The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs has enabled payments via UPI, debit cards, and credit cards for customs duty on the ICEGATE portal, expanding digital payment options for businesses.
In a circular, the CBIC said the ICEGATE e-payment system now includes a “Payment Aggregator” as an authorised mode, allowing users to move beyond traditional banking channels such as net banking and NEFT or RTGS.
ICEGATE serves as the digital interface for Indian customs, where importers and exporters file documents, track shipments, and make duty payments. Until now, payments were largely restricted to a limited set of authorised banks.
With the new system, businesses can access a wider banking network and use multiple payment methods, improving flexibility and efficiency, especially in time-sensitive clearance processes.
Tax experts said the move could significantly streamline transactions.
Ikesh Nagpal of AKM Global noted that the addition of UPI, which is widely accessible and typically low-cost, will particularly benefit smaller taxpayers by making payments simpler and faster.
Vimal Pruthi of EY India said the reform is expected to reduce bottlenecks in the clearance process and improve transparency in cash flow management for importers and exporters.
Manoj Mishra of Grant Thornton Bharat added that the availability of multiple digital payment options will reduce dependence on limited banking channels and enhance the overall user experience.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader push towards digitalisation and is aimed at improving ease of doing business and trade facilitation.