Law Updates

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), has announced an important amendment to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023. This change affects Advance Authorisation holders, EOUs, and SEZ units that import inputs covered under mandatory Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals (DCPC). Earlier, the export obligation (EO) period for such imports was only 6 months (180 days) from the date of clearance of consignments. With the latest DGFT notification, the EO period has now been extended to 18 months. This aligns the export obligation period with Para 4.40 of the Handbook of Procedures. The amendment provides more flexibility to Advance Authorisation holders while ensuring compliance with QCO requirements. This notification comes into effect immediately with the approval of the Minister of Commerce & Industry.

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), has issued notification on 22nd August 2025, amending the import policy conditions for specific items under Chapter 48 of ITC (HS) 2022, Schedule I. The amendment primarily targets Virgin Multi-layer Paper Board (VPB) under HS Codes 48059100, 48059200, 48059300, 48109200, and 48109900. Under the revised policy, all imports of these paper items continue to remain free but are now subject to compulsory registration under the Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS) as per policy condition 04 of the chapter. Additionally, a Minimum Import Price (MIP) of INR 67,220 per MT on CIF value is imposed for VPB imports with a CIF value below this threshold, and such imports are classified as “Restricted” until 31st March 2026. Stock lot imports remain prohibited as per earlier notifications. This policy change aims to regulate the import of VPB, ensuring fair trade practices and protecting domestic paper manufacturers. The notification is effective immediately and has been issued with the approval of the Minister of Commerce & Industry.

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), has announced the allocation of 5,841 MT of sugar for export from India to the European Union (EU) under the Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) for the period 2025-26 (October 2025 to September 2026). Export of sugar (HS Code 17010000) to the EU under TRQ is permitted as "Free" subject to conditions specified in Notification No. 03/2015-20. The Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) will oversee the export process, including issuing necessary certificates of origin. All reporting requirements and additional certifications, if any, must be followed as per previous notifications. This allocation aims to support India's sugar export to the EU market for the designated period.