The Government of India extends a zero-import customs duty exemption on 40 critical petrochemical products by 15 days, pushing the deadline from June 30 to July 15, according to official notices. The waiver, first introduced on April 2 as a temporary and targeted measure, aims to reduce supply disruptions and cost pressures for domestic industries that rely on imported petrochemical feedstocks and intermediates. The extension comes amid ongoing developments related to the conflict in West Asia, which has affected global supply chains and freight movement, including shipping routes connected to the Strait of Hormuz.

The products covered include anhydrous ammonia, methanol, toluene, styrene, vinyl chloride monomer, dichloromethane, polybutadiene, styrene butadiene and unsaturated polyester resins, among others in the set of 40. Multiple reports say the policy is intended to support continuity of supply for sectors such as plastics, packaging, textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and automotive components, and to facilitate a smooth transition as conditions normalize. Authorities also note that the decision to extend is linked to monitoring evolving conditions affecting import availability and customs revenue.