Bombay HC says steel imports shipped by 30 June 2026 get QCO exemption
In short
The Bombay High Court has ruled that steel imports shipped on board by 30 June 2026 can still get the QCO exemption even if the ARN is filed later. A Taxscan summary says the court first read the exemption rule strictly, but then said goods that meet the conditions cannot be cut out by a narrow reading.
This matters for steel importers because it affects which shipments qualify for the exemption. It could change how import paperwork is handled for covered goods.
What the reporting says
The Bombay High Court ruled that steel imports shipped on board by 30 June 2026 are entitled to QCO exemption even if ARN is sought later, according to a Taxscan summary. The brief says the court read the exemption notification strictly at the outset but held that goods meeting eligibility criteria cannot be excluded through a narrow interpretation. The decision affects imported steel shipments covered by the exemption window.
Why it matters
The Bombay High Court ruled that steel imports shipped on board by 30 June 2026 remain entitled to QCO exemption even if ARN is sought later, according to a Taxscan summary. The court is described as having applied strict interpretation at the outset while rejecting a narrow reading that would exclude eligible goods. The ruling matters for steel importers and customs treatment of covered shipments.