The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has introduced a deferred customs duty payment facility for eligible manufacturer importers. The step, first announced in the FY27 budget, is aimed at helping companies effectively manage cash flows and working capital, supporting local manufacturing. The trust-based "Eligible Manufacturer Importer" (EMI) scheme, effective April 1, will allow approved companies to defer customs duty payments, the CBIC said, adding it has also notified eligibility criteria and operational guidelines for the programme. Applications under the EMI scheme can be submitted online from March 1, 2026, and the facility will run through March 31, 2028.