India Adds SBER Bank Under Customs Notification 45/2025
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued a new amendment under Customs Notification No. 45/2025-Customs through a Gazette notification under G.S.R. …(E). This update has been issued by the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue) under the powers granted by Section 25(1) of the Customs Act, 1962 and Section 3(12) of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975.
The amendment introduces SBER Bank into the list of entities specified under List 14 in Table I of the notification framework. The provision is effective from 25 June 2025 until 31 March 2026 and applies specifically to imports meant for domestic consumption.
This update is particularly relevant for importers, financial institutions, customs brokers, and international trade operators involved in transactions where financial institutions play a role in facilitating import operations.
Policy Background
The Central Government periodically issues notifications under Section 25 of the Customs Act, 1962 to grant exemptions or introduce regulatory adjustments related to customs duties and trade compliance.
Similarly, Section 3(12) of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 empowers the government to regulate and align tariff provisions with evolving trade and economic policy considerations.
Notification No. 45/2025-Customs dated 24 October 2025, originally published in the Gazette of India (G.S.R. 781(E)), provides a structured framework listing certain entities and conditions under which customs-related provisions apply.
The recent amendment modifies List 14 in Table I by inserting an additional entry to reflect updated regulatory considerations relating to international banking entities involved in import transactions.
Key Highlights of the Circular
1.Amendment issued under G.S.R. …(E) by the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue).
2.Issued under powers granted by:
           2.1 Section 25(1) of the Customs Act, 1962
                     2.2 Section 3(12) of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975
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3.Amendment made to Notification No. 45/2025-Customs dated 24 October 2025.
5.List 14 in Table I has been updated.
5.A new entry has been inserted after Item No. 2.
7.SBER Bank has been added as Item No. 3 in the list.
8.The provision is valid from 25 June 2025 to 31 March 2026.
9.The notification specifies that imports are allowed for domestic consumption only.
10.The notification has been issued under F. No. 190354/35/2023-TRU.
Detailed Explanation of the Amendment
The latest amendment introduces SBER Bank into the list of recognized entities specified under List 14 of Table I in Notification No. 45/2025-Customs.
This inclusion means that transactions involving SBER Bank are now formally recognized within the regulatory scope defined under the notification. However, the permission granted under this entry comes with a specific limitation: imports facilitated under this provision must be strictly meant for domestic consumption within India.
The amendment clearly specifies the validity period from 25 June 2025 until 31 March 2026, indicating that the regulatory allowance is temporary in nature and subject to review or extension depending on government policy.
Such amendments are often introduced to address evolving international trade dynamics, financial sanctions frameworks, or operational needs relating to cross-border banking arrangements involved in import transactions.
The notification also clarifies that the principal notification No. 45/2025-Customs dated 24 October 2025 has previously been amended through Notification No. 02/2026-Customs dated 1 February 2026 (G.S.R. 83(E)), making this the latest modification within the framework.
Impact on Businesses
The amendment carries operational implications for several stakeholders involved in international trade.
Importers must ensure that transactions routed through SBER Bank comply with the condition that goods are imported strictly for domestic consumption and not for re-export or bonded warehousing arrangements.
Customs brokers and logistics providers should verify documentation and banking references when processing import consignments linked to the bank.
MSMEs and trading companies involved in global procurement may need to review their payment routing structures to ensure that transactions fall within the permitted regulatory scope.
Financial institutions and compliance teams must also ensure alignment with this notification when structuring trade finance or import settlement arrangements.
Compliance Guidance
Businesses involved in import transactions should consider the following compliance steps:
- Verify whether import payments or financial arrangements involve SBER Bank.
- Ensure the import declaration clearly indicates that goods are intended for domestic consumption.
- Maintain proper documentation supporting the nature of the transaction.
- Customs brokers should ensure correct referencing of applicable notification provisions during clearance procedures.
- Monitor policy updates in case the validity period beyond 31 March 2026 is extended or revised.
Maintaining clear documentation and aligning banking channels with regulatory provisions will help prevent delays during customs clearance.
Expert Insight – Preface Consulting Advisory
The CBIC clarification under Section 143AA of the Customs Act, 1962 provides timely relief to exporters affected by disruptions in global shipping routes. By allowing amendments or cancellations of export documents without additional fees in genuine force majeure situations, the government has reduced financial and procedural burdens on exporters. Businesses should ensure proper documentation and follow the prescribed procedure to benefit from this temporary relaxation.
Conclusion
The latest amendment to Notification No. 45/2025-Customs introduces SBER Bank into the regulatory list under List 14 of Table I, allowing import transactions under specified conditions.
The provision remains valid from 25 June 2025 to 31 March 2026 and restricts imports strictly to domestic consumption purposes. Businesses involved in international trade should review their payment routing and documentation practices to ensure compliance with the notification.
Staying updated on such regulatory amendments is essential for maintaining smooth customs clearance and avoiding potential compliance risks.