Courier companies registered under Customs, known as ‘Authorized Couriers,’ are allowed to engage in imports and exports using the courier mode. Typically, these companies transport parcels via cargo or passenger aircraft. However, for clearance through Land Customs Stations (LCS), an alternative mode of transport is utilized. Both modes are authorized to submit the Courier Import Manifest. Manual clearance for couriers is accessible at customs airports in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram, as well as Land Customs Stations at Gojadanga and Petrapole. Additionally, plans are underway to introduce electronic Customs clearance for couriers at airports in Delhi and Mumbai.
User Categories of Goods Allowed Import Through Courier
With the exception of specific categories, most goods are permitted for import via the courier mode. Goods excluded from this method typically require compliance with particular conditions specified by other Acts, rules, or regulations. These conditions might involve sample testing or referencing relevant authorities or experts before clearance. Some items demand additional compliance, elongating the assessment and clearance process, making them ineligible for the fast-track Customs clearance envisaged in this scheme. Additionally, certain goods cannot be handled at air terminals and LCS. The categories of goods not allowed for import through courier mode include:
- Precious and semi-precious cargo.
- Animals and plants.
- Perishable items.
- Publications containing maps depicting incorrect boundaries of India.
- Precious and semi-precious stones, gold, or silver in any form.
- Goods falling under Export Promotion Schemes, including the EOU Scheme.
- Goods exceeding the weight limit of 70 kgs for imports via courier under manual mode. However, there are no weight restrictions under the electronic mode.
- Clearance of goods under the EOU Scheme is permitted through the electronic mode.
