India’s CBIC Consolidates 31 Notifications to Simplify Business

The Indian government has taken significant steps to streamline business operations by merging 31 separate notifications into a single consolidated order. This move, announced by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), aims to enhance the ease of doing business in the country by simplifying access to customs duty exemptions and concessions.

The consolidated notification, which will take effect on November 1, 2025, includes provisions related to health cess, social welfare surcharge (SWS), and agriculture infrastructure development cess (AIDC). By combining these previously standalone notifications, the CBIC seeks to eliminate confusion and improve transparency for businesses navigating the regulatory landscape.

According to the CBIC, this initiative is a trade-friendly measure designed to foster a more efficient business environment. “Instead of referring to 31 separate notifications, the exemptions and concessional rates are now available in this single notification,” the agency stated. It emphasized that the validity of existing exemptions remains unchanged across various years, ensuring that businesses can continue to benefit from the concessions outlined in the previous notifications.

Experts have welcomed this consolidation as a progressive step towards regulatory simplification. Saurabh Agarwal, a tax partner at EY India, noted the importance of this development, stating, “By merging scattered notifications into a single framework, CBIC has enhanced clarity and improved the ease of doing business for trade.” He further explained that the new notification maintains existing exemptions while ensuring ease of reference for businesses.

The CBIC’s approach aligns with broader governmental efforts to promote business-friendly policies. This consolidation not only streamlines compliance requirements but also reinforces the commitment to transparency in the regulatory process. “This is another step towards ease of compliance,” Agarwal added, highlighting the significance of aligning exemption notifications to support business operations.

The consolidation of these notifications is expected to have a positive impact on businesses across various sectors, making it easier for them to navigate customs regulations. By reducing the administrative burden associated with managing multiple notifications, the CBIC aims to create a more conducive environment for trade and investment in India.

Overall, this initiative reflects the Indian government’s ongoing commitment to regulatory reform and its focus on enhancing the business climate for both domestic and international enterprises. As the November deadline approaches, businesses are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new consolidated notification to fully leverage the benefits it offers.