The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has decided to extend export incentive schemes to goods sent through the postal system.
From January 15, 2026, exporters will be able to claim benefits under the Duty Drawback, Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP),
and Remission of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) schemes for exports made electronically through the postal route.
The Finance Ministry said this decision will help increase competitiveness, especially for MSME exporters, and will provide a major boost to exports through post offices.
Major Relief for MSMEs and Remote Exporters
Calling the move a big relief for MSMEs, Saurabh Agarwal, Tax Partner at EY India, said that extending RoDTEP and RoSCTL benefits to the postal route will remove long-standing compliance issues faced by small exporters, particularly those based in remote areas.
He added that this reform highlights the government’s strong focus on ease of doing business and could make post offices an important channel for global trade.
Support for Cross-Border E-Commerce
According to the Finance Ministry, the initiative aims to ensure a level playing field for businesses exporting through postal channels.
It is also designed to create a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem for cross-border e-commerce.
Regulatory Changes Approved by CBIC
To implement these benefits, the CBIC has approved amendments to the Dark Exports (Electronic Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2022.
These changes will allow merchants exporting via postal channels to claim benefits under the incentive schemes.
Currently, India has 28 notified Foreign Post Offices (FPOs). The CBIC has also taken several steps to strengthen international trade through postal and courier channels, including automating IGST refunds on postal exports from September 2024.
