The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has notified the Rajkot in Gujarat for unloading imported goods and loading export goods.
The board has amended in notification No. 61/94-Customs (N.T.) dated the 21st November, 1994 by adding Rajkot in Gujarat as a location for unloading imported goods and loading export goods.
This amendment, enacted under the authority of Section 7 of the Customs Act, 1962, expands customs operations in the region. Rajkot has been added to the table under serial number 6 for Gujarat, following the existing entries. The objective of this amendment is to facilitate trade by officially designating Rajkot as an approved customs location for import and export activities.
The amendment to Notification No. 61/94-Customs (N.T.), adding Rajkot as a designated customs location for unloading imported goods and loading export goods, brings several significant benefits to the trade community, industries, and the regional economy. These benefits include:
With Rajkot now approved for customs operations, businesses in and around the region can directly import and export goods without relying on distant ports or customs locations such as Ahmedabad or Mundra. This will lead to lower transportation costs for businesses that previously had to ship goods to other customs locations. It will reduced transit times, making trade more efficient and will help in quicker customs clearance, helping businesses meet supply chain deadlines.
Having a customs facility in Rajkot will encourage local industries and SMEs to engage more actively in international trade. Exporters will benefit from faster clearance of goods, while import-dependent industries will have easier access to raw materials and components.
The improved trade infrastructure in Rajkot could attract new investments in export-oriented industries, logistics services, and warehousing. Businesses will find it more cost-effective to set up operations in Rajkot, as they can now export and import directly from the city. This will improve ease of doing business in the region and make Rajkot more competitive in global trade markets.
The expansion of customs operations is expected to create new job opportunities in sectors such as Customs clearance and logistics, Warehousing and freight forwarding, Export-import businesses, and Supply chain management
The overall economic impact will be positive, with increased business activity leading to higher revenue generation for both private enterprises and the government through customs duties and trade taxes.
By enhancing customs infrastructure in Saurashtra, Rajkot could serve as a gateway for trade in western India.
The amendment will help in strengthening trade connectivity with international markets, supporting multi-modal transport (air, road, and rail connectivity for seamless movement of goods), and facilitating bulk exports of regional products such as handicrafts, brass parts, and machinery.
Notification Details
Notification No. 09/2025 – Customs (N.T.)
Date: 07th February, 2025
