India Tightens Grip On Imports From Bangladesh: DGFT Notification

India Tightens Grip On Imports From Bangladesh: DGFT Notification

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade introduces significant port restrictions on the import of specific goods from Bangladesh, effective immediately.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) introduces significant port restrictions on the import of specific goods from Bangladesh. These new restrictions are implemented through the insertion of Para 19 under the “General Notes Regarding Import Policy” in the ITC (HS), 2022 Schedule 1 (Import Policy). The DGFT has announced that, in accordance with the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 and the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, it will now impose port-specific restrictions on the import of a number of Bangladeshi product categories.

The restricted categories include ready-made garments (RMG), fruit-flavoured and carbonated drinks, processed food items, cotton and cotton yarn waste, finished plastic and PVC goods, and wooden furniture. Furthermore, ready-made garments from Bangladesh are not permitted to enter through any land port, but are still allowed via Nhava Sheva and Kolkata seaports. For other listed goods, imports from Bangladesh are restricted through specific Land Customs Stations (LCSs) and Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) located in the Northeastern states and specific locations in West Bengal.

The notification clarifies that the revised import rules will not apply to the import of certain goods, including fish, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), edible oil, or crushed stone from Bangladesh. Additionally, the restrictions do not affect transit exports from Bangladesh to Nepal and Bhutan through Indian territory.

The notification was signed by Ajay Bhadoo, Director General of Foreign Trade and Additional Secretary to the Government of India and was approved by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.