The Finance Ministry has issued Notification granting a full exemption from basic customs duty on a wide range of petrochemicals, polymers, and industrial raw materials. The notification, issued by the Ministry of Finance through the Department of Revenue, will be effective from April 2, 2026, to June 30, 2026.
The exemption has been notified under Section 25(1) of the Customs Act, 1962, which empowers the Central Government to waive customs duties in public interest. The relief applies to goods specified under various tariff headings of the First Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975.
Under the notification, eligible imports will attract “Nil” customs duty, effectively reducing import costs for industries dependent on these inputs.
The exemption spans a broad spectrum of industrial chemicals and polymer products, including: Basic chemicals: Methanol, Toluene, Styrene, Acetic Acid, Phenol; Fertilizer inputs: Ammonium nitrate, Anhydrous ammonia; Petrochemical intermediates: Vinyl chloride monomer, Monoethylene Glycol (MEG), Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA); Plastic polymers and resins: Polyethylene, Polypropylene, PVC, Polystyrene, ABS (Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), Polycarbonates, Polyurethanes, PET chips and epoxy resins; and Specialty materials: Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK), Polyphenylene sulphide (PPS).
Importantly, the exemption is time-bound, remaining in force only until June 30, 2026, unless extended further. This indicates a calibrated approach by the government to provide temporary relief rather than structural duty changes.
Notification Details
Notification No. 12/2026–Customs
Date: 01.04/2026
