Law Updates

Subject

Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has issued a new public notice on 28 October 2025. This notice updates Appendix 2B of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 by adding a list of agencies authorised to issue Certificates of Origin (Preferential) for exports under the India-European Free Trade Agreement (India-EFTA TEPA). Under this amendment, several key organisations are now authorised to issue certificates for different product categories. These include DGFT and its regional offices, the Export Inspection Council, APEDA, MPEDA, Textile Committee, Tobacco Board, Spices Board, Central Silk Board, Coir Board, and the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts). In addition, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) such as Cochin, Falta, Kandla, MEPZ, NOIDA, SEEPZ, and Vishakhapatnam are authorised to issue certificates for all units within their jurisdiction. This update helps exporters trade under the India-EFTA TEPA with ease and ensures faster certification for all eligible products. It also strengthens India’s export system under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023.

Subject

Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has amended import policy conditions for specific items under Chapters 70, 73, 84, and 85 of ITC (HS) 2022, Schedule I. These changes apply to items used in solar and wind energy projects. From 01.11.2025, certain products like tempered safety glass, towers, bearing housings, gears, electric motors, photovoltaic cells, and generators must be registered on the Renewable Energy Equipment Import Monitoring System (REEIMS) of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy before import. The REEIMS registration is mandatory for all imports via air, sea, or land routes. Applications must be submitted two days in advance for air cargo and five days for sea or land shipments. Registrations are valid for three months, free of charge, and can cover multiple consignments for a specific port. Importers must declare the intended end-use of products during registration. This amendment ensures better monitoring of renewable energy equipment imports and aligns trade practices with India’s renewable energy goals. The revised import policy imposes specific conditions for HS Codes 70071900, 73082019, 84833000, 84834000, 85016420, 85016430, 85023100, 85030090, 85414200, and 85414300. Compliance with REEIMS registration is mandatory to clear customs and maintain smooth import operations.

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), has issued a new notification updating the export policy for meat and meat products. Starting from 29th October 2025, all exports of chilled and frozen meat of bovine animals, including boneless meat and edible offal like tongues and livers, will require proof of remittance to the Meat Export Development Fund (MEDF) managed by APEDA. This amendment ensures that exporters contribute to the development of the meat industry in India while complying with regulatory norms. The specific HS Codes affected are 02013000, 02023000, 02061000, 02062100, 02062200, and 02062900. Exports of these goods will be permitted only after submission of MEDF remittance proof. The update provides a transition period for exporters to comply with the new conditions. This step strengthens India’s meat export framework, promotes industry growth, and aligns with international trade standards. Exporters must follow these rules to avoid shipment delays or regulatory penalties.

Subject

Summary: The Government of India has extended the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme until March 31, 2026. This extension applies to exports from Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) units, Advance Authorisation (AA) holders, Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units, and Export Oriented Units (EOUs).  Under this scheme, exporters receive refunds for embedded non-creditable central, state, and local levies on inputs used in production. This ensures that taxes are not exported, enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian products. The existing RoDTEP rates and per-unit value caps remain unchanged.  However, the operation of the scheme is subject to the budgetary framework provided under Paragraph 4.54 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, ensuring that remissions during the financial year are managed within the approved allocation. For detailed information on eligible export items and applicable rates, exporters can refer to Appendix 4R (for DTA units) and Appendix 4RE (for AA/SEZ/EOU units).  This extension provides continued support to exporters, offering policy certainty and aiding in maintaining the momentum of India's export sector amid global trade challenges.

Subject

Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has revised the SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies) List under Appendix-3 of Schedule-II of ITC(HS) 2022. This update aligns India's export control framework with international standards, enhancing non-proliferation measures and addressing emerging technologies. The revised list includes new items under Category 7, covering certain emerging technologies and related items. To ensure a smooth transition, the changes will come into effect 30 days from the date of the notification, allowing stakeholders adequate time to comply. The updated list will be available on the DGFT website under the "Regulatory Updates" section.

Subject

Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has issued a notification updating the export policy for De-Oiled Rice Bran (DoRB) with immediate effect. Previously, exports under ITC HS codes 2302.40.00, 2306.90.19, 2306.90.29, and 2306.90.90 were prohibited until 30th September 2025. The DGFT has now allowed free export of all types of De-Oiled Rice Bran, including bran from cereals and oil-cake residues from other seeds, both expeller and solvent-extracted varieties. This amendment provides new international market opportunities, supports the rice processing and oil industry, and aligns with the Foreign Trade Policy 2023. Exporters can now legally ship DoRB without restrictions. This change strengthens India’s presence in global rice by-product markets and encourages growth in trade and revenue potential for businesses in the sector.