Ahead of the Union Budget 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has indicated that the simplification of customs procedures will be the next major reform initiative for the government. The announcements are expected to feature prominently in the upcoming budget, likely to be presented on February 1, 2026.

In the current financial year, the government implemented key reforms including rate rationalisation and simplification of the income tax and Goods and Services Tax (GST). These steps were aimed at increasing disposable income for citizens and stimulating consumption across sectors.

The move towards customs simplification is expected to further streamline trade processes, reduce compliance burdens for businesses, and enhance the ease of doing business in India. Industry experts suggest that such reforms could attract greater foreign investment and strengthen the country’s position in global trade.

Finance Minister Sitharaman’s focus on simplifying customs aligns with the government’s broader agenda of structural reforms to modernize taxation and trade frameworks, ultimately supporting sustainable economic growth.