FirstCry Faces ₹6.57 Crore Customs Demand Over Alleged APTA Duty Violations
FirstCry (Brainbees Solutions Limited) received a customs adjudication order demanding ₹6.57 crores for alleged violations of APTA duty exemption procedures. The demand includes differential duty of ₹2.13 crores, redemption fine of ₹1.15 crores, and penalties of ₹3.28 crores for alleged documentation compliance failures. The company plans to appeal the order and maintains it has a strong case on merits.

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Brainbees Solutions Limited (FirstCry) has informed stock exchanges about receiving a customs adjudication order demanding ₹6,56,58,134.00 for alleged violations of concessional duty exemption procedures. The company disclosed this development through a regulatory filing under Regulation 30 of the SEBI Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements Regulations, 2015.
Customs Authority Action
The Office of the Commissioner of Customs (Adjudication), Mumbai issued an order dated January 13, 2026, which FirstCry received on January 14, 2026. This order disposes of an earlier show cause notice that had been issued to the company regarding alleged violations of the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) framework.
The adjudication relates to alleged violations of concessional Basic Customs Duty exemption availed under APTA Notification No. 50/2018 dated June 30, 2018. The customs authority has specifically cited failure to comply with procedural aspects of documentation relating to country of origin of imported goods under the APTA framework.
Financial Demand Breakdown
The customs authority has demanded a total amount of ₹6,56,58,134.00, comprising multiple components:
| Component | Amount (₹) | Legal Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Differential Duty | 2,13,29,067.00 | Section 28(8) of Customs Act, 1962 |
| Redemption Fine | 1,15,00,000.00 | Section 125(1) of Customs Act, 1962 |
| Penalty (First) | 2,13,29,067.00 | Section 114A of Customs Act, 1962 |
| Penalty (Second) | 1,15,00,000.00 | Section 114AA of Customs Act, 1962 |
| Total Demand | 6,56,58,134.00 |
Company's Response and Next Steps
FirstCry has stated that it believes it has a strong case on merits and is seeking legal advice to file an appeal against the customs order. The company emphasized its commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity, corporate governance, and compliance in all aspects, including prompt payment of taxes.
According to the company's assessment, except for the financial demand mentioned above, there is no material impact on the financial operations or other activities of the company due to this customs action. The company maintains that it will continue to uphold its compliance standards while pursuing legal remedies.
Regulatory Compliance
The disclosure was made in compliance with regulatory requirements, with FirstCry informing both the National Stock Exchange of India Limited and BSE Limited about the development. The company has also made this information available on its investor relations website, ensuring transparency with stakeholders regarding this regulatory matter.
Historical Stock Returns for Firstcry (Brainbees Solutions)
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +0.32% | -7.36% | -7.09% | -28.93% | -46.26% | -60.25% |
















































