Law Updates

Subject

Summary: The Central Government has amended the export policy for specific feather-related products under Chapter 5 of Schedule-II of ITC (HS) 2022 with immediate effect. The notification introduces a new Policy Condition 5 for selected ITC (HS) codes covering feathers, down, skins, and other parts used in trade and export. Under the revised rules, exporters must obtain a consignment-wise Veterinary Certificate or Shipment Clearance Certificate from CAPEXIL in line with EU and UK regulations. The certificate must include exporter details, IEC number, registered plant address, and plant approval number. After shipment, exporters are also required to provide a Production Process Certificate or Veterinary Health Certificate containing details such as HS code, packaging, origin, destination, vessel name, departure date, and veterinary health requirements. Where mandated by the importing country, the Veterinary Health Certificate will be jointly issued by CAPEXIL and the Animal Quarantine Officer under the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying. The amendment applies to ITC (HS) Codes 05051090, 05059029, and 05059099 and aims to align India’s feather export regulations with EU/UK import standards.

Subject

Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued Public Notice dated May 04, 2026, introducing four new Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) under the Chemical and Allied Product Group ‘A’. The newly added SION entries A-3698 to A-3701 cover key export products including Cefuroxime Sterile Sodium, NAS-5, Tobramycin Nebuliser Solution, and Schaeffers Acid, along with clearly defined permissible import inputs such as Cefuroxime Acid, Tobias Acid, Tobramycin, and Beta Naphthol. This move allows Regional Authorities (RAs) to grant Advance Authorisation directly, removing the need for case-by-case approvals from the Norms Committee. The result is a more predictable and faster approval system for exporters. Overall, the update strengthens procedural efficiency, transparency, and uniformity, while significantly reducing delays. It is a practical step toward improving the ease of doing business in India’s chemical export sector.

Subject

Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the powers of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, has extended the deadline for filing Annual RoDTEP Returns (ARR) for the Financial Year 2023-24. Exporters can now submit their ARR until 31st March 2026 by paying a composition fee of Rs 15,000. Non-filing beyond this date may lead to actions under para 4.94 of the Handbook of Procedures 2023, including denial of RoDTEP benefits and scrolling out of scrips. This extension focuses on enhancing the ease of doing business and export promotion, giving exporters additional time to comply. Exporters are encouraged to complete filings within the extended period to avoid penalties and safeguard their RoDTEP entitlements.

Subject

Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade ( DGFT ) has issued Notification S.O. 577(E) amending the import policy for ITC (HS) Code 71141920, covering articles of platinum under Chapter 71 of ITC (HS) 2022. Exercising powers under Sections 3 and 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, read with the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, the Central Government has revised the import status of these goods with immediate effect. Earlier classified as “Free”, the import of platinum articles has now been shifted to the “Restricted” category. A new Policy Condition No. 6 has been introduced in Chapter 71 to regulate such imports. However, specific exemptions are provided. Imports will continue to be treated as “Free” in cases of the re-import of Indian-origin platinum articles that were sent abroad for exhibitions or export promotion tours, rejected, returned, or unsold goods, and goods re-imported for repair. This amendment reflects DGFT’s intent to strengthen import controls on precious metals while allowing legitimate trade-linked re-imports. The notification has been issued with the approval of the Minister of Commerce & Industry.

Subject

Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade ( DGFT ), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has issued a Notification dated 5 February 2026, introducing significant changes to the import policy governing umbrellas and sun umbrellas classified under Chapter 66 of ITC (HS) 2022.  Under this amendment, the import policy for finished umbrellas falling under HS Code 66019100 (umbrellas with telescopic shaft) and HS Code 66019900 (other umbrellas) has been revised from Free to Restricted. This change reflects the government’s intent to regulate low-value imports and protect domestic manufacturers from price undercutting due to cheaper foreign products. However, the notification provides an important relaxation. Imports of umbrellas under the above HS codes will continue to be treated as “Free” if the CIF value is Rs. 100 or more per piece. This effectively introduces a Minimum Import Price (MIP) threshold, ensuring that only higher-value imports enter the Indian market without restriction. Further, the DGFT has clarified that the MIP condition will not apply to imports made by Advance Authorisation holders, Export Oriented Units (EOUs), and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units, provided that such imported umbrellas are not sold in the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA). This exemption supports export-oriented manufacturing and maintains the competitiveness of Indian exporters.

Subject

Summary: The Central Government has notified the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) (Second Amendment) Order, 2026, exercising powers under Section 3(1) of the Destructive Insects and Pests Act, 1914. The amendment comes into force from the date of publication in the Official Gazette and updates Schedule VI of the Plant Quarantine Order, 2003. A key change has been introduced at S. No. 687, concerning Mitragyna speciosa (Kratom Leaves). The existing import entries have been renumbered, and a new category has been added. The amendment now permits the import of dried Mitragyna speciosa leaves for processing, with Uganda specified as the country of origin. Notably, no additional declarations are required to be included in the Phytosanitary Certificate for this category. However, strict special import conditions apply. The consignment must be free from soil, quarantine weed seeds, and other plant debris, ensuring biosecurity compliance. This update provides clarity for importers, strengthens plant quarantine controls, and aligns regulated imports with India’s plant health and trade compliance framework.