CBIC Eases Leather Export Rules No More Port Restrictions
In a big relief to India’s leather exporters, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued a fresh instruction removing port restrictions and testing requirements for various categories of leather.
This move simplifies the export process and helps reduce delays, making Indian leather exports more globally competitive.
What the CBIC Instruction Says
As per CBIC Instruction No. 09/2025-Customs dated 31st May 2025, exporters can now ship leather products from any customs port, without mandatory testing from CLRI (Central Leather Research Institute), provided certain conditions are met.
✅ Key Leather Products Covered:
- Finished Leather
- Wet Blue Leather
- El Tanned Leather
- Crust Leather
Focus Keyphrase: Port Restrictions Leather Export
Major Changes Explained
| Criteria | Old Rule | New Rule (Post May 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Ports Allowed | Only specified ports | Any customs port |
| Testing Requirement | Mandatory CLRI certification | Exempted if invoice & declaration match |
| Applicable Products | Only finished leather | Now includes wet blue, crust & el tanned |
| Objective | Quality control | Ease of doing business |
Updated Export Procedure
If you’re exporting the covered leather products, here’s what you need to do now:
- Use any customs port – no restriction.
- Self-certify the goods in the invoice with full description.
- Include a declaration that the goods match DGFT’s export policy specifications.
- No CLRI testing needed, unless there’s suspicion of misdeclaration.
Legal Basis
- CBIC Instruction No. 09/2025-Customs
- DGFT Policy: Product descriptions and export eligibility defined under ITC (HS) codes.
- CLRI Exemption: CBIC has waived mandatory testing unless there’s cause for verification.
📄 You can download the full instruction from cbic.gov.in
Expert View
“This change will streamline India’s leather export supply chain significantly. Port flexibility alone can reduce lead times by 2–4 days per shipment.”
— CA Manish Bansal, Export Consultant
Why This Matters for Exporters
- Lower Costs: Avoid CLRI testing charges
- Faster Clearance: No waiting for test reports
- More Port Choices: Better logistics planning
- Reduced Delays: Especially crucial for global orders with tight timelines
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is CLRI testing now optional for all leather exports?
Only for the specified categories (Finished, Wet Blue, Crust, El Tanned) and only if invoice and declarations are accurate.
Q2. Can I export from ICDs and land ports?
Yes, any customs port including ICDs and SEZs are now allowed.
Q3. What if customs suspects misdeclaration?
They may still refer the goods to CLRI for verification under Customs Act.
Summary
CBIC has removed port restrictions and mandatory CLRI testing for the export of finished, wet blue, crust, and el tanned leather from India. Exporters can now use any customs port by submitting self-certified invoices and declarations, streamlining the leather export process and reducing clearance delays.
Final Thoughts
This is a positive regulatory step that simplifies India’s export ecosystem, especially for MSMEs in the leather sector.