Knowledge Hub
Insights on Trade, Customs & Compliance
Practical, India-focused notes from our practice — covering customs procedures, HS classification, FTAs, duty optimisation and regulatory updates. New posts published regularly.
US-India Trade Deal 2026: What the 18% Tariff Means for Your Business (and What to Do in the Next 30 Days)
The 2026 US-India trade deal cut the US tariff on Indian goods to 18% - but a 125% solar duty shows the headline rate isn't the whole story. Here is who wins, who's exposed, and the exact steps to take in the next 30 days.
RoDTEP and Duty Drawback 2026: The Refunds Most Exporters Are Quietly Losing
Many Indian exporters under-claim RoDTEP and Duty Drawback, losing real money on every shipment. Here is how the 2026 schemes work, the step-by-step ICEGATE claim, the timeline, and the exact reasons claims get rejected.
AEO Certification in India 2026: Benefits, Cost, Timeline and How to Get Approved
AEO certification gives importers and exporters faster clearance, 72-hour drawback and a dedicated customs relationship manager. Here are the tiers, the real benefits, the documents, the timeline and the common reasons applications get rejected.
Courier and E-commerce Exports 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide for MSME Sellers After the Cap Was Removed
From 1 April 2026, CBIC removed the Rs 10 lakh cap on courier exports - opening global markets for MSMEs. Here is what changed, a step-by-step export process, a cost example, a readiness checklist, and when courier is the wrong choice.
MOOWR Scheme 2026: A Manufacturer's Guide to Deferring Customs Duty
The MOOWR scheme lets manufacturers defer Basic Customs Duty with no interest and no export obligation. See a worked ROI example, when MOOWR is worth it, when to avoid it, and the 2023 IGST change most guides skip.
How to Avoid Demurrage and Detention Charges at Indian Ports in 2026
Demurrage and detention are the most avoidable yet most expensive costs in Indian trade. Here is what causes them in 2026 and exactly how to prevent them.
BIS Certification for Imports in India: Common Mistakes and How a CHA Can Help
BIS and EPR certification mismatches are the single biggest cause of customs holds in India in 2026. Learn which products are affected, the most common mistakes importers make, and how to avoid them.
Budget 2026 Customs Duty Changes: Sector-wise Impact for Indian Importers
Union Budget 2026 overhauled India's customs duty structure across renewables, electronics, pharma, nuclear power, and EVs. Here is what changed and what it means for your landed cost.
ICEGATE 2.0 in 2026: What Every Importer and Exporter Must Know
ICEGATE 2.0 now handles 98% of India's international trade documentation. Here is what has changed in 2026, what it means for your shipments, and how to use it to your advantage.
Customs Clearance Delays in India: 7 Documentation Mistakes First-Time Importers Must Avoid
Facing customs clearance delays in India? Here are the 7 documentation mistakes that hold up first-time importers — wrong HS codes, invoice mismatches, IEC and AD code errors — and exactly how to clear customs fast in 2026.
EMI Scheme 2026: How MSME Manufacturers Can Defer Customs Duty and Free Up Working Capital
The CBIC's new EMI scheme lets eligible manufacturer importers clear goods without paying customs duty upfront and settle it monthly. Here is who qualifies, how to apply, and what it means for your working capital in 2026.
Welcome to the Customs Meridian Knowledge Hub
An introduction to what we'll be publishing here — practical guidance for importers, exporters and trade-compliance teams operating in India.