The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) on June 23, 2026, issued instructions for Establishment of Green Channel for Customs Clearance of Pollution Response Equipment and Materials during Oil and Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) Spill Emergencies.
The Board has considered a request from the Coast Guard Headquarters to establish a Green Channel mechanism for faster Customs clearance of pollution response equipment and materials needed during oil and Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) spill incidents at sea. This initiative aligns with India’s commitments under international and regional frameworks such as BIMSTEC, SACEP, and IORA to provide timely support in managing environmental emergencies.
In cases where large-scale oil or chemical spills exceed domestic response capacity, assistance from foreign governments, international organizations, and specialized agencies may be required. Such situations demand urgent import or export of response equipment through ports and airports, making timely clearance critical to minimize environmental damage, protect marine ecosystems, and maintain port operations.
To address this, a Green Channel has been established at key Coast Guard locations, along with nearby airports and seaports, to ensure expedited and hassle-free Customs processing. Additionally, Customs Zones are required to appoint senior Nodal Officers to coordinate with stakeholders, ensure 24×7 clearance support during emergencies, and act as a single point of contact for all Customs-related matters.
This facilitation mechanism will operate within the existing legal framework of the Customs Act, 1962, without waiving statutory requirements unless specifically exempted. Customs authorities are also instructed to share Nodal Officer details promptly and sensitize their teams to prioritize such consignments during emergency response operations.
[Instruction No. 11/2026-Customs]
