ensure the following are updated and active:
- LUT/Bond for export transactions
- RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate)
- IEC profile updates (in case of any business changes)
- Digital Signature Certificates for ICEGATE and DGFT
Reconcile FY 2025–26
Before moving forward, clear all pending items:
- Shipping Bills and Bills of Entry (BOEs)
- IGST refunds, duty drawback and RoDTEP claims
- Export proceeds realisation under EDPMS/IDPMS
Why this matters:
Unresolved past transactions often trigger audits, delays in incentives, and compliance notices.
DGFT Scheme Compliance: High Priority in 2026
Export Obligation (EO): Relief with Responsibility
The government has extended EO deadlines until 31 August 2026 for:
Action Points:
- Recalculate pending EO accurately
- Monitor progress regularly
- Avoid last-minute non-compliance penalties
Key Insight: Extension is not relaxation, tracking is still critical.
RoDTEP Updates: Don’t Rely on Old Assumptions
Recent rate rationalisations mean previous benefit calculations may no longer apply.
Action Points:
- Verify correct HS code mapping
- Compare updated RoDTEP rates with pricing margins
ITC (HS) Policy Changes: Continuous Monitoring Required
Frequent amendments are impacting sectors such as:
- Chemicals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Metals (especially Chapter 71)
Action Points:
- Validate import classification: Free / Restricted / Prohibited
- Check licensing requirements before shipment
Major 2026 Policy Update: SEZ Domestic Supply Relief
A significant policy shift effective 1 April 2026 allows SEZ units to sell in the domestic market at reduced duty rates (5-12.5%) instead of full customs duty.
Compliance Impact:
- Recalculate duty structures for DTA sales
- Ensure eligibility (unit operational before cutoff)
- Maintain accurate documentation
- Ensure correct duty payments
Key Risk:
- Misclassification can lead to duty demands, penalties, and litigation
Customs Compliance: Key Focus Areas for April 2026
Deferred Duty Payment: Extended Timeline
- Payment window increased from 15 to 30 days
Action:
- Align cash flow planning
- Avoid interest liability due to delayed payments
Classification & Valuation: High Scrutiny Zones
Ensure accuracy in:
- HS code classification
- Related-party pricing
- Inclusion of freight and insurance
High-risk sectors in 2026:
- Electronics
- Chemicals
- Precious metals
Country of Origin (COO) & FTA Compliance
Stricter scrutiny under FTAs such as:
Action:
- Ensure accurate COO certificates
- Verify value addition criteria
Documentation & Audit Readiness
Regulatory authorities are increasingly relying on data consistency and audit trails.
Must Ensure:
- Invoice, packing list, and BOE alignment
- E-way bill consistency
- Transport documents (BL/AWB) accuracy
Increased Scrutiny Areas:
- Post Clearance Audit (PCA)
- Risk Management System (RMS) flags
Pro Tip: Even small documentation mismatches can trigger audits.
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Sector-Specific Alerts for 2026
Sensitive Imports
- Precious metals (e.g., platinum restrictions continue till April 2026)
- Food imports → FSSAI compliance
- Pharma → CDSCO approvals
Geopolitical Risks (Emerging Factor)
DGFT has flagged:
- Shipping delays
- Rising freight costs
Action:
- Maintain buffer inventory
- Monitor export commitments (especially EO-linked)
Internal Compliance Controls: Best Practices
April is the ideal time to conduct a compliance health check.
Evaluate:
- Scheme-wise exposure (AA / EPCG / SEZ)
- Duty savings vs compliance risks
- Pending litigations or disputes
Strengthen SOPs:
- Classification approval frameworks
- Vendor onboarding checks
- COO verification processes
Common Mistakes to Avoid in April 2026
- Assuming old RoDTEP rates still apply
- Ignoring EO tracking due to deadline extension
- Incorrect duty calculation for SEZ DTA sales
- Missing ITC (HS) policy updates
- Delayed duty payments despite extended timelines
Quick Action Checklist
- Review all DGFT authorisations (AA/EPCG)
- Update RoDTEP mapping
- Validate import policy for key HS codes
- Align SEZ strategy (if applicable)
- Reconcile FY 2025-26 data
- Strengthen audit documentation
FAQ
1. Is e-BRC automatically generated?
It is system-driven but depends on proper reporting by the AD Bank.
2. Who reports export realisation?
The Authorised Dealer (AD) Bank through RBI’s EDPMS system.
3. Can e-BRC be amended?
4. What happens in case of partial realisation?
The system reflects partial closure, and full compliance requires complete realisation.
5. Is self-certification applicable to all schemes?
No, it is scheme-specific and subject to DGFT guidelines.
Final Thought
April 2026 is a lot more than about complying; it’s about aligning your business strategy with the changes happening around you because of changing trade rules.
Companies that are proactive and adapt to these changing regulations will be able to avoid fines as well as reduce their costs by creating a smoother operation, which will create an advantage for them globally.
If you have the right help and tools (systems) in place, compliance should become a competitive advantage rather than a burden, and this is where experienced companies like Afleo Group make a real difference.
The post April 2026 Compliance Checklist: Customs & DGFT Essentials for the New Financial Year appeared first on Afleo.
