CBIC Circular 2026: New DBK Brand Rate Fixation Portal for MSMEs

## Key points In a significant move to digitize export incentives, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued **Circular No. 15/2026-Customs** on August 08, 2026. This circular introduces a dedicated digital interface for "Brand Rate" fixation under the Duty Drawback (DBK) scheme. Previously, exporters whose products did not fit the "All Industry Rates" (AIR) had to undergo a manual, document-heavy process at local custom houses like Nhavasheva or Mundra. ## What this means for exporters Under the new guidelines issued on August 08, 2026, MSME manufacturers can now upload their consumption data and duty-paid invoices directly onto the ICEGATE integrated portal. This will drastically reduce the turnaround time for brand rate letters, which are essential for claiming higher drawback amounts when actual taxes paid exceed the standard AIR. The system also introduces a real-time tracking feature for pending DBK claims. **Who should act now:** Manufacturers with high import content in their exports who currently find All Industry Rates insufficient should transition to this portal for better margins. Need help calculating your input-output ratios for DBK? Contact **We Design For You** for expert assistance in Brand Rate application and CBIC liaison services.