DGFT Extends Minimum Import Price on Glufosinate Imports Until April 2027

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has decided to extend the Minimum Import Price (MIP) condition on Glufosinate and salts till 12th April 2027. The announcement was made by way of Notification Number 43/2026-27 dated 12th October 2026, issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Glufosinate is an active constituent used in some herbicides to control weeds. The traders and companies involved in importing Glufosinate for agrochemical manufacture, formulation, and business should continue to comply with the relevant import price condition during this extended period.

The above-mentioned notification has not brought any new import policy but only continued the MIP condition as made through the DGFT Notification Number 10/2026-27 dated 13th April 2026 while retaining all other terms and conditions of the previous notification intact.

As per the April 2026 notification, the imports of Glufosinate and salts fall under the Restricted category when the combined value of CIF and relevant anti-dumping duty is less than Rs1,154 per kilogram. The exact figure can be found in the publicly available copy of the above-mentioned notification of April 2026.

For Indian importers, the extension means procurement costs, product classification, regulatory conditions and future shipments need to be reviewed in light of the continuing restriction.

DGFT Notification at a Glance

The notification applies to Glufosinate and its salts falling under eight specified HS codes. Importers must consider the MIP condition alongside other applicable product-related and import policy requirements.

Regulatory Framework for Glufosinate Imports in India

Glufosinate imports will be subject to the country's foreign trade policy as well as any other relevant laws based on the type of product and its use.

These three significant components of the foreign trade policy have been mentioned in the notice issued in October.

Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992

The Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 provides the legal framework for regulating imports and exports in India.

Section 3 empowers the Central Government to make provisions concerning the development and regulation of foreign trade, including restrictions on imports and exports.

Section 5 deals with the formulation and amendment of foreign trade policy.

These provisions provide the statutory basis for changes to import policy conditions, including the continuation of the MIP requirement for Glufosinate.

Foreign Trade Policy 2023

Foreign Trade Policy 2023 sets out the general policy framework for international trade involving India. The DGFT notification refers to paragraphs 1.02 and 2.01 of the policy, which address the legal framework and general provisions concerning imports and exports.

For an importer, this means the applicable tariff classification alone is not enough to determine whether a product can be imported without conditions. Businesses must also check the corresponding import policy and any notifications that amend it.

ITC (HS), 2022 Schedule-I (Import Policy)

The Indian Trade Classification based on the Harmonised System, commonly called ITC (HS), identifies traded goods through classification codes.

Schedule-I covers import policy. Depending on the product and applicable conditions, imports may be classified as Free, Restricted, Prohibited or otherwise regulated.

The Glufosinate extension concerns specified products under Chapter 38, which covers miscellaneous chemical products.

Role of DGFT in Import Policy Amendments

DGFT administers India's foreign trade policy framework and issues notifications concerning import and export conditions.

In this case, the authority has extended an existing price-based import restriction. Customs authorities handle assessment and clearance under applicable customs laws, while DGFT determines the relevant foreign trade policy conditions.

Businesses importing Glufosinate therefore need to consider both the DGFT import policy position and applicable customs requirements.

What Is Minimum Import Price (MIP) on Glufosinate?

Minimum Import Price is a price-related condition used under import policy to regulate the import of specified goods. It establishes a threshold that import transactions must be assessed against when determining their import policy status.

For Glufosinate and its salts, the April 2026 notification introduced a threshold based on the combined amount of the CIF value and applicable anti-dumping duty. The reproduced April notification provides the following condition

• Imports are restricted where the combined CIF value and applicable anti-dumping duty are less than Rs1,154 per kilogram. 
• The October notification extends that existing condition rather than announcing a new threshold.

How Does the MIP Condition Work?

The condition uses two financial components.

• CIF Value CIF stands for Cost, Insurance and Freight. It generally represents the cost of goods together with the relevant insurance and freight expenses up to the specified destination.
• Applicable Anti-Dumping Duty Anti-dumping duty is a separate trade-remedy measure that may apply to qualifying imports under the relevant duty notification.

Under the April framework, these components are considered together on a per-kilogram basis for the stated import policy threshold.

The restriction depends on whether the combined amount reaches the specified level.

Importers should not assume that a declared CIF value below Rs1,154 per kg automatically establishes the final import policy status without considering any applicable anti-dumping duty and the wording of the notification.

Is Minimum Import Price the Same as Customs Duty?

No. Minimum Import Price and customs duty serve different purposes.

Meeting an applicable MIP condition does not remove ordinary customs duties, anti-dumping duties or other independent import requirements.

What Has Changed Under DGFT Notification No. 43/2026-27?

The most important change is the extension of the existing Glufosinate MIP condition until 12 April 2027.

The October notification maintains the earlier requirements rather than replacing them with a new import system.

Extension of the Existing MIP Condition

Notification No. 10/2026-27 introduced the relevant condition for a six-month period from its publication. With the October notification, the Government has continued the condition until April 2027.

Importers purchasing Glufosinate for delivery during this extended period should review the continuing restriction before confirming contracts or shipment arrangements.

Continuation of Earlier Import Policy Conditions

The notification expressly states that the other terms and conditions of the April notification remain unchanged.

This is important because an importer cannot rely only on the October notification to identify the complete set of applicable conditions. The earlier notification must also be examined.

Has DGFT Introduced Any New Registration or Approval?

Notification No. 43/2026-27 does not expressly establish a new registration procedure, import application portal, certification system or additional approval requirement. However, the earlier import policy may still impose conditions that businesses must satisfy.

In particular, the distinction between Free and Restricted imports under the existing price condition remains relevant.

Businesses should therefore verify whether their proposed imports fall within the Restricted category and whether an import authorisation or another regulatory approval is required.

Which Glufosinate Products and HS Codes Are Covered?

The extension applies to Glufosinate and its salts falling under eight HS codes in Chapter 38 of Schedule-I (Import Policy) of ITC (HS), 2022. Glufosinate is used as a herbicidal active ingredient. It may be imported for use in manufacturing or formulating agricultural weed-control products, subject to the applicable import policy and pesticide-related regulations.

List of HS Codes Covered Under the Notification

These eight codes are expressly listed in the October Gazette. 

The notification identifies these codes for the specified Glufosinate products. It should not be interpreted as extending the same Glufosinate-specific MIP condition to every unrelated chemical or preparation falling under these classifications.

Why Correct HS Code Classification Matters

HS classification is one of the first checks an importer should complete before placing an international order.

A classification error can lead to an incorrect assessment of the applicable import policy. For Glufosinate shipments, importers should examine the product's description, chemical composition, concentration, intended use and relevant classification provisions.

The supplier's product description should also be consistent with the information used for customs declarations. Where the applicable code or product coverage is unclear, classification should be reviewed before finalising the shipment.

Are All Products Under the Eight HS Codes Restricted?

Not automatically.

The October notification specifically extends the MIP condition on Glufosinate and its salts.

Some of the listed HS codes may cover other chemical products or preparations. Their treatment must be determined using the relevant product description and applicable import policy conditions.

For companies dealing with various agrochemical products, the right procedure is to analyze each product, rather than applying the Glufosinate restriction to all of them just because one of the codes mentioned is present.

Earlier DGFT Notification No. 10/2026-27 What Importers Should Know

The October 2026 extension refers directly to DGFT Notification No. 10/2026-27, dated 13 April 2026.

The April notification is important because it contains the detailed price-based import policy conditions continued by the October amendment.

What Was Introduced in April 2026?

The April notification amended the import policy conditions for Glufosinate and its salts under the eight specified HS codes.

According to publicly available reproductions of its text, it provided that imports would be restricted if the combined CIF value and applicable anti-dumping duty were less than Rs1,154 per kilogram. The policy condition was initially prescribed for six months from the publication date. 

The measure therefore focused on the import policy treatment of transactions falling below the specified threshold.

What Happens When the Import Value Is Below the Threshold?

Where the combined CIF value and applicable anti-dumping duty is below Rs1,154 per kilogram, the transaction falls within the Restricted import category under the April condition.

Restricted imports are not necessarily prohibited altogether. They may require appropriate DGFT authorisation, subject to the applicable policy and licensing provisions.

However, importers should not assume that authorisation will be granted automatically. The relevant conditions must be checked before goods are shipped.

What Happens When the Value Meets the Threshold?

Where the combined value reaches or exceeds the specified threshold, the particular price-based restriction does not apply in the same way.

That does not mean every such import is automatically cleared or exempt from other requirements.

Other applicable conditions may still need to be satisfied, including those relating to product registration, import policy classification and customs compliance.

What About Pesticide Registration Requirements?

The reproduced April notification retains relevant pesticide-related import conditions. In particular, the entry concerning HS code 38089361 refers to registration with the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC) and the non-prohibition of the product under the Insecticides Act, 1968. Other listed entries also refer to Chapter 38 policy condition No. 07. 

Importers must review the precise conditions relevant to their products rather than assume that price compliance alone is sufficient.

Source-verification note The April notification's Rs1,154 threshold and detailed policy conditions have been cross-checked against reproductions of its text, but the original government-issued April document was not independently retrieved during this review. These details should be checked against the signed official notification before publication.

Old vs. New Glufosinate Import Policy What Has Changed?

The October 2026 notification continues the existing MIP condition. It does not announce a fresh price threshold or completely replace the April notification.

What Is the Main Difference?

The April notification established the operative price-related import condition. The October notification extends its application for a longer period. For businesses, the main change is therefore the period during which the existing MIP condition remains relevant.

An importer who already adjusted procurement and compliance practices to the April requirements should continue applying them during the extended period, subject to any other applicable amendments.

Implementation Timeline and MIP Extension Deadline

The timeline is particularly important for importers handling purchase orders, international contracts and future shipments.

Does the Notification Provide a Transition Period?

The October notice does not state explicitly any new grace period or transitional provision. It continues the already existing condition up to the mentioned date.

Importers need to check the importation date that is legally relevant and the treatment of the policy at present in case of consignments near a change in the policy period.

What Should Businesses Do Before April 2027?

The firms need to analyze the planned shipments and keep themselves informed about any further notices.

This becomes even more significant for those firms whose agreements regarding imports and manufacture extend beyond April 2027.

The notification does not guarantee that the condition will be removed after the extension ends.

Does the MIP Extension Change Import Licensing Requirements?

The October notification does not independently create a new licensing system. However, the existing Glufosinate price condition can result in imports being classified as Restricted.

This distinction matters because the terms Minimum Import Price and Restricted Import do not mean the same thing.

Difference Between MIP and Restricted Import Licensing

The April condition makes the combined CIF value and applicable anti-dumping duty central to determining whether the specified Glufosinate imports fall into the Restricted category.

Does Every Glufosinate Importer Need a DGFT Licence?

No blanket conclusion can be drawn.

Whether an importer requires a DGFT restricted import authorisation depends on the product, the applicable import policy conditions and the transaction concerned.

If the import falls within the Restricted category, the business should confirm the applicable authorisation requirements before proceeding.Importers should not assume that obtaining an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is equivalent to receiving authorisation to import Restricted goods.

An IEC identifies the importer-exporter for trade purposes, while a restricted import authorisation addresses the separate legal requirement for goods classified as Restricted. Businesses that need assistance can review the applicable requirements through Corpseed's DGFT Restricted Import Licence Services.

How Will the MIP Extension Affect Glufosinate Import Costs?

The continued MIP condition may influence the cost and commercial planning of businesses that source Glufosinate from overseas suppliers.

The extent of the impact will depend on existing procurement prices, applicable duties, exchange rates and contractual terms.

Impact on Import Purchase Prices

An importer purchasing at a price below the relevant threshold must assess whether the transaction falls into the Restricted category.This may require a review of supplier quotations, procurement terms and sourcing decisions.

Businesses should not assume that every shipment needs a price increase. The specific position depends on the combined CIF value and applicable anti-dumping duty under the relevant notification.

Landed Cost and Working Capital Considerations

Landed cost represents the expenses associated with bringing imported goods into the country, including relevant freight, insurance, customs duties and other associated charges.

For agrochemical businesses, changes in import conditions may influence working capital planning. If a company needs to alter its sourcing arrangements or seek applicable authorisation, procurement schedules and financial commitments may also require review.

Impact on Supply Contracts

It is recommended that companies involved in Glufosinate import agreements analyze whether the terms of the business deal conform to the applicable regulatory framework. It would be important to consider product specifications, the value of the transaction, logistics and shipping schedules.

When regulations apply to an order, importers will have to arrange with their suppliers about appropriate arrangements prior to shipment.

Possible Effects on Domestic Procurement

Continuation of the MIP requirement could mean that some buyers evaluate domestic sources along with foreign sourcing.

Nevertheless, the notification does not offer any indication that there is going to be an increase in domestic prices, reduction in imports, or increased demand for Indian manufacturers.

Such results are dependent on market factors.

Impact on Glufosinate Importers and Indian Agrochemical Businesses

The extension is most directly relevant to businesses importing Glufosinate and its salts. Other businesses may be affected indirectly through their supply arrangements.

Impact on Importers

Importers are directly responsible for reviewing the import policy conditions applicable to their transactions.

The MIP extension may affect

• Supplier selection and price negotiations.
• Import documentation and product classification review.
• Planning for shipments during the extended period.
• Assessment of whether restricted import authorisation is necessary.
• Coordination between procurement, finance and compliance teams.

An importer who handled Glufosinate shipments under the April framework should not treat the October notification as removing those earlier restrictions.

Impact on Agrochemical Manufacturers and Formulators

Manufacturers and formulators using imported Glufosinate may need to reassess raw material procurement plans.

Where production depends on overseas supply, purchasing teams should confirm that the required material can be imported under the applicable conditions. Businesses may also review inventory planning, supplier commitments and production schedules. The notification does not directly prescribe changes to manufacturing processes or product formulation standards.

Impact on Distributors and Traders

Distributors dealing with Glufosinate-based products may experience indirect commercial effects if the import conditions influence their suppliers' costs or delivery arrangements. For businesses importing Glufosinate themselves, the applicable DGFT conditions must be assessed directly.

Domestic distributors who are not acting as importers should not automatically be described as having a new DGFT compliance duty under this notification.

Impact on MSMEs

Smaller agrochemical businesses may have fewer alternative sourcing options or less flexibility to absorb changes in procurement costs. For such businesses, checking the applicable import policy before confirming a purchase can help avoid unexpected disruptions.

These are practical business implications, not new legal obligations imposed on every stakeholder.

What Should Importers Check Before Shipping Glufosinate to India?

Before importing Glufosinate, businesses should review both the product and the transaction against the applicable DGFT import policy. A preliminary compliance assessment can help identify issues before purchase orders and shipping arrangements are finalised.

Verify the Product Classification

The first step is to identify what is being imported.

Businesses should review the product's chemical description, composition, concentration and intended use, and determine the appropriate ITC (HS) classification. A supplier's description should not be accepted as the final tariff classification without checking the applicable Indian classification provisions.

Confirm the Applicable Minimum Import Price

Importers should examine the price condition imposed under Notification No. 10/2026-27 and extended by Notification No. 43/2026-27. The April condition refers to a combined CIF value and applicable anti-dumping duty threshold of Rs1,154 per kilogram.

Importers should confirm the correct valuation basis and applicability of any anti-dumping duty before determining whether the transaction falls within the Restricted category.

Review the Import Policy Status

The import policy status must be determined using the relevant notification and product classification.

A product may ordinarily fall under a Free import policy entry while still being subject to an additional condition that makes a particular transaction Restricted. This distinction is particularly relevant to the Glufosinate price threshold.

Review Product-Related Regulatory Requirements

As Glufosinate is used in agrochemical products, importers should assess whether applicable pesticide registration or other product-specific conditions apply.

These requirements should be checked separately from the DGFT price condition. Compliance with one regulation does not automatically establish compliance with another.

Check Import and Shipping Information

Importers should review relevant commercial and shipment records to ensure the information used for import declarations is consistent.

Recommended checks include

• Supplier invoice and agreed purchase terms.
• Product description and technical specification.
• Applicable HS classification.
• CIF value and its supporting information.
• Relevant anti-dumping duty, where applicable.
• Applicable import authorisation and product registration documents, where legally required.
• Shipping and customs declaration details.

This is a recommended review checklist. The October notification does not introduce this as a new mandatory list of documents.

Customs Clearance Considerations Under the Extended MIP Condition

Import policy conditions can be relevant when goods are presented for customs clearance in India. For Glufosinate and its salts, the importer must assess whether the proposed transaction falls within the applicable price-related restriction.

Can the MIP Condition Affect Customs Clearance?

Yes. The import policy status of goods is relevant to their lawful importation.

Where Glufosinate imports fall within the Restricted category, the importer must address the applicable authorisation requirements. A transaction that does not satisfy relevant import policy requirements may encounter clearance difficulties or other legal consequences under the applicable framework.

The October notification itself does not specify a new customs procedure or separate customs penalty.

Why Product Classification Matters During Clearance

Customs declarations depend on accurate information about the goods being imported.

For chemical products, incorrect classification or inconsistent product descriptions can lead to questions about applicable duties, policy conditions or other requirements.

Importers should therefore ensure that the declared classification is supported by the actual product details.

Coordination Between Procurement and Customs Teams

Procurement will concentrate primarily on cost considerations and delivery dates, whereas Customs will be interested in classification, valuation, and import requirements.

Aligning these activities prior to sending out the shipment may assist companies in determining whether the shipment needs further approval.

For Glufosinate, alignment needs to include consideration of the current MIP status and any authorization requirements.

Risks and Challenges for Glufosinate Importers

The MIP extension makes continued import policy verification important for businesses sourcing Glufosinate from international suppliers.

The following risks should be considered.

Incorrect HS Code Classification

An incorrect product classification may result in the wrong import policy being applied. Chemical products should be classified according to their actual characteristics and the applicable tariff provisions.

Overlooking the MIP Extension

Importers relying on outdated information may incorrectly assume the earlier six-month restriction has ended.

Notification No. 43/2026-27 confirms its continuation until 12 April 2027.

Misunderstanding the Price Threshold

April condition is used to describe the total CIF value and anti-dumping duties per kilogram.

An estimation using only the invoice value without considering the total condition legally could end up being wrong.

Confusing MIP Compliance with Import Authorisation

Meeting the relevant price condition and holding an import authorisation are different regulatory questions.

Businesses must determine whether the particular import falls under a Restricted category and, where necessary, obtain the appropriate authorisation.

Inadequate Procurement Planning

Import policy restrictions can affect how businesses arrange overseas purchases.

Importers should allow sufficient time to verify classification and applicable conditions before committing to shipment arrangements.

Possible Legal Consequences

Importing goods contrary to applicable import restrictions can raise issues under foreign trade and customs laws.

However, Notification No. 43/2026-27 does not announce any new penalty amount, seizure requirement or prosecution provision. Any statement about a specific statutory consequence must be based on the applicable law and circumstances, not assumed from this extension notification.

Best Practices for Glufosinate Import Compliance

Businesses importing Glufosinate should maintain a practical system for reviewing import policy requirements.

The following measures can support better compliance planning.

• Keep current DGFT notifications available Maintain the April 2026 notification, October 2026 extension and any subsequent amendments as part of the import compliance records.
• Review product classification prior to placing an order Verify the proper ITC (HS) code based on the specifications of the product.
• Verify MIP compliance Verify the CIF value and anti-dumping duty provision as opposed to a general mention of the pricing cut-off point.
• Verify restricted import requirements Where a transaction falls into the Restricted category, determine whether the required authorisation is available.
• Assess other regulatory conditions Review applicable pesticide registration and product-related import requirements.
• Coordinate internally Procurement, finance, logistics and compliance teams should use consistent regulatory information.
• Monitor the expiry date Keep track of 12 April 2027 and check for further DGFT amendments before arranging shipments around or after that date.
• These measures are recommended business practices. They should not be confused with additional legal obligations created by the October notification.

What Happens After 12 April 2027?

DGFT Notification No. 43/2026-27 specifies that the existing Glufosinate MIP condition is extended until 12 April 2027.

The notification does not announce what policy will apply after that date.

It does not confirm another extension, a revised MIP amount or permanent removal of the restriction.

Importers planning shipments after 12 April 2027 should check the DGFT notifications and the import policy in force at the relevant time.

Businesses should also remember that the expiry of a particular price-related condition would not, by itself, remove any other applicable pesticide, customs or product-related legal requirements.

What Businesses Should Do Next

Importers and affected agrochemical businesses should review their existing and planned Glufosinate transactions against the extended policy condition.

A review should begin with the product and its classification. The next consideration is the applicable price condition, followed by any authorisation or product-specific regulatory requirements.

Once those issues are clear, businesses can make better-informed procurement and shipping decisions.

How Can Corpseed Help?

Importing Glufosinate and other regulated agrochemical products requires an understanding of the applicable import policy, product classification and regulatory conditions.

Corpseed provides Import Compliance Services and related regulatory assistance to businesses dealing with import and export requirements in India.

Depending on the product and transaction, Corpseed can assist with

• DGFT import policy assessment Reviewing applicable import policy entries and related restrictions.
• Chemical import compliance services Helping businesses understand relevant requirements for regulated chemical imports.
• HS code classification support Assisting with the review of product descriptions and applicable classification provisions.
• Restricted import licence assistance Supporting businesses with applicable DGFT authorisation requirements where imports fall within a Restricted category.
• Regulatory documentation guidance Helping identify documentation relevant to the applicable compliance process.
• Compliance gap assessment Reviewing possible gaps between existing business practices and applicable requirements.
• Regulatory update support Assisting businesses in understanding new or amended foreign trade notifications.

Businesses can explore Corpseed's DGFT Licence Services and Restricted Import Licence Services for relevant regulatory assistance. For importers dealing with Glufosinate and its salts, an assessment of the relevant HS code, MIP condition and import policy status can help identify the requirements that need attention before shipment.

Need assistance with Glufosinate import compliance? Contact Corpseed to discuss applicable DGFT import policy requirements and available regulatory support.

Key Takeaways

The DGFT Glufosinate MIP Extension 2026 maintains the current minimum import price requirement until 12 April 2027.

No new pricing system is introduced by this notification. Instead, the conditions set forth in the April 2026 notification are extended, and importers will need to keep them in mind when making appropriate shipments.

• Notification DGFT Notification No. 43/2026-27, dated 12 October 2026.
• Product(s) Glufosinate and its salts based on eight HS Codes.
• Validity extended until 12 April 2027.
• Price condition In the previous system, the combined CIF price and anti-dumping duty rate was Rs1,154 per kg.
• Other conditions Unchanged from the previous notification.
• Action to be taken by importer Check product classification, MIP condition, and other authorization/product registration requirements.

The extension is particularly relevant to Glufosinate importers and agrochemical businesses relying on international supply.