CBIC Revises Tariff Values for Edible Oils, Precious Metals and Areca Nut Under Notification 25/2026-Customs (N.T.)

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), vide Notification No. 25/2026-Customs (N.T.) dated 13 March 2026, has revised tariff values for specified goods under Section 14(2) of the Customs Act, 1962. The notification substitutes Table-1, Table-2, and Table-3 of the principal Notification No. 36/2001-Customs (N.T.), thereby updating tariff values applicable for customs valuation purposes.

Under Table-1, revised tariff values have been prescribed for key edible oils. Crude Palm Oil has been fixed at USD 1112 per metric tonne, while RBD Palm Oil and other palm oil variants are pegged at USD 1132 and USD 1122 respectively. Similarly, tariff values for palmolein variants range between USD 1138 and USD 1141 per metric tonne. Crude soybean oil has been set at USD 1183 per metric tonne, and brass scrap at USD 7404 per metric tonne.

Table-2 revises tariff values for precious metals. Gold has been valued at USD 1652 per 10 grams for specified categories, while silver is fixed at USD 2820 per kilogram. The notification clarifies that these values apply in cases where concessional duty benefits under Notification No. 45/2025-Customs are availed, and also prescribes coverage for different forms of gold and silver, excluding certain categories such as jewellery and foreign currency coins.

Table-3 retains the tariff value of areca nuts at USD 7020 per metric tonne, indicating no change from prior notification.

The notification comes into force from 14 March 2026

Practical Implications

Tariff values notified under Section 14(2) operate as a statutory mechanism to standardize customs valuation for specified commodities, particularly those prone to price volatility or under-invoicing risks. By periodically revising these benchmarks, the CBIC ensures alignment with prevailing international prices and safeguards revenue. The revision in edible oil tariff values is significant for importers in the FMCG and agri-processing sectors, as it directly impacts the assessable value for customs duty calculation, irrespective of declared transaction value where tariff value applies.

For bullion traders and importers, the updated tariff values for gold and silver are critical, especially in cases where concessional duty schemes are availed. The detailed categorization within the notification provides clarity on applicability across different forms of precious metals, thereby reducing interpretational disputes.

The retention of tariff value for areca nuts suggests price stability in that segment or a policy decision to maintain status quo.