Chapter V - Levy of customs duties
Section 18A
Section 18A: Voluntary revision after clearance
Section 18A permits an importer or exporter to revise an entry after clearance, within the prescribed procedure and subject to statutory exclusions. The revised entry requires fresh self-assessment.
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This article is for general information. Refer to the Customs Act, 1962 official text for the official provisions. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.
Statutory text
Bare law
(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 149, the importer or exporter of the goods, after the clearance, may revise an entry already made in relation to the goods, in such form and manner, within such time and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed.
(2) On revising the entry under sub-section (1), the importer or exporter of the goods shall self-assess the duty.
(3) Where the revised entry and self-assessment made under sub-sections (1) and (2) results in–– (a) any duty short-levied, not levied, short-paid or not paid, then the same may be paid voluntarily by the importer or exporter of such goods along with the interest under section 28AA; (b) duty paid in excess of that payable on such goods or whole of the duty paid, requiring refund, then, such revised entry shall be deemed to be a claim for refund under section 27.
(4) The proper officer may,–– (a) verify the revised entry and self-assessment made under sub-sections (1) and (2) in cases selected primarily on the basis of risk evaluation through appropriate selection criteria; (b) re-assess the duty leviable on such goods in cases where the self-assessment under sub-section (2) is not done correctly.
(5) No revision of entry shall be made under this section in the following cases, namely:–– (a) cases where any audit under Chapter XIIA or search, seizure or summons under Chapter XIII has been initiated and intimated to the importer or the exporter concerned; (b) cases requiring refund where the proper officer has re-assessed the duty under section 17 or assessed the duty under section 18 or under section 84; (c) any other case which the Board may specify by notification in the Official Gazette.
Key takeaways
Post-clearance correction
The trader may revise a previously made entry after clearance using the prescribed form, time and conditions.
Duty or refund outcome
Additional duty can be paid voluntarily with Section 28AA interest; an excess-duty revision is deemed a Section 27 refund claim.
Excluded cases
The route does not cover specified initiated audits or enforcement steps, certain officer-assessed refund cases, or other notified exclusions.
Post-clearance correction
The trader may revise a previously made entry after clearance using the prescribed form, time and conditions.
Duty or refund outcome
Additional duty can be paid voluntarily with Section 28AA interest; an excess-duty revision is deemed a Section 27 refund claim.
Excluded cases
The route does not cover specified initiated audits or enforcement steps, certain officer-assessed refund cases, or other notified exclusions.
Practical checklist
Do
- Check the current 2025 post-clearance revision regulations and any exclusions before filing.
- Recalculate duty and interest or refund from the corrected particulars.
- Use the ICEGATE Section 18A service and retain the filing and officer response.
Frequently asked questions
Can every cleared entry be revised under Section 18A?
No. Section 18A(5) excludes specified audit, enforcement and officer-assessed cases and allows further Gazette-notified exclusions.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026