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Coal India Limited (CIL) has announced a significant policy change, allowing coal consumers from neighboring countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, to directly participate in its Single Window Mode Agnostic (SWMA) e-auctions. This initiative, effective from January 1, 2026, marks a first for CIL in its market expansion strategy.

The decision, recently approved by CIL's Board, involves modifications to the existing SWMA auction mechanism. A senior company official stated that this move aims to enhance transparency, competition, and global market integration while ensuring that domestic coal requirements remain safeguarded.

Previously, foreign buyers could only access CIL's coal through domestic traders. Under the new framework, foreign buyers can now engage directly in SWMA auctions. The updated scheme includes provisions for one-time registration, digital bidding, advance electronic payments, and export through designated logistics channels.

Payment procedures will adhere to Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) rules. Buyers from Nepal have the option to pay in either Indian Rupees (INR) or US Dollars, while buyers from Bangladesh and Bhutan must make payments in US Dollars, with the valuation based on INR. CIL had previously engaged with potential foreign coal consumers to understand their needs and establish the necessary enabling clauses.