CBIC Circular 2026: Fast-Track AEO T1 Status for Cold Chain Logistics

## Key points To bolster India's perishable goods export infrastructure, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has released Circular No. 18/2026-Customs on August 13, 2026. This circular introduces a dedicated 'Fast-Track AEO T1' window specifically for Cold Chain Logistics providers and refrigerated cargo exporters. The primary goal is to reduce the release time for temperature-sensitive shipments, ensuring minimal spoilage and higher competitiveness in global markets. ## What this means for exporters Under this new directive, eligible SME exporters in the agri-food and pharma sectors can bypass physical examination for 90% of their shipments. As per CBIC Circular No. 18/2026-Customs, the requirement for a solvency certificate has been relaxed for MSMEs that have been operational for over three years with a clean compliance record. This status also allows for a 50% reduction in bank guarantees required for Customs bonds. Who should act now: Cold storage owners and frozen food exporters looking to scale operations should immediately apply for this certification to leverage priority scanning at ports like Nhavasheva. Contact We Design For You to assist with your AEO T1 application and documentation to ensure a rejection-free filing process.