Revised Tariff Values Under Customs Act: Latest Notification for Import Valuation Benchmark
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs has released Notification No. 78/2025–Customs (N.T.) on 30 December 2025, introducing amendments to the tariff valuation framework originally established under section 14(2) of the Customs Act, 1962. This notification modifies the base notification, specifically Notification No. 36/2001–Customs (N.T.), by replacing the existing Tables 1, 2, and 3 with updated versions.
Background and Regulatory Framework
The authority to notify tariff values for imported goods is derived from section 14(2) of the Customs Act, 1962, which empowers the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs to prescribe values for specific categories of imported commodities. This mechanism is employed when determining transaction value becomes complex or when establishing uniform valuation benchmarks serves customs administration efficiency.
The foundation notification, Notification No. 36/2001–Customs (N.T.), was initially published on 3 August 2001 and has undergone periodic amendments to reflect changing market conditions and policy requirements. The most recent amendment before the current notification was Notification No. 77/2025-Customs (N.T.), dated 15 December 2025.
Scope of the Current Notification
The present notification addresses tariff values for a select range of commodities that hold significant importance in India's import basket. These include edible oils, non-ferrous metal scrap, precious metals, and plantation products. The notification maintains consistency with previous valuations while providing legal continuity through formal re-notification.
Commodities Covered Under Revised Tables
The notification encompasses three distinct categories of goods, each addressed through separate tables:
Edible Oils and Brass Scrap: The first category includes various forms of palm oil and soybean oil, alongside brass scrap of all grades.
Precious Metals: The second category specifies valuation norms for gold and silver in various forms, particularly those imported under concessional duty schemes.
Areca Nuts: The third category pertains to areca nuts, a significant agricultural import commodity.
Detailed Analysis of Substituted Tables
Table 1: Edible Oils and Brass Scrap Valuation
The reconstituted Table 1 prescribes tariff values expressed in US dollars per metric tonne for eight distinct commodity categories:
Palm Oil Variants:
For crude palm oil classified under tariff item 1511 10 00, the notified value stands at USD 1035 per metric tonne without any modification from earlier notifications. This represents the baseline valuation for unprocessed palm oil imports.
Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized (RBD) palm oil falling under tariff item 1511 90 10 maintains a valuation of USD 1076 per metric tonne. This higher valuation reflects the additional processing undergone by refined variants.
Other categories of palm oil classified under tariff item 1511 90 90 attract a tariff value of USD 1056 per metric tonne, positioning them between crude and RBD variants in terms of valuation.
Palmolein Categories:
Crude palmolein under tariff item 1511 10 00 is valued at USD 1082 per metric tonne, slightly higher than crude palm oil, reflecting its distinct characteristics and market positioning.
RBD palmolein classified under tariff item 1511 90 20 commands the highest valuation among palm-based oils at USD 1085 per metric tonne, consistent with its refined nature and ready usability.
Other palmolein variants under tariff item 1511 90 90 are valued at USD 1084 per metric tonne, marginally below the RBD category.
Soybean Oil:
Crude soybean oil falling under tariff item 1507 10 00 attracts a tariff value of USD 1184 per metric tonne, representing a premium over palm-based oils due to distinct nutritional profiles and market demand patterns.
Brass Scrap:
Brass scrap of all grades classified under tariff item 7404 00 22 is valued at USD 6438 per metric tonne. This significantly higher valuation compared to edible oils reflects the metal content and recycling value inherent in brass scrap.
Table 2: Precious Metals Valuation Framework
The substituted Table 2 establishes valuation benchmarks for gold and silver imports, with particular reference to concessional duty entries available under Notification No. 45/2025-Customs dated 24 October 2025.
Gold Valuation:
Gold in any form, when imported under the benefit of serial number 194 of Notification No. 45/2025-Customs, attracts a tariff value of USD 1398 per 10 grams. This valuation applies regardless of whether the gold is classified under Chapter 71 or Chapter 98 of the Customs Tariff.
The notification further specifies that gold bars (excluding tola bars) bearing manufacturer's or refiner's engraved serial number with weight expressed in metric units, along with gold coins having gold content not below 99.5% and gold findings, also attract the same valuation of USD 1398 per 10 grams. However, this excludes imports through post, courier, or baggage channels.