India Cuts Basic Customs Duty on Crude Sunflower, Soybean and Palm Oil from 24 September 2026

Catch-up: this notification was issued on 23 September 2026 and took effect on 24 September 2026.

What changed

India's Ministry of Finance issued Notification No. 31/2026-Customs (G.S.R. 840(E)) on 23 September 2026. It amends six rates in Table I of Notification No. 45/2025-Customs, at serial numbers 41, 42, 46, 47, 49 and 50. The notification states: "This notification shall come into force on the 24th day of September, 2026."

The new rates

The Government's press release says basic customs duty (BCD) on crude sunflower oil fell from 10% to nil, and on crude soybean oil and crude palm oil from 10% to 5%. In the notification, two entries go from 10% to 5% (S. Nos. 41 and 46) and one from 10% to nil (S. No. 49). Three entries go from 32.5% to 27.5% (S. Nos. 42 and 47) or to 22.5% (S. No. 50). The release says the refined-oil rates were cut in step, keeping a 19.25% duty gap between crude and refined oils.

The notification itself lists serial numbers, not oil names. Check Table I of Notification No. 45/2025-Customs for the exact goods and conditions. These changes cover BCD only. The notification does not change other levies that may apply.

Who it affects

Importers and refiners of sunflower, soybean and palm oil in India, and exporters supplying them.

What importers should do

• Match your tariff item to the serial number in Table I of Notification No. 45/2025-Customs.
• Work out the full landed duty with your customs broker. BCD is only one part of it.

Source: Gazette of India, Notification No. 31/2026-Customs, G.S.R. 840(E), 23 Sep 2026; Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, 24 Sep 2026.