Law Updates

Subject

Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has also introduced considerable amendments to the Standard Input-Output Norms (SIONs) M1 to M8 applicable to the gems and jewellery sector. The notification also inserts the five new notes that regulate the issuance and monitoring of Advance Authorizations (AA) for the gold imports. Under the revised framework, imports of gold under Advance Authorization, i.e., AA, will now be subject to a maximum limit of 100 kilograms (Kg). Also, first-time applicants must undergo mandatory physical verification of their manufacturing facilities by the concerned Regional Authority to confirm their operational capability and production capacity.  The DGFT has further mandated that the subsequent authorizations for gold imports will be granted only after at least 50% fulfilment of the export obligations under previous authorizations have been fulfilled. Advance Authorization, i.e., AA holders, are also required to submit fortnightly performance reports certified by an independent Chartered Accountant, detailing gold import and export transactions. Moreover, Regional Authorities must provide monthly consolidated reports to DGFT Headquarters for centralized compliance monitoring.  These amendments aim to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve tracking of export obligations, and ensure greater transparency in gold import transactions within the gems and jewellery sector.

Subject

Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has also amended the import policy for certain silver products covered under ITC (HS) Codes 71069221 and 71069229 of Chapter 71, Schedule I of ITC (HS) 2022. The notification came into force on 16 May 2026 with immediate effect.  As per the revised policy, imports of semi-manufactured silver bars that are containing 99.9% or more silver by weight, along with the other silver bars under the specified HS codes, have been shifted from the “Free” category to “Restricted.” Earlier, these imports were permitted under the RBI rules and regulations.  The revised import conditions now make these products subject to the Policy Condition No. 7 of Chapter 71 under the ITC (HS) 2022 Import Policy. These amendments are also expected to strengthen the monitoring and regulatory oversight of silver imports into India.

Subject

Summary: The Indian government, through the DGFT, has shared a new update about sending wheat to other countries, which is called "exporting". Usually, there is a big "No" (Prohibited) on sending wheat out of India right now. This is to make sure we have enough food at home.  However, the government has decided to be a little flexible. They are now allowing an extra 25 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of wheat to be sent abroad. Think of this as a special hall pass that allows extra wheat to go to other places. The exact "how-to" steps for this will be shared in a later announcement called a Public Notice.  Even with this change, the old rules from May 13, 2022, still apply. This means that if another country's government really needs help feeding its people, it can ask the Indian government for permission. India can still say "Yes" to these requests to help with their food security, even if it is more than the extra 25 LMT already promised. In short, India is keeping most of its wheat but sharing some extra to help others.

Subject

Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued an important amendment to the Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023 under Paras 4.87(a) and 4.88. This update expands the list of airports that can handle personal carriage of gems and jewellery parcels for both export and import. Earlier, this facility was available through major airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. The new amendment now includes Ahmedabad Airport in this list. Under the revised Para 4.87(a), foreign-bound passengers can carry gems and jewellery export parcels from all EOU, SEZ, and DTA units through the approved airports, including Ahmedabad. Customs will handle the procedure for personal carriage, and export payments will continue through normal banking channels. Para 4.88 has also been updated to allow import of gems and jewellery parcels by Indian importers or foreign nationals through Ahmedabad Airport. The process will follow the same steps as regular air freight. The parcels must be brought to Customs for inspection and release, and clearance will take place under the normal customs procedure. The main effect of this public notice is the official inclusion of Ahmedabad Airport as an authorised point for personal carriage of gems and jewellery parcels for both import and export. This change supports smoother trade, faster movement of high-value goods, and easier access for exporters and importers operating in western India.

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued a new DGFT notification on 15 October 2025 to align the ITC (HS) 2022 Schedule-I (Import Policy) with the Finance Act 2025. This update ensures that all import classifications and policy conditions match the latest legal and financial framework. The notification introduces a new Policy Condition No. 07 in Chapters 29 and 38, stating that the import of pesticides will now require a valid Certificate of Registration from the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIB&RC) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Imports must also comply with the Insecticides Act, 1968. The notification also includes amendments such as inserting, deleting, splitting, merging, and revising ITC (HS) codes, along with updates to section notes, chapter notes, and product descriptions. These changes aim to simplify trade, ensure regulatory harmony, and enhance import compliance. The revised ITC (HS) 2022 Import Policy is now available on the DGFT website and is effective immediately.

Subject

Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a Public Notice to amend Para 4.84(b) of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023. This amendment aligns the HBP with Para 4.36(a) of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023. As per the new rule, exporters must complete their Export Obligation within 120 days from the date of import for each consignment under Advance Authorisation. For imports of gold, platinum, or silver used in findings, mountings, and jewellery exports, the Export Obligation period is 180 days from the import date. No further extension will be allowed. The amendment also enables Advance Authorisation holders to import gold as replenishment after completing exports. This update ensures uniformity between the Handbook and the FTP, promoting smooth trade operations and timely export compliance. The change supports exporters in managing their obligations more efficiently while maintaining transparency and alignment in foreign trade procedures.