CBIC Issues Instruction to Simplify Leather Exports by Removing Testing and Port Limits [Read Instruction]

The Ministry of Finance, through the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), issued Instruction No. 13/2025-Customs dated 2nd June 2025, announcing the removal of port restrictions and mandatory testing requirements for the export of various categories of leather. This marks a huge relaxation in export procedures for the leather industry.

The instruction follows the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Office Memorandum No. 15/2025-26 dated 26th May 2025, which revised the export policy framework for leather products.

Under the new directive:

• Exporters of Finished Leather, Wet Blue Leather, El Tanned Leather, and Crust Leather are no longer required to route shipments through designated ports only.
• The earlier condition of mandatory testing and certification by the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) has been withdrawn.

These restrictions were originally imposed by CBIC's instruction dated 16 April 2013, which has now been officially rescinded.

Background and Purpose

The testing and port restrictions introduced in 2013 were aimed at preventing the misdeclaration of semi-processed leather as finished leather during export. However, recent assessments by DGFT and other stakeholders have concluded that such controls have become redundant, especially in light of modern tracking and export documentation systems.

With this easing of norms, the government aims to boost the ease of doing business in the leather export sector, reduce the compliance burden on exporters and enhance competitiveness in global markets

Implementation and Directions to Field Officers

CBIC has directed all customs formations across India to take note of the revised instructions, update internal procedures and ensure that exporters are not subjected to outdated testing or port restrictions

Customs officers are to be fully informed so that exports proceed smoothly under the new policy without unnecessary delays or procedural issues.

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