NEWS
Government Notification: Removal of Exemption Condition for Bangalore Rose Onion – Customs Notification No. 30/2025
A Comprehensive Overview
The Central Government of India, in its continued efforts to promote trade facilitation and improve efficiency in customs administration, has issued a new customs notification: No. 30/2025-Customs dated 23rd May 2025. This notification is a significant amendment to the previously issued Notification No. 55/2022-Customs dated 31st October 2022, which had laid down specific conditions for availing customs duty exemption on certain goods.
One of the notable products impacted by this change is the Bangalore Rose Onion, a highly valued agricultural product with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Known for its distinctive color, strong aroma, and medicinal properties, this variety of onion is cultivated primarily in parts of Karnataka and is sought after in both domestic and international markets.
In the original notification (55/2022-Customs), there was a specific condition outlined in Column (5) of the customs duty exemption table against Sl. No. 1, applicable to this product. The new notification (30/2025-Customs) eliminates this condition, indicating a policy move aimed at reducing procedural hurdles and enhancing ease of import.
Key Highlights
– Amendment of Notification No. 55/2022-Customs: The latest notification makes a precise amendment to the table under the principal notification by replacing the contents of Column (5) (Conditions) for Sl. No. 1 with a dash “–”, thereby removing any prior conditions applicable for exemption.
– Simplification of Import Requirements: By removing the requirement previously listed, importers no longer have to fulfill specific preconditions to avail the exemption, streamlining customs clearance.
– Government Justification: The amendment has been made in the public interest, as cited under the authority of Section 25(1) of the Customs Act, 1962.
– Facilitating GI Product Trade: This change directly supports the trade of Bangalore Rose Onion by reducing red tape, ultimately benefiting farmers, exporters, and consumers.
Exemptions Provided
Under the revised structure, the product now qualifies for customs duty exemption without the need to satisfy the condition that was previously required. In essence:
– The condition column now reads “–”, symbolizing no condition or documentation requirement under that entry.
– This implies a blanket exemption without procedural checks that were earlier mandatory.
– It reduces administrative overhead for importers, especially those who faced delays due to documentary requirements or compliance formalities.
Timeline for Implementation
– Effective Date: The changes brought about by Notification No. 30/2025-Customs are applicable from 23rd May 2025, the date of its publication in the Gazette of India.
– Retrospective Impact: While the change is prospective in application, it is advisable for importers to review pending or recent consignments for any beneficial implications.
The amendment adds to a series of previous updates, including the last one made via Notification No. 12/2024-Customs dated 21st February 2024, indicating a continuous refinement of the customs policy framework.
Next Steps for Manufacturers & Importers
To leverage the benefits of this policy change, stakeholders should consider the following actions:
- Review Import Documentation Processes
- Update ERP/Customs Software Systems
- Inform Stakeholders
- Explore Market Expansion
- Coordinate with Customs Officers
Conclusion
The issuance of Customs Notification No. 30/2025 represents a proactive step by the Indian government to remove bureaucratic constraints and foster an enabling trade environment, particularly for agricultural and GI-certified products like the Bangalore Rose Onion. This decision reflects a policy intent to promote exports, support Indian farmers, and make India’s trade ecosystem more competitive.
Importers and other stakeholders in the agricultural export-import community should promptly adapt to this change and align their strategies to maximize benefit from the updated exemption framework.