AEO India T2 Update 2026: New Warehouse Integrated Clearances

## Key points The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued Circular No. 22/2026-Customs on 2026-08-07, revolutionizing the way Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) with T2 status handle bonded warehousing. The new circular permits "Direct-to-Warehouse" transfers for T2 holders at Nhavasheva and Mundra ports without the need for individual transit bonds for every shipment. ## What this means for exporters This advisory highlights a major reduction in administrative costs. Under the new guidelines mentioned in CBIC Circular 22/2026, the requirement for physical escrow of duty for transit is replaced by a digital standing guarantee. This allows SME exporters to move goods from the port to their private bonded warehouses instantly, effectively eliminating port congestion surcharges and reducing overall turnaround time by approximately 48 hours. ## Who should act now Large-scale importers and manufacturing exporters holding AEO T2 status should consult with their logistics partners to integrate their Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) with the ICEGATE portal. Need help upgrading to AEO T2 status or managing your bonded warehouse compliance? Contact We Design For You for expert advisory on AEO India benefits.