Law Updates

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Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a new public notice on 29th October 2025, changing the procedure for Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) allocation of gold imports under the India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). As per the new amendment, applicants must now have Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) registration for hallmarking and GST registration to qualify for importing gold under HS Code 7108.  The earlier rule only stated that the import of Gold Dore under TRQ was not allowed. The updated rule adds mandatory BIS and GST requirements to ensure quality and tax compliance. DGFT has also introduced a competitive online bidding or tender system for TRQ allocation to make the process more transparent and efficient.  This change aims to improve the management of gold import quotas under the India–UAE CEPA framework. Eligible applicants for FY 2025–26 can apply online through the DGFT Import Management System on its official website. Details about the application timeline and bidding process will be issued every year through a Trade Notice. This step strengthens India’s gold import policy, ensures fair allocation, and supports trusted trade relations between India and the UAE under the CEPA agreement.

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Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has officially notified a new Standard Input Output Norm (SION) under the “Engineering & Electronic Items” category for mobile phone exports. Issued under File No. 01/81/171/00016/AM24-25/DES-II, this new entry, marked as SION C-2057, falls within the framework of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023. With the introduction of SION C-2057, Regional Authorities (RAs) are now empowered to issue Advance Authorisations directly, without forwarding individual applications to the Norms Committee. This move is expected to simplify the approval process, boost efficiency, and maintain regularity in export authorisation procedures. The new SION provides standardised input-output ratios for mobile phone manufacturing, ensuring clarity for exporters and reducing administrative delays. This update marks a vital step toward streamlining trade facilitation and encouraging India’s electronics export ecosystem under the current Foreign Trade Policy.

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Summary: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced a new food import entry point at the Air Cargo Complex, Kannur International Airport in Kerala. This update, issued by the Trade and International Cooperation Division, modifies the earlier FSSAI notification dated July 21, 2025.  The move ensures that all imported food consignments arriving at Kannur Airport will undergo strict safety and quality checks under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006, and the FSS (Imports) Regulations, 2017. The appointed Authorized Officer, with the designation of Superintendent, Appraiser, Inspector, or Examiner, will oversee all import clearances at this port.  This step strengthens India’s food import surveillance and regulatory framework, promoting safe and compliant food trade. The new administrative structure will remain in effect until further notice. This initiative reinforces FSSAI’s commitment to ensuring that every imported food product meets safety norms, protecting consumer health while supporting smoother import operations through the newly designated port code INCNN4 at Kannur International Airport.

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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.

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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.

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Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a Public Notice amending Appendix 2B of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, which lists the agencies authorised to issue Certificates of Origin (Preferential). Exercising powers under the FTP, the DGFT has officially added the authorised agencies permitted to issue Certificates of Origin (CoO) for the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). This amendment ensures that exporters seeking special tariff benefits under the India-EFTA TEPA can obtain CoOs from the designated agencies listed in the updated Appendix 2 B. The move aims to simplify certification processes, boost trade facilitation, and encourage smoother implementation of the newly effective India-EFTA TEPA framework. The Public Notice formally notifies and operationalises the inclusion of authorised agencies allowed to issue Preferential Certificates of Origin under the India-EFTA TEPA, ensuring clarity and compliance for stakeholders.