Budget 2026: CII pitches lower import duties, 'trust-led' tax system, and more to Sitharaman & Co

The Confederation of Indian Industry's (CII) pre-Budget recommendations for Union Budget 2026 offer a crucial insight into the aspirations and challenges faced by India's manufacturing sector. These recommendations, presented to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, are not just a wish list but reflect a broader economic philosophy aimed at bolstering India's position in the global economy.

**Background Context: India's Economic Trajectory and the Role of Tariffs**

India’s economic journey has been marked by significant shifts, particularly after the 1991 economic reforms. Prior to this, India largely followed a protectionist policy, characterized by high import duties and licensing, aimed at shielding nascent domestic industries. While this approach fostered self-reliance in some sectors, it also led to inefficiencies and limited global competitiveness. Post-1991, there has been a gradual liberalization, with successive governments attempting to integrate India more deeply into the global supply chain. The Union Budget, mandated by **Article 112 of the Constitution** as the 'Annual Financial Statement,' is the primary instrument through which the government outlines its fiscal policy, including taxation and expenditure, for the upcoming financial year. Customs duties, levied under the **Customs Act, 1962**, form a significant component of indirect taxes and play a dual role: revenue generation for the government and acting as a protective barrier for domestic industries or a tool to regulate imports. In recent years, under initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat,' the government has emphasized boosting domestic manufacturing. However, a common concern for manufacturers is the cost of imported raw materials and industrial inputs, which can make their final products uncompetitive globally.

**CII's Proposals: A Strategic Push for Competitiveness**

The core of CII's proposals revolves around three key areas: reducing import duties on raw materials and industrial inputs, simplifying customs procedures, and enabling faster digital clearances. The rationale is straightforward: lower input costs directly translate into more competitive pricing for domestically manufactured goods, both in India and in international markets. High duties on raw materials can create an 'inverted duty structure' where finished goods face lower duties than their inputs, disadvantaging domestic producers. Simplification of customs procedures and faster digital clearances address the 'ease of doing business' aspect, reducing lead times, transaction costs, and bureaucratic hurdles. This is vital for industries that rely on just-in-time inventory management and efficient supply chains. The call for a 'calibrated approach' to tariff restructuring suggests a nuanced strategy, avoiding a blanket reduction that might harm specific domestic sectors, while still promoting overall competitiveness.

**Key Stakeholders Involved**

At the forefront is the **Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)**, representing a vast spectrum of Indian businesses. As a leading industry association, CII serves as a crucial bridge between the private sector and the government, articulating industry concerns and proposing policy solutions. Their recommendations are vital inputs for the **Ministry of Finance**, headed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, which is tasked with the complex balancing act of formulating a Budget that fosters economic growth, ensures fiscal prudence, and addresses societal needs. Other significant stakeholders include **Indian manufacturers**, who are the direct beneficiaries (or dis-beneficiaries) of tariff changes and customs policies; **consumers**, who might see a benefit through potentially lower prices of manufactured goods; and the **Customs Department**, which is responsible for implementing these policies and would need to adapt to simplified and digitized processes. The proposals also indirectly involve **international trading partners** as India's tariff structure influences trade flows.

**Significance for India and Future Implications**

These proposals hold immense significance for India's economic future. By reducing input costs and streamlining trade, India can significantly enhance its manufacturing prowess, aligning with the objectives of 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. This could lead to increased foreign direct investment (FDI) in manufacturing, greater job creation, and a boost in exports, thereby improving India's trade balance. Enhancing global competitiveness is crucial for India to integrate further into global value chains and achieve its aspiration of becoming a $5 trillion economy. Simplified procedures also contribute directly to India's ranking in global 'Ease of Doing Business' indices. Looking ahead, if these recommendations are adopted, we can expect a more dynamic manufacturing sector. However, the government will need to carefully weigh the revenue implications of duty reductions and explore alternative revenue streams. The challenge lies in finding a sweet spot that protects nascent domestic industries while simultaneously fostering a globally competitive manufacturing ecosystem. This also connects to India's commitments under the **World Trade Organization (WTO)**, where tariff policies are a subject of multilateral agreements.

**Broader Themes and Constitutional Linkages**

This discussion links to broader themes of economic governance, trade policy, and industrial development. The government's annual **Finance Act**, passed after the Budget, legislates changes to customs duties and other taxes. The recommendations also touch upon administrative reforms within the **Customs Department**, moving towards a 'trust-led' tax system as advocated by CII, which signifies a shift from enforcement-heavy to facilitation-oriented administration. This aligns with the broader governance agenda of reducing compliance burdens and leveraging technology for efficiency. The ongoing evolution of India's tariff policy reflects the continuous effort to balance protectionism with global integration, a debate that has shaped economic policy since independence.