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DGFT Amends Prepared Culture Media Export Policy: New Certification Conditions for Exporters in 2026Summary: Indian exporters dealing in prepared culture media need to check an important change in the country's export policy. On 12 October 2026, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade ( DGFT ) issued Notification No. 44/2026-27, amending the export conditions for prepared culture media classified under ITC(HS) Code 38210000. The amendment does not restrict the export of these products. Prepared culture media remain under the Free export policy. What has changed is the provision for issuing a Shipment Clearance Certificate and a Health Certificate when the importing country asks for such documentation. Under the amended condition, CAPEXIL is responsible for issuing a consignment-wise Shipment Clearance Certificate. A Health Certificate, wherever required or mandated by the importing country, is to be issued jointly by CAPEXIL and the Regional Animal Quarantine Officer identified in the notification. For manufacturers, merchant exporters and businesses supplying laboratories overseas, this means that export documentation needs closer attention when certification is required. The product's HS code, plant particulars, invoice information and shipment details must be accurate. For organizations who are looking for DGFT export compliances, it is very important to first analyze whether the modified conditions are applicable to their goods and destination country. The notification becomes operative instantly and no transition period is prescribed. DGFT Notification No. 44/2026-27 at a Glance The notification has been issued by the Department of Commerce under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It amends the export policy entry for prepared culture media in Chapter 38 of Schedule II of ITC(HS) 2022. The notification makes one point particularly clear: the export policy continues to be Free. Exporters should therefore not confuse the revised documentation arrangement with a restriction on the export of prepared culture media. What Is Prepared Culture Media Under ITC(HS) Code 38210000? Prepared culture media are specially prepared substances used in laboratories to grow, develop or maintain microorganisms and cells. They provide the nutrients and conditions needed for laboratory cultures. Depending on their formulation, culture media may be used for microorganisms, including viruses in suitable host-cell systems, or for plant, human and animal cells. Such products are used in microbiology, biotechnology, research and laboratory testing. Which Products Are Covered? The description in DGFT Notification No. 44/2026-27 covers: Prepared Culture Media for Development or Maintenance of Micro-organisms (including viruses and the like) or of Plant, Human or Animal Cells. For exporters, the important point is that the notification applies to products falling under the specified tariff classification. It does not automatically cover every product used in a laboratory. For instance, laboratory instruments, general chemicals and testing equipment should not be assumed to fall under the same HS code merely because they are used alongside culture media. Why Does the HS Code Matter for Exports? The ITC(HS) code helps identify the export policy applicable to a product. An incorrect classification may lead a business to examine the wrong policy conditions or prepare documents using inconsistent product descriptions. Manufacturers and exporters should pay attention to three areas: Product identity: The description should accurately reflect what is being exported. Export policy classification: The applicable DGFT entry should match the product. Shipment records: The HS code and product particulars should be consistent across relevant export documents. Correct classification is particularly useful when an importing country asks for a certificate tied to the product being shipped. Regulatory Framework Governing Prepared Culture Media Exports in India India's export policy is governed by the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, along with the Foreign Trade Policy and product-specific import and export classifications. The prepared culture media amendment has been issued under this existing framework. It is a change to an export policy condition, not a separate law introducing a new licensing system. Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 The notification refers to Section 3 read with Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992. Section 3 empowers the Central Government to make provisions regulating imports and exports. Section 5 provides for the formulation and amendment of foreign trade policy. These provisions form part of the legal basis for revising product-specific trade conditions. Foreign Trade Policy 2023 The Foreign Trade Policy 2023 provides the broader policy framework for India's international trade. DGFT Notification No. 44/2026-27 refers specifically to paragraphs 1.02 and 2.01 of the policy, as amended from time to time. Exporters must consider the applicable foreign trade policy provisions alongside the particular export conditions attached to their products. Schedule II of ITC(HS) 2022 Schedule II contains export policy classifications for different goods. The products are identified through ITC(HS) codes, allowing businesses to determine whether a product is Free, Restricted, Prohibited or subject to other applicable policy conditions. Prepared culture media under Code 38210000 fall within Chapter 38. The notification retains their Free classification while revising the conditions concerning certificate issuance. What Has Changed Under DGFT Notification No. 44/2026-27? The amendment deals with the documents that may be needed when prepared culture media are exported to a country requiring shipment clearance or health certification. Previously, the policy entry shown in the notification classified the goods as Free. The revised entry continues that classification and adds a specific certificate-issuance arrangement. The change can be understood through three main points. 1. Prepared Culture Media Exports Remain Free The government has not placed prepared culture media under the Restricted or Prohibited export categories through this notification. Indian businesses can continue exporting covered goods under the Free policy classification, subject to other applicable requirements. No separate DGFT export licence requirement has been introduced by this amendment. 2. CAPEXIL Can Issue Shipment Clearance Certificates The revised condition provides for CAPEXIL to issue Shipment Clearance Certificates on a consignment-wise basis under the applicable importing-country requirement. The certificate identifies the exporter, manufacturing plant and relevant export shipment. Information such as the exporter's name, IEC number, plant approval number, product quantity, invoice particulars and destination must be included. 3. Health Certification Has a Specified Issuing Arrangement The notification also provides for a Health Certificate to be issued jointly by CAPEXIL and the Regional Animal Quarantine Officer, wherever required or mandated by the importing country. The certificate contains details concerning the product, HS code, packaging, origin, destination, vessel, departure date and relevant health requirements. The notification describes the exporter providing this Health Certificate to the buyer after shipment. The important distinction is that the notification provides a certificate-issuance arrangement; it does not say that both certificates must accompany every prepared culture media export. Old vs New Export Policy for Prepared Culture Media The change is easier to understand by comparing the earlier export policy entry with the amended position. The comparison shows that the underlying export classification has not changed. The new condition addresses how exporters may obtain documentation requested by an importing country. The notification does not establish that no certification requirements existed previously under other laws or destination-country regulations. It only confirms the amendment made to this particular DGFT export policy entry. Scope and Applicability of the Revised Export Policy The amended conditions apply to exports of prepared culture media falling under ITC(HS) Code 38210000. However, the certification arrangement becomes relevant depending on the requirements of the importing country. Manufacturers Exporting Prepared Culture Media Indian manufacturers supplying prepared culture media overseas should check whether their export destinations require shipment clearance or health certification. Where these documents are needed, accurate product and manufacturing plant particulars become especially important. A manufacturer should ensure that the details supplied for certification correspond with the actual goods being exported. Merchant Exporters Merchant exporters may purchase prepared culture media from manufacturers and sell them to international buyers. In these cases, the exporter may need to obtain accurate plant and product details from the manufacturer for the relevant certification documentation. The notification identifies the plant approval number and registered plant address among the Shipment Clearance Certificate particulars. MSME Exporters MSME exporters are not given a separate compliance category under this notification. Nevertheless, smaller businesses may find destination-specific certificate requirements more demanding when they have limited documentation staff. Checking the requirements before shipment can help avoid unnecessary preparation and confusion. Businesses Exporting to Countries With Health Certification Conditions This is the group for which the amendment may have the most immediate practical relevance. Where an importing country requires a Health Certificate or Shipment Clearance Certificate, the exporter should understand the arrangement specified by DGFT. The notification does not give a country-wise list, so exporters should verify the conditions applicable to their intended destination. Does Prepared Culture Media Still Have a Free Export Policy in India? Yes. Prepared culture media under ITC(HS) Code 38210000 remain Free for export from India. There is no change to Restricted or Prohibited status under Notification No. 44/2026-27. However, the Free classification must be understood alongside other applicable trade conditions. A product being Free under India's export policy does not mean the importing country cannot require additional documentation. An overseas authority may have its own requirements concerning product information, health certification or shipment records. The amended DGFT condition addresses how the specified certificates can be issued when the importing country requires them. For Indian exporters, the practical question is therefore not simply whether the product can be exported. It is also whether the destination country requires additional documents for the particular shipment. When Are Shipment Clearance and Health Certificates Required? One point exporters must get right is that the notification does not make both certificates compulsory for every prepared culture media shipment. The revised condition is linked to what the importing country requires. If the destination country insists on a Shipment Clearance Certificate or Health Certificate, the arrangement mentioned in the DGFT notification becomes relevant. What Should Exporters Check Before Shipping? Before dispatching prepared culture media, the exporter should check the documentary conditions applicable to the destination. Three questions deserve particular attention: Does the importing country require a Shipment Clearance Certificate? Where such certification is required, the amended condition identifies CAPEXIL as the issuing body. Is a Health Certificate also required? If it is, the notification provides for joint issuance by CAPEXIL and the designated Regional Animal Quarantine Officer. What information does the overseas buyer need? The exporter should confirm that the product description, origin, HS code and shipment particulars match the applicable importing-country requirements. This verification can help businesses avoid preparing unnecessary documents or overlooking those actually required for a shipment. Are Both Certificates Mandatory for Every Export? No blanket requirement of that nature is stated in Notification No. 44/2026-27. The notification addresses certificate issuance where the importing country insists on the relevant documentation. However, exporters should not assume that a certificate is unnecessary merely because the product is classified as Free under India's export policy. India's export classification and the destination country's import conditions must be considered separately. Can Prepared Culture Media Be Exported Without a Health Certificate? Where the importing country does not require the specified Health Certificate, this notification does not independently create a universal obligation to obtain one for every shipment. That does not remove any separate health, customs, biosecurity or other requirements that may apply under verified laws. An exporter should therefore confirm the actual destination requirements rather than treating the certificate as automatically necessary or unnecessary. Shipment Clearance Certificate Requirements for Prepared Culture Media Exports The Shipment Clearance Certificate is one of the two documents specifically addressed in the DGFT amendment. According to the notification, CAPEXIL is to issue this certificate on a consignment-wise basis under the applicable certification arrangement. The certificate records information about the exporter, manufacturing plant, product and shipment. What Is a Shipment Clearance Certificate? For the purpose of this amendment, a Shipment Clearance Certificate is a document identifying a particular export consignment and its relevant commercial and plant-related particulars. It helps connect the certification with a defined shipment rather than providing a general clearance covering every future export by the business. Who Issues the Certificate? CAPEXIL, the Chemicals and Allied Products Export Promotion Council, is identified as the issuing authority. CAPEXIL is an export promotion council established under the Ministry of Commerce framework for chemical and allied product exports. Its official resources also describe certification work in particular product sectors. The exact administrative process for prepared culture media under the new notification should be confirmed with CAPEXIL. Details Required for the Shipment Clearance Certificate The notification lists several particulars that the certificate must contain. Why Does the Plant Approval Number Matter? The notification expressly identifies a Plant Approval Number among the Shipment Clearance Certificate details. This means exporters need to check the relevance and availability of that identifier when preparing information for the certificate. However, the notification does not explain a new plant-approval application procedure for all prepared culture media manufacturers. CAPEXIL operates plant-approval arrangements in certain product sectors, but those arrangements should not automatically be applied to prepared culture media without confirmation. Manufacturers should seek clarification from the appropriate issuing authority where the plant-approval position is uncertain. What Does Consignment-Wise Certification Mean? Consignment-wise issuance means the certificate is connected to a specific export shipment. That shipment will have its own quantity, invoice information, loading port and destination. An exporter sending separate consignments should not assume that one certificate automatically covers all of them. The notification does not prescribe a fixed processing time, application format or certificate validity period for this product category. Health Certificate Requirements for Prepared Culture Media Exports The Health Certificate serves a different purpose from the Shipment Clearance Certificate. While the shipment clearance document identifies the exporter and consignment, the Health Certificate addresses product and shipment particulars together with the relevant health conditions. The certificate becomes relevant where it is required or mandated by the importing country. What Information Must the Health Certificate Contain? The notification identifies the following details: Product description and HS code: The certificate should identify the goods covered. Packaging: The packaging details relevant to the consignment must be provided. Origin: The origin of the exported product must be identified. Destination: The receiving destination must be stated. Vessel name: The applicable transport information must be included. Date of departure: The certificate must identify the shipment's departure date. Health requirements: Relevant requirements associated with the importing country must be addressed. These details help establish the relationship between the certificate and the exported consignment. Who Is Responsible for Issuing the Health Certificate? The DGFT notification provides for joint issuance by CAPEXIL and the Regional Animal Quarantine Officer, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. This is the authority description used in the notification. The certificate is not described as being issued by CAPEXIL alone. When Must the Health Certificate Be Provided? The notification states that after shipment is made, the exporter shall provide the Health Certificate to the buyer on a consignment-wise basis under the specified arrangement. The mention of vessel details and departure date is consistent with the document being linked to an actual shipment. However, no exact number of days for submission is prescribed. Exporters should confirm delivery and acceptance arrangements with the relevant parties before planning their shipment. Does the Amendment Introduce Mandatory Product Testing? The notification does not specify new laboratory test parameters, sampling methods or a universal testing procedure for prepared culture media. It refers to health requirements associated with the importing country. Where a destination country requires particular technical evidence, exporters should verify the applicable rules. A new mandatory testing regime should not be inferred from the Health Certificate provision alone. Role of CAPEXIL and the Regional Animal Quarantine Officer The two issuing arrangements should be kept separate because they involve different responsibilities. CAPEXIL's Role Under the new policy condition, CAPEXIL is responsible for issuing the Shipment Clearance Certificate on a consignment-wise basis. It is also one of the two authorities involved in issuing the Health Certificate. For exporters, CAPEXIL is therefore a relevant institution for understanding the certificate arrangements described in the notification. Role of the Regional Animal Quarantine Officer The Regional Animal Quarantine Officer participates in joint issuance of the Health Certificate wherever the importing country requires or mandates it. The notification identifies the officer's role but does not provide a separate detailed inspection, laboratory approval or application process. Businesses should verify operational procedures with the competent authorities. Why Coordination Matters An exporter may have to arrange accurate product information from the manufacturer, commercial details from the export team and shipment particulars from the logistics provider. Where health certification is applicable, the correct information must also reach the relevant issuing authorities. Maintaining clear communication can help prevent conflicting details from appearing in different records. Shipment Clearance Certificate vs Health Certificate: Key Differences The documents are not interchangeable. An overseas buyer asking for a Health Certificate is not necessarily requesting the same information contained in a Shipment Clearance Certificate. Before preparing either document, the exporter should confirm exactly what the importing country requires. Documents and Records Exporters Should Keep Ready The notification gives the information that must appear in the relevant certificates. It does not provide a complete supporting-document checklist for an online application. Exporters should distinguish between the details expressly specified in the notification and the records that may be useful for preparing those details. Exporter Identification Records IEC particulars, business name and registered address should be accurate. Where a business requires an IEC registration or an update independently of this amendment, professional Import Export Code registration services may be relevant. Product and Manufacturing Particulars The exporting business should check the nature of the prepared culture media, relevant quantity and plant information. Merchant exporters may need to coordinate with manufacturers to obtain accurate plant and product particulars. Commercial and Shipment Records Invoice information, destination, loading port, packaging, origin and transport details may be needed to prepare the relevant certificate information. This table is not a prescribed CAPEXIL application checklist. Exporters should confirm actual submission requirements with the issuing authority. Effective Date and Implementation of the DGFT Amendment Notification No. 44/2026-27 was issued on 12 October 2026 and takes effect immediately. The document does not provide a future commencement date, phased implementation schedule or separate transition period. Businesses should not assume that a grace period has been provided. At the same time, the immediate effective date does not make the certificates compulsory for destinations that do not require them under the applicable conditions. How Will the DGFT Amendment Affect Indian Exporters? The practical impact depends on the exporter, the product and the destination country. A business exporting prepared culture media to a market that requires the specified certificates may need to review its documentation arrangements. An exporter supplying a destination that does not impose those conditions may face no direct certificate-related change from this notification. Impact on Prepared Culture Media Manufacturers Manufacturers exporting directly may need to ensure that plant and product information is accurate and available. Where certification is required, their export teams should understand which details the issuing authority needs. Impact on Merchant Exporters Merchant exporters may depend on manufacturers for technical product descriptions and plant-related information. They should avoid relying on incomplete product descriptions when preparing shipment information. Impact on MSMEs Small exporters may need to devote additional staff time to certification coordination where overseas requirements make it necessary. However, the notification does not create a separate or stricter certification rule specifically for MSMEs. Impact on Export Compliance Teams Export compliance teams may need to check whether existing documentation procedures account for the new condition. This could include reviewing internal product classification records and establishing a clear process for confirming destination-country requirements. These are likely operational implications, not additional legal obligations established for each stakeholder. Benefits of the Revised Export Certification Arrangement For exporters dealing with overseas buyers who require additional certification, the amendment provides greater clarity about the authorities involved and the information needed for the specified certificates. 1. Clearer Certificate-Issuing Arrangement The notification identifies CAPEXIL as the authority for the Shipment Clearance Certificate and establishes the joint issuing arrangement for the Health Certificate. This helps exporters determine which institution is responsible for each document. 2. Continued Free Export Policy The government has retained the Free export classification for prepared culture media under ITC(HS) Code 38210000. Exporters should therefore understand the amendment as a change to the policy conditions rather than a general restriction on the product. 3. Better Understanding of Export Documentation The certificate provisions identify specific product, plant, exporter and shipment details. This data will allow the companies to evaluate their documentation process and rectify the lack or discrepancy in the details. 4. Helps in Meeting the Certification Requirements of the Importing Country In cases where an importing country needs these certificates, the notification has an issuance process under the Indian export policy. This may prove helpful for the exporter to meet any documentary requirement but the acceptability depends upon the requirement of the importing country. 5. Helps in Planning Shipment Efficiently Knowing the relevant authorities and certificate particulars may help exporters plan their documentation before dispatching goods. These benefits should be viewed as potential practical advantages. The notification does not guarantee certificate approval, faster customs clearance or reduced export costs. Challenges and Cost Implications for Exporters The amendment may also create practical questions for businesses exporting prepared culture media. The extent of these challenges will depend on whether certification is required for the intended destination. Understanding Different Countries' Requirements A business supplying multiple overseas markets cannot assume that one country's documentary rules apply to every destination. Where certification conditions differ, the exporter may need to check the applicable requirements separately. Obtaining Accurate Plant Information The Shipment Clearance Certificate contains the registered plant address and the Plant Approval Number. It is necessary for merchant exporters and traders to liaise with the manufacturers regarding these details. The notification does not specify a separate new plant-approval procedure for this product category. Managing Certificate-Related Information Shipment details may come from different departments or service providers. For instance, the commercial team may hold invoice information while the logistics team handles vessel and departure particulars. The exporter should make sure the details submitted for certification correspond to the actual consignment. Additional Administrative Costs Certification arrangements may involve document preparation, staff time and communication with the relevant authorities. However, no specific certificate fee for prepared culture media is prescribed in Notification No. 44/2026-27. CAPEXIL publishes a fee schedule for various services, including certain animal by-product certification activities. Those published charges should not automatically be treated as the applicable fees for prepared culture media under this amendment. Exporters should obtain confirmation of any relevant charges directly from CAPEXIL. Common Export Documentation Risks to Avoid A business can have a correctly classified product and still encounter documentation difficulties if the information supplied for a particular consignment is inconsistent. The following risks deserve attention. 1. Assuming the amendment has restricted exports The policy remains Free. The amendment should not be described as a general export ban or restriction. 2. Treating the certificates as universally mandatory This is because the notification connects the certification system to the needs of the importing country. 3. Employing the wrong HS code Classification under ITC(HS) Code 38210000 should be used in evaluating the product. 4. Failure to include plant information The Shipment Clearance Certificate requires information on the registered plant address and Plant Approval Number. 5. Mistaking Shipment Clearance and Health Certificates They contain different information and issuance systems. 6. The assumption that the processing time is constant The notification gives no timeframe for the issuance of either of the certificates. 7. Disregarding needs of foreign buyers Exporters should establish what documentation the importing country actually requires. 8. Relying on unverified certification procedures Any application portal, fee, supporting-document list or administrative process should be confirmed with the relevant authority. These are documentation and interpretation risks. The notification itself does not prescribe a new penalty schedule for them. What Should Prepared Culture Media Exporters Do Next? Exporters should assess whether the amended policy applies to their products and whether the intended destination requires certification. The following actions provide a practical approach. They are not a government-prescribed application procedure. Step 1: Confirm the Correct Product Classification Check whether the goods fall under ITC(HS) Code 38210000. Product classification should be based on the actual goods rather than a broad laboratory product category. Step 2: Review the DGFT Amendment Read Notification No. 44/2026-27 and identify the certificate-related conditions. Pay particular attention to the continued Free policy classification. Step 3: Verify the Importing-Country Requirements Confirm whether the destination country requires a Shipment Clearance Certificate, Health Certificate or another form of documentation. Where necessary, seek clarification from the overseas buyer or competent authority. Step 4: Prepare Accurate Export Information Where the certificate arrangement applies, organise the relevant exporter, IEC, plant, product, quantity and shipment particulars. Ensure that the information corresponds with the actual consignment. Step 5: Confirm the Applicable Certification Procedure Contact CAPEXIL or the other designated authority, as relevant, to establish the current process. Do not assume that general certification procedures published for unrelated products also apply to prepared culture media. Step 6: Review Documents Before Submission Check that information such as invoice number, product description, port of loading, destination and transport particulars is accurate. Step 7: Maintain Suitable Records Maintain the relevant records and communications in accordance with the record-keeping requirements and policies of the business. There is no retention period specified in the notice for these certificates. Best Practices for Prepared Culture Media Export Compliance Exporters can make their documentation arrangements more reliable by following a few practical measures. Check the DGFT export policy entry regularly. Product-specific conditions can change through notifications, and businesses should work from the applicable version. Confirm destination requirements before dispatch. Certification needs should be established for the actual importing country. Maintain accurate product descriptions. The product details in relevant commercial and certification records should correspond. Review IEC and business particulars. Exporter identification details should be current and accurate. Coordinate with manufacturers. Merchant exporters should obtain reliable product and plant information where required. Keep proper shipment records. Information regarding invoice number, quantity, destination and mode of transportation should refer to the right consignment. Clear up confusing specifications. Inquiries about issuing authority, procedure, or import country situations should be clarified through competent sources. None of these recommendations should be mistaken for a separate certification process newly prescribed by DGFT. How Corpseed Can Help with DGFT Export Compliance Services Businesses exporting prepared culture media may need help understanding the amended DGFT policy conditions, reviewing their product classification or arranging accurate export documentation. Corpseed provides services related to DGFT licensing, Import Export Code registration and export regulatory matters. For exporters affected by Notification No. 44/2026-27, the most relevant areas of assistance include the following. DGFT Export Policy Applicability Assessment Businesses need to establish whether their goods are covered by the notified ITC(HS) classification. Corpseed's regulatory consulting support can assist exporters in reviewing the relevant policy entry and understanding the conditions attached to it. Export Documentation Services Where an overseas buyer requires certification, accurate documentation becomes important. Export documentation support can help businesses review exporter identification, product descriptions, invoice particulars and shipment details. Import Export Code Registration Services An IEC is an important identification requirement for businesses engaged in India's import-export trade framework. Corpseed offers Import Export Code registration services for businesses that need assistance obtaining or updating their IEC. The prepared culture media amendment does not itself impose a new IEC registration requirement on existing exporters. DGFT Licence and Regulatory Consulting Businesses dealing with different product categories may need help distinguishing Free exports from goods that independently require export authorisation. Corpseed's DGFT licence consultancy services can support relevant export licensing and regulatory matters where applicable. However, exporters should not apply for a restricted export licence solely because prepared culture media are covered by Notification No. 44/2026-27. CAPEXIL-Related Compliance Guidance Where the importing country requires the specified certificates, exporters may need assistance understanding the relevant documentation and the role of CAPEXIL. Corpseed can provide regulatory and documentation guidance within the scope of its services. The certificates themselves must be issued by the authorities specified in the notification. International Trade Compliance Consulting Exporting to different markets internationally means that companies may have different documentation. Export consulting will assist companies in examining the trade regulations applicable to India and issues related to destinations. Ongoing Regulatory Compliance Support Businesses engaged in regular international trade should review policy changes relevant to their products. Corpseed's regulatory compliance services can assist with applicable policy interpretation and internal compliance planning. Need assistance with prepared culture media export compliance? Corpseed's DGFT export compliance services can help manufacturers and exporters understand applicable policy conditions, review documentation and identify relevant regulatory requirements before planning their shipments. Key Takeaways DGFT Notification No. 44/2026-27 dated 12 October 2026 modifies the export policy conditions of prepared culture media, which are included in ITC (HS) Code 38210000. The modification does not prohibit any exports. The commodity code continues to be Free, but the modified policy allows the issuance of Shipment Clearance Certificates and Health Certificates wherever required by the importing country. The main points exporters should remember are: The notification applies to prepared culture media under ITC(HS) Code 38210000. The Free Export Policy classification continues. CAPEXIL is identified as the authority issuing consignment-wise Shipment Clearance Certificates. Health Certificates are to be jointly issued by CAPEXIL and the designated Regional Animal Quarantine Officer wherever required or mandated by the importing country. Exporters should verify destination-country requirements and ensure that relevant product and shipment particulars are accurate. Businesses should assess the specific requirements applicable to their export transactions rather than assuming that the amendment creates the same certification obligation for every shipment.
Subject
Animal Feed BIS Certification Made Mandatory Under Quality Control Order 2026Summary: Manufacturers who are involved in manufacturing particular animal feed ingredients have to get prepared for BIS certification to be made mandatory in India. The Central Government has brought out the 'Animal Feeds and Feed Ingredients (Quality Control) Order, 2026' that requires manufacturers of three types of animal feed ingredients to satisfy the required Indian Standards before the dates of compliance. This Order has been issued by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying on 7 October 2026 under notification S.O. 5576(E) and was published in the Official Gazette on 12 October 2026. The three animal feed ingredients concerned include mineral mixtures used for supplementary feeding of cattle, dicalcium phosphate of animal feed grade and common salt and cattle licks meant for consumption by animals. The government has also provided different implementation dates. General enterprises must comply from 1 April 2027, small enterprises from 1 July 2027 and micro enterprises from 1 October 2027. For businesses manufacturing these products, the important question is whether their existing product specifications, testing arrangements and manufacturing facilities meet the applicable BIS certification requirements. Animal Feed Quality Control Order 2026: Notification at a Glance These notifications make compliance with the requirements of conformity of the products and use of the BIS Standard Mark mandatory for designated animal feeds. Particular Details Notification Animal Feeds and Feed Ingredients (Quality Control) Order, 2026 Notification number S.O. 5576(E) Issuing authority Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying Ministry Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Order date 7 October 2026 Gazette publication 12 October 2026 Order commencement 12 October 2026 Governing law Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 Relevant section Section 16 Certification framework Scheme-I of Schedule-II, BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 Indian Standards IS 1664, IS 5470 and IS 920 Implementation for general enterprises 1 April 2027 Implementation for small enterprises 1 July 2027 Implementation for micro enterprises 1 October 2027 Certification authority Bureau of Indian Standards Export exemption Goods or articles meant for export Non-compliance Punishable under the applicable provisions of the BIS Act, 2016 The key difference is that while the Order came into effect on 12 October 2026, the mandatory requirements for conformity of the products will be implemented from the respective dates of implementation applicable to the category of enterprises. What Is the Animal Feeds and Feed Ingredients (Quality Control) Order, 2026? The Animal Feeds and Feed Ingredients (Quality Control) Order, 2026 is a government regulation that makes compliance with specified Indian Standards mandatory for three animal feed ingredient categories. Previously, compliance with the Indian Standards would be voluntary unless there was any other law applicable which made adherence mandatory. However, under this Order, adherence to the standards notified becomes mandatory from the respective implementation dates. A manufacturer producing any of the listed products must ensure that the product meets the applicable standard and carries the BIS Standard Mark under a valid licence. What Does a Quality Control Order Mean? A Quality Control Order, commonly called a QCO, is issued by the Central Government to make compliance with particular Indian Standards compulsory. Normally, an Indian Standard provides technical specifications that manufacturers may use to assess product quality. When the government brings a product under a QCO, the requirements identified in that Order become legally binding from the applicable date. For animal feed ingredient manufacturers, the 2026 Order means that producing goods according to their own internal specifications will not be sufficient if those goods fall within the notified categories. The products must satisfy the relevant Indian Standard. Does This Order Apply to All Animal Feed Products? No. The Order identifies only three product categories: Mineral mixtures for supplementing cattle feeds. Dicalcium Phosphate, animal feed grade. Common salt and cattle licks for animal consumption. Other animal feed products should not automatically be treated as covered by this particular notification. Their compliance requirements must be assessed separately under any applicable law or standard. Which Animal Feed Ingredients Require BIS Certification Under the New Order? The government has identified three products and assigned a separate Indian Standard to each. These standards form the basis for the mandatory conformity and certification requirements. 1. Mineral Mixtures for Supplementing Cattle Feeds – IS 1664 Mineral mixtures are used in cattle feeding to provide essential minerals as part of animal nutrition. Manufacturers may produce these mixtures for supply to dairy farms, feed manufacturers, distributors or other businesses involved in livestock feeding. Under the new Order, mineral mixtures for supplementing cattle feeds fall under IS 1664. Manufacturers dealing in this product category must review their formulations and production practices against the applicable standard. What manufacturers should check: Whether the manufactured item is covered under IS 1664. Whether the current formulae comply with the particular specification. Whether the factory has proper quality control facilities. What testing is required under the applicable standard. Whether the manufacturer needs to obtain a new BIS licence or review an existing one. The Order covers mineral mixtures for supplementing cattle feeds. It should not be interpreted as automatically requiring every type of complete cattle feed to obtain certification under IS 1664. 2. Dicalcium Phosphate, Animal Feed Grade – IS 5470 Dicalcium phosphate is used as a source of calcium and phosphorus in animal feed formulations. The material can be manufactured for different purposes, so identifying the correct grade is important. The notification specifically covers Dicalcium Phosphate, animal feed grade, under IS 5470. Manufacturers producing this feed-grade material must examine whether their products meet the standard's technical requirements. This may involve reviewing product specifications, manufacturing controls and applicable testing arrangements. Important considerations for manufacturers: Confirm that the product is intended for animal feed use. Check the latest applicable version of IS 5470. Compare existing specifications with the standard. Review the relevant BIS certification procedure. Prepare the manufacturing unit for applicable conformity assessment requirements. The Order does not itself list detailed chemical composition limits or testing values. These must be checked directly in the applicable Indian Standard. 3. Common Salt and Cattle Licks for Animal Consumption – IS 920 The third notified category includes common salt and cattle licks intended for animal consumption. These products may be used in livestock feeding arrangements to supply salt to animals. The applicable standard is IS 920. Manufacturers dealing in goods covered by this standard will have to follow the relevant conformity requirements and obtain the necessary BIS licence before the applicable date. Businesses should review: The intended use of the product. Whether it falls within the scope of IS 920. Existing quality specifications. Product testing requirements. BIS licensing and Standard Mark conditions. The notification should not be interpreted as making all types of common salt subject to IS 920. Product classification and the scope of the standard must be checked carefully. Animal Feed Products and Applicable BIS Standards Animal feed ingredient BIS Standard IS 920 Mineral mixtures for supplementing cattle feeds IS 1664 Mineral mixtures for supplementing cattle feeds - Specification Dicalcium Phosphate, animal feed grade IS 5470 Dicalcium Phosphate, animal feed grade - Specification Common salt and cattle licks for animal consumption IS 920 Specification for common salt and cattle licks for animal consumption All three standards are expressly identified in the Gazette notification. When Will BIS Certification Become Mandatory for Animal Feed Ingredients? The government has not fixed a single implementation date for every manufacturer. Instead, the Animal Feed QCO 2026 provides separate dates for general, small and micro enterprises. The phased schedule gives smaller manufacturers additional time to prepare for mandatory compliance. BIS Certification Implementation Timeline Enterprise category Compliance date 1 October 2027 General enterprises, excluding micro and small enterprises 1 April 2027 All three notified product categories Small enterprises 1 July 2027 All three notified product categories Micro enterprises 1 October 2027 All three notified product categories General Enterprises: 1 April 2027 Manufacturers that do not qualify as micro or small enterprises must comply from 1 April 2027. This is the earliest implementation date under the notification. Businesses falling within this category should prioritise product testing arrangements, manufacturing readiness and the applicable BIS licence process. Small Enterprises: 1 July 2027 Small enterprises have until 1 July 2027 to meet the requirements. The additional time may help manufacturers review existing production facilities, understand applicable testing requirements and prepare the necessary certification information. However, small enterprises are not permanently exempt from the Order. Micro Enterprises: 1 October 2027 Micro enterprises receive the latest implementation date of 1 October 2027. This gives them more time to assess their manufacturing arrangements and prepare for mandatory certification. Micro enterprises should still begin reviewing the applicable standards well before the deadline, particularly where changes to existing quality controls may be necessary. How Should Businesses Identify Their Enterprise Category? The Order refers to micro and small enterprises as defined under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006. Manufacturers should verify their classification using the applicable statutory criteria. A business should not assume it qualifies for a later date simply because it operates on a relatively small scale or holds an MSME-related registration. The actual enterprise classification must support the implementation date being claimed. Who Must Comply With the Animal Feed Quality Control Order 2026? The notification applies to the goods and articles listed in its schedule. Manufacturers producing these goods are the main businesses that need to prepare for BIS product certification. However, the Order can also affect importers, distributors and businesses purchasing these ingredients for animal feed production. Animal Feed Ingredient Manufacturers Manufacturers producing the notified ingredients must ensure that the products conform to the applicable Indian Standards. They also need to obtain the necessary BIS licence to use the Standard Mark. A business manufacturing more than one notified product should examine the certification requirements for each applicable standard rather than assume that one licence automatically covers everything it produces. Micro and Small Enterprises Micro and small enterprises have separate implementation dates. The additional time is useful for smaller manufacturers that may need to arrange product testing, improve quality control systems or prepare for BIS certification. However, the extended implementation period should not be confused with a permanent exemption. Importers of Animal Feed Ingredients Importers sourcing the notified products from foreign manufacturers should assess the applicable BIS requirements before arranging future shipments. The QCO does not establish a separate importer registration scheme, but imported goods intended for the Indian market may still be subject to the notified product conformity requirements. Where certification is required, the appropriate route for foreign manufacturers should be checked under the BIS framework. Distributors and Suppliers Distributors may not manufacture the products themselves, but they should understand the certification requirements applicable to goods they purchase and supply. For example, a distributor sourcing feed-grade dicalcium phosphate should check whether the supplier's goods meet the relevant requirements once the Order becomes applicable. Animal Feed Producers Purchasing These Ingredients Businesses using the covered ingredients in their own feed formulations should review their procurement arrangements. This does not mean that all finished feed products become subject to BIS certification under this Order. Rather, buyers should establish whether the ingredients they purchase fall within the notified product categories and whether their suppliers meet the applicable requirements. What Are the Mandatory BIS Certification and ISI Marking Requirements? The Order contains two connected requirements: conformity with the specified Indian Standard and use of the BIS Standard Mark under a valid licence. Meeting only one of these requirements is not enough. Compliance With the Applicable Indian Standard Manufacturers must ensure that the covered product conforms to the relevant standard. The applicable standards are: IS 1664 for mineral mixtures for supplementing cattle feeds. IS 5470 for dicalcium phosphate, animal feed grade. IS 920 for common salt and cattle licks for animal consumption. The relevant standard provides the technical basis for assessing conformity. Manufacturers should consult its current applicable edition, including amendments. Requirement to Obtain a BIS Licence The notification requires the Standard Mark to be used under a licence granted by BIS. This means that a manufacturer cannot simply print the ISI Mark on product packaging after conducting its own testing. The manufacturer must obtain authorisation through the applicable certification procedure. BIS uses Scheme-I for product certification under the ISI Mark scheme. The framework includes assessment of manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, quality control arrangements and testing capabilities. Can One BIS Licence Cover All Three Products? Manufacturers should not assume that a licence for one Indian Standard automatically covers the other two. BIS licences have an approved product scope. The business must check which products, varieties and standards are covered by its licence. Where a factory manufactures several notified products, the certification requirements for each applicable product category should be assessed. Can Products Carry the ISI Mark Before BIS Approval? No. A pending application or test report does not independently authorise use of the BIS Standard Mark. The mark must be used under the applicable BIS licence and in accordance with its conditions. Unauthorised Standard Mark use can create a separate compliance concern under the BIS Act. How Can Manufacturers Obtain BIS Certification for Animal Feed Ingredients? Manufacturers seeking BIS certification for animal feed should begin by understanding their product standard and assessing whether the factory can consistently manufacture conforming products. The BIS licensing process is not limited to submitting an application. The Bureau evaluates the relevant manufacturing and testing arrangements before granting a licence. The following stages reflect the general Scheme-I process described in official BIS guidance. Product-specific requirements must still be verified. Step 1: Identify the Product and Indian Standard The manufacturer should determine whether the product falls under IS 1664, IS 5470 or IS 920. This would involve analyzing the use and technical specifications of the product instead of just considering its trade name. Step 2: Check Manufacturing Infrastructure It is expected from the BIS that manufacturers should possess proper infrastructure to produce products according to the Indian Standard. Businesses should review their machinery, production arrangements, process controls and quality control facilities. Any identified gaps should be addressed according to the applicable requirements. Step 3: Arrange Product Testing The manufacturer must establish conformity with the relevant Indian Standard. Under BIS's general Scheme-I process, product conformity may be assessed through testing at the manufacturing premises, third-party laboratory testing or a combination, depending on the applicable route. The specific tests must be taken from the relevant standard and certification procedure. Step 4: Prepare the Application Manufacturers should compile the information required under the current BIS application procedure. This generally involves identifying the manufacturing unit, product, relevant standard and associated production and quality control arrangements. The complete document requirements should be checked before submission. Step 5: Submit the Application Through BIS BIS receives product certification applications online through the Manak Online portal. The applicants must adhere to the latest instructions and licensing requirements for Scheme-I. Step 6: BIS Assessment and Verification BIS evaluates the manufacturing unit and assesses its capability to produce conforming products. The assessment can involve reviewing process controls, manufacturing infrastructure, testing capability and product conformity. The exact procedure depends on the relevant licensing route. Step 7: Grant of BIS Licence Once the applicable requirements have been satisfactorily completed, BIS may grant the licence. The manufacturer should carefully review the approved product scope and conditions before using the Standard Mark. Step 8: Continue Meeting Licence Conditions After certification, the manufacturer remains responsible for maintaining product conformity. The applicable BIS framework includes provisions concerning surveillance, licence renewal and handling product non-conformity. Manufacturers should maintain appropriate production and quality control practices throughout the period of certification. What Documents Are Required for Animal Feed BIS Certification? The Animal Feed Quality Control Order does not provide a separate document checklist. Document or information Purpose Requirement status Manufacturing unit details Identify the factory applying for certification Subject to BIS application requirements Product description Identify the product and applicable standard Needed to determine certification scope Manufacturing process information Explain how the product is produced Subject to the applicable procedure Machinery and equipment information Establish manufacturing capabilities As applicable Quality control information Demonstrate conformity controls Subject to BIS assessment requirements Testing facility details Explain available testing arrangements As applicable Product test reports Support product conformity assessment According to the certification route Business authorisation and applicant details Establish the applicant's identity and authority As required by BIS Internal manufacturing records Support production and quality control review Recommended where relevant; specific mandatory records depend on BIS requirements Manufacturers should avoid submitting outdated or inconsistent product information, particularly where the product name and intended use determine the applicable standard. What Exemptions Apply Under the Animal Feed QCO 2026? The notification provides an express exemption for goods meant for export. It also establishes later implementation dates for micro and small enterprises. These two provisions should be understood separately. Exemption for Goods Meant for Export The Order states that its provisions do not apply to goods or articles meant for export. This means goods qualifying under the export exemption are outside this particular QCO's requirements. However, businesses must still consider any separate export rules, destination-country standards and contractual requirements applicable to those goods. Special Implementation Dates for Micro Enterprises Micro enterprises must comply from 1 October 2027. The later date gives these businesses more time to prepare, but it does not remove the mandatory certification requirement once the date arrives. Special Implementation Dates for Small Enterprises Small enterprises must comply from 1 July 2027. Manufacturers should use this period to assess their product standards and certification arrangements. Are Existing Stocks Exempt? The notification does not expressly provide an exemption for existing inventory. Businesses should therefore avoid assuming that goods manufactured or stocked before the implementation date can automatically be sold without regard to the applicable requirements afterward. Any stock-specific arrangement would need to be supported by an applicable official provision. Are Research and Development Products Exempt? The Order does not expressly identify a separate research and development exemption. Manufacturers should not assume that an exemption available under another QCO automatically applies here. What Are the Testing and Quality Requirements for Animal Feed Ingredients? Product testing is one part of establishing conformity with the applicable Indian Standard. Manufacturers should understand what their standard requires before arranging laboratory testing or changing existing production processes. Product Specifications The three notified products have different technical characteristics. Mineral mixtures, feed-grade dicalcium phosphate and common salt or cattle licks cannot be assessed as though they are the same product. Each has its own applicable standard, which must be consulted for the relevant specifications. Laboratory Testing The BIS certification framework requires product conformity to be established through the applicable testing arrangements. Manufacturers should check the required tests, sampling arrangements and recognised testing routes before preparing an application. The QCO itself does not prescribe exact laboratory tests or technical acceptance values. Manufacturing Quality Control Manufacturers should assess how they maintain consistency during normal production. Relevant internal considerations may include raw material checks, production controls, finished-product verification and handling products that do not meet specifications. Any mandatory testing or record-keeping obligations must be taken from the relevant standard or BIS certification conditions. Changes to Indian Standards One provision deserves particular attention. The notification states that the latest version of the applicable Indian Standards, including amendments notified by BIS, will apply. Manufacturers should therefore monitor changes to IS 1664, IS 5470 and IS 920. BIS provides product manuals and guidance concerning standard revisions through its official product certification resources. What Happens If Manufacturers Fail to Comply With the Animal Feed QCO? The notification states that contravention of its provisions is punishable under the BIS Act, 2016. It does not introduce a separate monetary penalty specifically for the three animal feed ingredients. The applicable statutory consequences depend on the nature of the violation and the relevant provisions of the Act. Legal Consequences Businesses may face action under the BIS Act where the relevant requirements are violated. Manufacturing covered products without meeting the applicable mandatory conformity requirements or using the Standard Mark without authorisation can raise different statutory issues. Specific fines or imprisonment provisions should only be stated after verifying the precise section applicable to the conduct. Potential Business Consequences The problem of non-compliance could also influence the business process. Supplier Issues: The buyer could insist on the need for proof that the product complies with the relevant BIS standard. Manufacturing Issues: Manufacturers that discover non-compliance later will require more time for corrections. Certification Issues: Incomplete application forms or unresolved technical issues can impact the certification process. Business Conflicts: Already existing supplier agreements could be reconsidered due to the requirement of compliance. These are possible practical consequences. They are not separate penalties automatically imposed by the notification. How Will the Animal Feed Quality Control Order 2026 Affect Businesses? The new requirements will affect manufacturers differently depending on their size, products and existing quality control arrangements. Some businesses may already manufacture products that meet the relevant Indian Standards but still need BIS licensing. Others may need to make technical changes before they can demonstrate conformity. Impact on Animal Feed Ingredient Manufacturers Manufacturers covered by the Order must review whether their existing products meet the prescribed specifications. This may involve checking formulations, testing arrangements and quality control practices. Businesses without BIS certification experience may also need time to understand the licensing process and prepare the required information. Impact on Micro and Small Enterprises Smaller manufacturers have additional time under the phased implementation schedule. However, certification preparation can involve technical work, documentation and expenditure. For a micro enterprise without dedicated testing facilities, identifying the applicable assessment requirements may be an important early step. Impact on Larger Manufacturers General enterprises face the earliest implementation date, 1 April 2027. Manufacturers operating several production lines should establish which products fall within the notification and whether their existing certification arrangements cover those products. Impact on Ingredient Suppliers and Distributors Businesses supplying mineral mixtures, feed-grade dicalcium phosphate or cattle licks may face more requests for certification details from buyers. Suppliers should check the conformity status of their products and avoid making unsupported claims about BIS approval. Impact on Animal Feed Producers Businesses purchasing the notified ingredients for use in their own feed products may need to review their supplier verification practices. Checking whether the relevant ingredients conform to applicable standards can become part of routine procurement planning. Business category Likely impact Recommended action Feed ingredient manufacturers Mandatory conformity and certification requirements Assess applicable BIS licensing needs Micro enterprises Implementation from October 2027 Use additional time for technical preparation Small enterprises Implementation from July 2027 Plan certification activities before the deadline General enterprises Implementation from April 2027 Prioritise certification readiness Suppliers and distributors Greater need for product conformity verification Review supplier and product information Animal feed producers Possible changes in ingredient procurement checks Verify applicable supplier certification What Are the Costs and Challenges of BIS Certification for Animal Feed Manufacturers? BIS certification may involve application charges, testing expenses and the cost of preparing manufacturing facilities for assessment. The notification does not prescribe a separate fee schedule for the covered products. Therefore, manufacturers should check the current applicable BIS fees and product-specific requirements before estimating the total expenditure. 1. BIS Application and Licence Fees BIS certification process includes different components of charges. The charge amount will depend upon the certification procedures involved and the prevailing fee structure. It is advised that the manufacturers get the exact charges for the concerned products from the BIS office. 2. Charges for Product Testing Charges for product testing will depend upon the testing requirements and route as per the concerned Indian Standards. For example, the requirements for mineral mixtures may differ from those for feed-grade dicalcium phosphate. Manufacturers should first determine which tests are applicable before budgeting for laboratory services. 3. Manufacturing Facility Preparation Some factories may need to review their production processes, quality controls or testing capabilities. Where existing arrangements already meet the relevant requirements, fewer changes may be necessary. Any expenditure should therefore be based on an actual assessment rather than an assumption that every manufacturer needs new equipment. 4. Documentation and Application Preparation Preparing an application may require coordination between management, production staff and quality personnel. The information submitted to BIS should accurately describe the factory and products. Incomplete or inconsistent information may lead to additional queries during assessment. 5. Ongoing Compliance Costs After obtaining certification, manufacturers must continue meeting the relevant standards and licence conditions. This may involve ongoing testing, quality monitoring and applicable BIS fees. The exact costs depend on the manufacturer and the relevant certification framework. What Benefits Could Mandatory BIS Certification Bring to the Animal Feed Industry? The government has made conformity with specified Indian Standards compulsory for the notified animal feed ingredients. For manufacturers and buyers, the use of recognised product specifications may offer several practical benefits. Consistent Product Specifications Indian Standards provide a common technical reference for manufacturers producing the same category of goods. This would enable companies to check for product compliance based on their requirements instead of focusing only on different internal standards. Better Quality Assessment of Products BIS certification entails quality assessment of products and manufacturing capacity. This can encourage manufacturers to maintain suitable quality control arrangements. Greater Confidence in Supplier Documentation Buyers purchasing notified feed ingredients may use BIS certification information when assessing suppliers. This provides an additional basis for checking product conformity. Clearer Manufacturing Requirements Manufacturers can refer to the relevant Indian Standard when reviewing production and testing practices. This may help identify technical gaps before they affect business operations. Improved Compliance Awareness The phased implementation schedule provides manufacturers with clear dates for preparing their certification arrangements. Businesses that begin reviewing the requirements early may be better placed to address technical or administrative issues. These are potential benefits. BIS certification does not automatically guarantee better livestock productivity, increased sales or higher profits. How Can Animal Feed Manufacturers Prepare for the 2027 BIS Certification Deadlines? Manufacturers should begin by reviewing their products and existing production arrangements. The aim is to identify any certification requirements early enough to complete the applicable process before the implementation date. Step 1: Identify Covered Products Check whether the business manufactures mineral mixtures for supplementing cattle feeds, feed-grade dicalcium phosphate or common salt and cattle licks for animal consumption. Review the exact product scope rather than relying only on trade names. Step 2: Check the Applicable Standard Identify whether IS 1664, IS 5470 or IS 920 applies. Obtain the latest applicable standard and review its requirements. Step 3: Confirm the Enterprise Category Establish whether the manufacturer falls within the micro, small or other enterprise category. Use the classification to determine the applicable compliance date. Step 4: Assess Existing Product Quality Check the present specifications and test procedures. Compare these with the Indian Standard. Step 5: Review Manufacturing Capabilities Examine production equipment, process controls and quality control facilities. In cases where changes are needed, develop an appropriate action plan. Step 6: Verify BIS Licensing Criteria Take into account the current procedure for Scheme-I certification and any other product-specific guidance. Confirm which documents, testing arrangements and assessments are required. Step 7: Prepare the Certification Application Collect proper data related to the product and factory. These applications can be made through the BIS website according to the required process. Step 8: Complete the Necessary Certification Process Allow sufficient time for applicable testing, verification, BIS assessment and responses to queries. Manufacturers should not assume that a particular application will be approved within a fixed period. Step 9: Review Standard Mark Conditions After receiving the appropriate licence, check the approved product scope and conditions governing use of the Standard Mark. Step 10: Maintain Product Conformity Continued observation of the quality of production and any changes in the relevant Indian Standard is necessary. It should be noted that certification should not be a one-off paperwork exercise. Animal Feed BIS Certification Compliance Checklist Manufacturers can use the following checklist to organise their preparation. Compliance activity What manufacturers should check Status Product identification Whether the product falls under the QCO Required applicability check Indian Standard IS 1664, IS 5470 or IS 920 Required for covered products Enterprise classification Micro, small or other enterprise Determines implementation date Product conformity Compliance with relevant specifications Mandatory from applicable date BIS licence Authorisation under the applicable Scheme-I framework Mandatory for Standard Mark use Testing arrangements Applicable tests and conformity evidence According to BIS requirements Quality control Appropriate manufacturing and testing capabilities According to certification requirements Application preparation Accurate information and supporting records As required by BIS Standard Mark Use under a valid BIS licence Mandatory for covered goods Standards monitoring Review of applicable amendments Recommended ongoing control The checklist should be used alongside the official notification and current BIS product certification requirements. What Should Animal Feed Businesses Do Next? Manufacturers should first establish whether their products fall within the three categories covered by the Animal Feed Quality Control Order 2026. Businesses subject to the 1 April 2027 deadline should give immediate attention to the applicable Indian Standards and BIS licensing requirements. Small and micro enterprises have additional preparation time, but they should avoid waiting until the last few weeks before implementation to assess their facilities or begin certification work. Companies purchasing these ingredients should also review supplier arrangements and understand the conformity requirements that may affect their procurement activities. The most useful starting point is a product-wise compliance assessment covering the applicable standard, enterprise classification, manufacturing readiness and BIS certification status. How Corpseed Can Help With BIS Certification for Animal Feed Manufacturers dealing with the notified animal feed ingredients may need assistance understanding the applicable BIS standards, preparing certification applications and assessing their manufacturing arrangements. Corpseed offers BIS certification services in India to help businesses understand the relevant requirements and prepare for the applicable licensing process. BIS Certification Applicability Assessment Corpseed can assist businesses in examining whether their products fall within the Animal Feed Quality Control Order 2026. This includes identifying the applicable Indian Standard and implementation date. BIS Licence Application Assistance Manufacturers seeking BIS certification for animal feed can obtain support in understanding the application process and organising the necessary information. ISI Certification Services Corpseed can guide manufacturers through the applicable Scheme-I framework and help them understand requirements relating to the BIS Standard Mark. Product Testing and Certification Support Businesses can seek assistance in understanding applicable product testing requirements and coordinating the necessary certification activities. Technical Documentation Assistance Corpseed can support manufacturers in reviewing application information, product details and relevant quality control documentation. Manufacturing Compliance Assessment Manufacturers can obtain assistance in assessing existing production arrangements against relevant certification requirements. This may help identify areas that require attention before applying. Regulatory Compliance Support Corpseed can also assist businesses in understanding applicable changes to BIS requirements, product standards and compliance responsibilities. For manufacturers of mineral mixtures, feed-grade dicalcium phosphate and common salt or cattle licks for animal consumption, Corpseed's BIS certification consultancy and product compliance services can support preparation for the applicable 2027 requirements. Key Takeaways The Animal Feeds and Feed Ingredients (Quality Control) Order, 2026 has mandatory BIS conformity requirements for three types of animal feed ingredients. It is incumbent upon the manufacturers to determine the corresponding Indian Standard, evaluate their manufacturing system and acquire the requisite BIS license prior to the date of implementation pertinent to their type of business. Covered products: Mineral mixtures for supplementing cattle feeds, feed-grade dicalcium phosphate, and common salt and cattle licks for animal consumption. Indian Standards: IS 1664, IS 5470 and IS 920, respectively. BIS certification: Products must meet the relevant standard and carry the Standard Mark under an appropriate BIS licence. Compliance dates: 1 April 2027 for general enterprises, 1 July 2027 for small enterprises and 1 October 2027 for micro enterprises. Export exemption: Goods or articles meant for export are expressly excluded from the Order. Enforcement: BIS is the designated certification and enforcement authority, and contraventions are punishable under the BIS Act, 2016. The Order covers specified ingredients, not every animal feed product. Accurate product identification is therefore the first step towards compliance.
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DGFT Extends Minimum Import Price on Glufosinate Imports Until April 2027Summary: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade ( DGFT ) has decided to extend the Minimum Import Price (MIP) condition on Glufosinate and salts till 12th April 2027. The announcement was made by way of Notification Number 43/2026-27 dated 12th October 2026, issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Glufosinate is an active constituent used in some herbicides to control weeds. The traders and companies involved in importing Glufosinate for agrochemical manufacture, formulation, and business should continue to comply with the relevant import price condition during this extended period. The above-mentioned notification has not brought any new import policy but only continued the MIP condition as made through the DGFT Notification Number 10/2026-27 dated 13th April 2026 while retaining all other terms and conditions of the previous notification intact. As per the April 2026 notification, the imports of Glufosinate and salts fall under the Restricted category when the combined value of CIF and relevant anti-dumping duty is less than Rs1,154 per kilogram. The exact figure can be found in the publicly available copy of the above-mentioned notification of April 2026. For Indian importers, the extension means procurement costs, product classification, regulatory conditions and future shipments need to be reviewed in light of the continuing restriction. DGFT Notification at a Glance Particular Details Issuing Ministry Ministry of Commerce and Industry Issuing Authority Directorate General of Foreign Trade Notification Number 43/2026-27 Notification Date 12 October 2026 Gazette Reference S.O. 5578(E) Previous Notification 10/2026-27, dated 13 April 2026 Governing Law Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 Relevant Policy Foreign Trade Policy 2023 Product Glufosinate and its salts Applicable Chapter Chapter 38, ITC (HS), 2022 Main Amendment Extension of the existing MIP condition Extension End Date 12 April 2027 Earlier Conditions Continue unchanged Affected Businesses Relevant importers, agrochemical manufacturers, formulators and traders The notification applies to Glufosinate and its salts falling under eight specified HS codes. Importers must consider the MIP condition alongside other applicable product-related and import policy requirements. Regulatory Framework for Glufosinate Imports in India Glufosinate imports will be subject to the country's foreign trade policy as well as any other relevant laws based on the type of product and its use. These three significant components of the foreign trade policy have been mentioned in the notice issued in October. Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 The Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 provides the legal framework for regulating imports and exports in India. Section 3 empowers the Central Government to make provisions concerning the development and regulation of foreign trade, including restrictions on imports and exports. Section 5 deals with the formulation and amendment of foreign trade policy. These provisions provide the statutory basis for changes to import policy conditions, including the continuation of the MIP requirement for Glufosinate. Foreign Trade Policy 2023 Foreign Trade Policy 2023 sets out the general policy framework for international trade involving India. The DGFT notification refers to paragraphs 1.02 and 2.01 of the policy, which address the legal framework and general provisions concerning imports and exports. For an importer, this means the applicable tariff classification alone is not enough to determine whether a product can be imported without conditions. Businesses must also check the corresponding import policy and any notifications that amend it. ITC (HS), 2022 Schedule-I (Import Policy) The Indian Trade Classification based on the Harmonised System, commonly called ITC (HS), identifies traded goods through classification codes. Schedule-I covers import policy. Depending on the product and applicable conditions, imports may be classified as Free, Restricted, Prohibited or otherwise regulated. The Glufosinate extension concerns specified products under Chapter 38, which covers miscellaneous chemical products. Role of DGFT in Import Policy Amendments DGFT administers India's foreign trade policy framework and issues notifications concerning import and export conditions. In this case, the authority has extended an existing price-based import restriction. Customs authorities handle assessment and clearance under applicable customs laws, while DGFT determines the relevant foreign trade policy conditions. Businesses importing Glufosinate therefore need to consider both the DGFT import policy position and applicable customs requirements. What Is Minimum Import Price (MIP) on Glufosinate? Minimum Import Price is a price-related condition used under import policy to regulate the import of specified goods. It establishes a threshold that import transactions must be assessed against when determining their import policy status. For Glufosinate and its salts, the April 2026 notification introduced a threshold based on the combined amount of the CIF value and applicable anti-dumping duty. The reproduced April notification provides the following condition Imports are restricted where the combined CIF value and applicable anti-dumping duty are less than Rs1,154 per kilogram. The October notification extends that existing condition rather than announcing a new threshold. How Does the MIP Condition Work? The condition uses two financial components. CIF Value CIF stands for Cost, Insurance and Freight. It generally represents the cost of goods together with the relevant insurance and freight expenses up to the specified destination. Applicable Anti-Dumping Duty Anti-dumping duty is a separate trade-remedy measure that may apply to qualifying imports under the relevant duty notification. Under the April framework, these components are considered together on a per-kilogram basis for the stated import policy threshold. The restriction depends on whether the combined amount reaches the specified level. Importers should not assume that a declared CIF value below Rs1,154 per kg automatically establishes the final import policy status without considering any applicable anti-dumping duty and the wording of the notification. Is Minimum Import Price the Same as Customs Duty? No. Minimum Import Price and customs duty serve different purposes. Basis Minimum Import Price Customs Duty Main purpose Determines a price-related import policy condition Imposes a tax or duty on imports. Relevant authority Central Government/DGFT import policy framework Customs authorities under applicable law Method Based on specified price criteria Based on applicable tariff and customs provisions Effect Can determine whether an import is subject to restrictions Determines applicable duty liability. Glufosinate notification Existing MIP condition extended No new customs duty rate announced Meeting an applicable MIP condition does not remove ordinary customs duties, anti-dumping duties or other independent import requirements. What Has Changed Under DGFT Notification No. 43/2026-27? The most important change is the extension of the existing Glufosinate MIP condition until 12 April 2027. The October notification maintains the earlier requirements rather than replacing them with a new import system. Extension of the Existing MIP Condition Notification No. 10/2026-27 introduced the relevant condition for a six-month period from its publication. With the October notification, the Government has continued the condition until April 2027. Importers purchasing Glufosinate for delivery during this extended period should review the continuing restriction before confirming contracts or shipment arrangements. Continuation of Earlier Import Policy Conditions The notification expressly states that the other terms and conditions of the April notification remain unchanged. This is important because an importer cannot rely only on the October notification to identify the complete set of applicable conditions. The earlier notification must also be examined. Has DGFT Introduced Any New Registration or Approval? Notification No. 43/2026-27 does not expressly establish a new registration procedure, import application portal, certification system or additional approval requirement. However, the earlier import policy may still impose conditions that businesses must satisfy. In particular, the distinction between Free and Restricted imports under the existing price condition remains relevant. Businesses should therefore verify whether their proposed imports fall within the Restricted category and whether an import authorisation or another regulatory approval is required. Which Glufosinate Products and HS Codes Are Covered? The extension applies to Glufosinate and its salts falling under eight HS codes in Chapter 38 of Schedule-I (Import Policy) of ITC (HS), 2022. Glufosinate is used as a herbicidal active ingredient. It may be imported for use in manufacturing or formulating agricultural weed-control products, subject to the applicable import policy and pesticide-related regulations. List of HS Codes Covered Under the Notification S. No. ITC (HS) Code Applicability 1 38089193 Glufosinate and its salts classified under this code 2 38089199 Glufosinate and its salts classified under this code 3 38089361 Glufosinate and its salts classified under this code 4 38089391 Glufosinate and its salts classified under this code 5 38089399 Glufosinate and its salts classified under this code 6 38089912 Glufosinate and its salts classified under this code 7 38089991 Glufosinate and its salts classified under this code 8 38089999 Glufosinate and its salts classified under this code These eight codes are expressly listed in the October Gazette. The notification identifies these codes for the specified Glufosinate products. It should not be interpreted as extending the same Glufosinate-specific MIP condition to every unrelated chemical or preparation falling under these classifications. Why Correct HS Code Classification Matters HS classification is one of the first checks an importer should complete before placing an international order. A classification error can lead to an incorrect assessment of the applicable import policy. For Glufosinate shipments, importers should examine the product's description, chemical composition, concentration, intended use and relevant classification provisions. The supplier's product description should also be consistent with the information used for customs declarations. Where the applicable code or product coverage is unclear, classification should be reviewed before finalising the shipment. Are All Products Under the Eight HS Codes Restricted? Not automatically. The October notification specifically extends the MIP condition on Glufosinate and its salts. Some of the listed HS codes may cover other chemical products or preparations. Their treatment must be determined using the relevant product description and applicable import policy conditions. For companies dealing with various agrochemical products, the right procedure is to analyze each product, rather than applying the Glufosinate restriction to all of them just because one of the codes mentioned is present. Earlier DGFT Notification No. 10/2026-27 What Importers Should Know The October 2026 extension refers directly to DGFT Notification No. 10/2026-27, dated 13 April 2026. The April notification is important because it contains the detailed price-based import policy conditions continued by the October amendment. What Was Introduced in April 2026? The April notification amended the import policy conditions for Glufosinate and its salts under the eight specified HS codes. According to publicly available reproductions of its text, it provided that imports would be restricted if the combined CIF value and applicable anti-dumping duty were less than Rs1,154 per kilogram. The policy condition was initially prescribed for six months from the publication date. The measure therefore focused on the import policy treatment of transactions falling below the specified threshold. What Happens When the Import Value Is Below the Threshold? Where the combined CIF value and applicable anti-dumping duty is below Rs1,154 per kilogram, the transaction falls within the Restricted import category under the April condition. Restricted imports are not necessarily prohibited altogether. They may require appropriate DGFT authorisation, subject to the applicable policy and licensing provisions. However, importers should not assume that authorisation will be granted automatically. The relevant conditions must be checked before goods are shipped. What Happens When the Value Meets the Threshold? Where the combined value reaches or exceeds the specified threshold, the particular price-based restriction does not apply in the same way. That does not mean every such import is automatically cleared or exempt from other requirements. Other applicable conditions may still need to be satisfied, including those relating to product registration, import policy classification and customs compliance. What About Pesticide Registration Requirements? The reproduced April notification retains relevant pesticide-related import conditions. In particular, the entry concerning HS code 38089361 refers to registration with the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC) and the non-prohibition of the product under the Insecticides Act, 1968. Other listed entries also refer to Chapter 38 policy condition No. 07. Importers must review the precise conditions relevant to their products rather than assume that price compliance alone is sufficient. Source-verification note The April notification's Rs1,154 threshold and detailed policy conditions have been cross-checked against reproductions of its text, but the original government-issued April document was not independently retrieved during this review. These details should be checked against the signed official notification before publication. Old vs. New Glufosinate Import Policy What Has Changed? The October 2026 notification continues the existing MIP condition. It does not announce a fresh price threshold or completely replace the April notification. Particular Business requirement October 2026 Notification Notification number 10/2026-27 43/2026-27 Issue date 13 April 2026 12 October 2026 Main purpose Revised import policy conditions Extended existing MIP condition. Price-related threshold Rs1,154/kg combined CIF and applicable ADD, as reproduced Existing condition continued. Covered products Glufosinate and its salts Same specified products HS codes Eight specified codes Same eight codes Initial period Six months from publication Extended until 12 April 2027 Other policy conditions Prescribed in April notification Remain unchanged Business requirement Follow applicable import restrictions Continue following existing restrictions What Is the Main Difference? The April notification established the operative price-related import condition. The October notification extends its application for a longer period. For businesses, the main change is therefore the period during which the existing MIP condition remains relevant. An importer who already adjusted procurement and compliance practices to the April requirements should continue applying them during the extended period, subject to any other applicable amendments. Implementation Timeline and MIP Extension Deadline The timeline is particularly important for importers handling purchase orders, international contracts and future shipments. Date Regulatory Development Business Relevance 13 April 2026 DGFT issued Notification No. 10/2026-27 Original price-related import policy condition introduced 12 October 2026 DGFT issued Notification No. 43/2026-27 Extension of the existing MIP condition announced 12 April 2027 Stated end date of extension Importers should review the operative import policy for shipments around and after this date Does the Notification Provide a Transition Period? The October notice does not state explicitly any new grace period or transitional provision. It continues the already existing condition up to the mentioned date. Importers need to check the importation date that is legally relevant and the treatment of the policy at present in case of consignments near a change in the policy period. What Should Businesses Do Before April 2027? The firms need to analyze the planned shipments and keep themselves informed about any further notices. This becomes even more significant for those firms whose agreements regarding imports and manufacture extend beyond April 2027. The notification does not guarantee that the condition will be removed after the extension ends. Does the MIP Extension Change Import Licensing Requirements? The October notification does not independently create a new licensing system. However, the existing Glufosinate price condition can result in imports being classified as Restricted. This distinction matters because the terms Minimum Import Price and Restricted Import do not mean the same thing. Difference Between MIP and Restricted Import Licensing Particular MIP Condition Restricted Import Licensing Nature Price-related import policy requirement Authorisation framework for restricted goods Main question Does the transaction satisfy the applicable price threshold? Is the required import authorisation available? Relevance to Glufosinate Existing MIP condition continues May be relevant where the transaction falls within the Restricted category. Business action Review relevant transaction values Verify eligibility and applicable DGFT authorisation requirements. The April condition makes the combined CIF value and applicable anti-dumping duty central to determining whether the specified Glufosinate imports fall into the Restricted category. Does Every Glufosinate Importer Need a DGFT Licence? No blanket conclusion can be drawn. Whether an importer requires a DGFT restricted import authorisation depends on the product, the applicable import policy conditions and the transaction concerned. If the import falls within the Restricted category, the business should confirm the applicable authorisation requirements before proceeding.Importers should not assume that obtaining an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is equivalent to receiving authorisation to import Restricted goods. An IEC identifies the importer-exporter for trade purposes, while a restricted import authorisation addresses the separate legal requirement for goods classified as Restricted. Businesses that need assistance can review the applicable requirements through Corpseed's DGFT Restricted Import Licence Services. How Will the MIP Extension Affect Glufosinate Import Costs? The continued MIP condition may influence the cost and commercial planning of businesses that source Glufosinate from overseas suppliers. The extent of the impact will depend on existing procurement prices, applicable duties, exchange rates and contractual terms. Impact on Import Purchase Prices An importer purchasing at a price below the relevant threshold must assess whether the transaction falls into the Restricted category.This may require a review of supplier quotations, procurement terms and sourcing decisions. Businesses should not assume that every shipment needs a price increase. The specific position depends on the combined CIF value and applicable anti-dumping duty under the relevant notification. Landed Cost and Working Capital Considerations Landed cost represents the expenses associated with bringing imported goods into the country, including relevant freight, insurance, customs duties and other associated charges. For agrochemical businesses, changes in import conditions may influence working capital planning. If a company needs to alter its sourcing arrangements or seek applicable authorisation, procurement schedules and financial commitments may also require review. Impact on Supply Contracts It is recommended that companies involved in Glufosinate import agreements analyze whether the terms of the business deal conform to the applicable regulatory framework. It would be important to consider product specifications, the value of the transaction, logistics and shipping schedules. When regulations apply to an order, importers will have to arrange with their suppliers about appropriate arrangements prior to shipment. Possible Effects on Domestic Procurement Continuation of the MIP requirement could mean that some buyers evaluate domestic sources along with foreign sourcing. Nevertheless, the notification does not offer any indication that there is going to be an increase in domestic prices, reduction in imports, or increased demand for Indian manufacturers. Such results are dependent on market factors. Impact on Glufosinate Importers and Indian Agrochemical Businesses The extension is most directly relevant to businesses importing Glufosinate and its salts. Other businesses may be affected indirectly through their supply arrangements. Impact on Importers Importers are directly responsible for reviewing the import policy conditions applicable to their transactions. The MIP extension may affect Supplier selection and price negotiations. Import documentation and product classification review. Planning for shipments during the extended period. Assessment of whether restricted import authorisation is necessary. Coordination between procurement, finance and compliance teams. An importer who handled Glufosinate shipments under the April framework should not treat the October notification as removing those earlier restrictions. Impact on Agrochemical Manufacturers and Formulators Manufacturers and formulators using imported Glufosinate may need to reassess raw material procurement plans. Where production depends on overseas supply, purchasing teams should confirm that the required material can be imported under the applicable conditions. Businesses may also review inventory planning, supplier commitments and production schedules. The notification does not directly prescribe changes to manufacturing processes or product formulation standards. Impact on Distributors and Traders Distributors dealing with Glufosinate-based products may experience indirect commercial effects if the import conditions influence their suppliers' costs or delivery arrangements. For businesses importing Glufosinate themselves, the applicable DGFT conditions must be assessed directly. Domestic distributors who are not acting as importers should not automatically be described as having a new DGFT compliance duty under this notification. Impact on MSMEs Smaller agrochemical businesses may have fewer alternative sourcing options or less flexibility to absorb changes in procurement costs. For such businesses, checking the applicable import policy before confirming a purchase can help avoid unexpected disruptions. Stakeholder Possible Business Impact Recommended Action Glufosinate importers Continued price-related import restriction Verify the applicable MIP and policy status Agrochemical manufacturers Potential procurement and production-planning effects Review raw material supply plans Pesticide formulators Possible sourcing cost and availability considerations Coordinate with suppliers Traders and distributors Possible changes in supply terms Review commercial agreements MSMEs Possible working capital and procurement concerns Check regulatory conditions before placing orders Customs and compliance teams Continued need to verify applicable import policy requirements Review product classification and policy conditions These are practical business implications, not new legal obligations imposed on every stakeholder. What Should Importers Check Before Shipping Glufosinate to India? Before importing Glufosinate, businesses should review both the product and the transaction against the applicable DGFT import policy. A preliminary compliance assessment can help identify issues before purchase orders and shipping arrangements are finalised. Verify the Product Classification The first step is to identify what is being imported. Businesses should review the product's chemical description, composition, concentration and intended use, and determine the appropriate ITC (HS) classification. A supplier's description should not be accepted as the final tariff classification without checking the applicable Indian classification provisions. Confirm the Applicable Minimum Import Price Importers should examine the price condition imposed under Notification No. 10/2026-27 and extended by Notification No. 43/2026-27. The April condition refers to a combined CIF value and applicable anti-dumping duty threshold of Rs1,154 per kilogram. Importers should confirm the correct valuation basis and applicability of any anti-dumping duty before determining whether the transaction falls within the Restricted category. Review the Import Policy Status The import policy status must be determined using the relevant notification and product classification. A product may ordinarily fall under a Free import policy entry while still being subject to an additional condition that makes a particular transaction Restricted. This distinction is particularly relevant to the Glufosinate price threshold. Review Product-Related Regulatory Requirements As Glufosinate is used in agrochemical products, importers should assess whether applicable pesticide registration or other product-specific conditions apply. These requirements should be checked separately from the DGFT price condition. Compliance with one regulation does not automatically establish compliance with another. Check Import and Shipping Information Importers should review relevant commercial and shipment records to ensure the information used for import declarations is consistent. Recommended checks include Supplier invoice and agreed purchase terms. Product description and technical specification. Applicable HS classification. CIF value and its supporting information. Relevant anti-dumping duty, where applicable. Applicable import authorisation and product registration documents, where legally required. Shipping and customs declaration details. This is a recommended review checklist. The October notification does not introduce this as a new mandatory list of documents. Customs Clearance Considerations Under the Extended MIP Condition Import policy conditions can be relevant when goods are presented for customs clearance in India. For Glufosinate and its salts, the importer must assess whether the proposed transaction falls within the applicable price-related restriction. Can the MIP Condition Affect Customs Clearance? Yes. The import policy status of goods is relevant to their lawful importation. Where Glufosinate imports fall within the Restricted category, the importer must address the applicable authorisation requirements. A transaction that does not satisfy relevant import policy requirements may encounter clearance difficulties or other legal consequences under the applicable framework. The October notification itself does not specify a new customs procedure or separate customs penalty. Why Product Classification Matters During Clearance Customs declarations depend on accurate information about the goods being imported. For chemical products, incorrect classification or inconsistent product descriptions can lead to questions about applicable duties, policy conditions or other requirements. Importers should therefore ensure that the declared classification is supported by the actual product details. Coordination Between Procurement and Customs Teams Procurement will concentrate primarily on cost considerations and delivery dates, whereas Customs will be interested in classification, valuation, and import requirements. Aligning these activities prior to sending out the shipment may assist companies in determining whether the shipment needs further approval. For Glufosinate, alignment needs to include consideration of the current MIP status and any authorization requirements. Risks and Challenges for Glufosinate Importers The MIP extension makes continued import policy verification important for businesses sourcing Glufosinate from international suppliers. The following risks should be considered. Incorrect HS Code Classification An incorrect product classification may result in the wrong import policy being applied. Chemical products should be classified according to their actual characteristics and the applicable tariff provisions. Overlooking the MIP Extension Importers relying on outdated information may incorrectly assume the earlier six-month restriction has ended. Notification No. 43/2026-27 confirms its continuation until 12 April 2027. Misunderstanding the Price Threshold April condition is used to describe the total CIF value and anti-dumping duties per kilogram. An estimation using only the invoice value without considering the total condition legally could end up being wrong. Confusing MIP Compliance with Import Authorisation Meeting the relevant price condition and holding an import authorisation are different regulatory questions. Businesses must determine whether the particular import falls under a Restricted category and, where necessary, obtain the appropriate authorisation. Inadequate Procurement Planning Import policy restrictions can affect how businesses arrange overseas purchases. Importers should allow sufficient time to verify classification and applicable conditions before committing to shipment arrangements. Possible Legal Consequences Importing goods contrary to applicable import restrictions can raise issues under foreign trade and customs laws. However, Notification No. 43/2026-27 does not announce any new penalty amount, seizure requirement or prosecution provision. Any statement about a specific statutory consequence must be based on the applicable law and circumstances, not assumed from this extension notification. Best Practices for Glufosinate Import Compliance Businesses importing Glufosinate should maintain a practical system for reviewing import policy requirements. The following measures can support better compliance planning. Keep current DGFT notifications available Maintain the April 2026 notification, October 2026 extension and any subsequent amendments as part of the import compliance records. Review product classification prior to placing an order Verify the proper ITC (HS) code based on the specifications of the product. Verify MIP compliance Verify the CIF value and anti-dumping duty provision as opposed to a general mention of the pricing cut-off point. Verify restricted import requirements Where a transaction falls into the Restricted category, determine whether the required authorisation is available. Assess other regulatory conditions Review applicable pesticide registration and product-related import requirements. Coordinate internally Procurement, finance, logistics and compliance teams should use consistent regulatory information. Monitor the expiry date Keep track of 12 April 2027 and check for further DGFT amendments before arranging shipments around or after that date. These measures are recommended business practices. They should not be confused with additional legal obligations created by the October notification. What Happens After 12 April 2027? DGFT Notification No. 43/2026-27 specifies that the existing Glufosinate MIP condition is extended until 12 April 2027. The notification does not announce what policy will apply after that date. It does not confirm another extension, a revised MIP amount or permanent removal of the restriction. Importers planning shipments after 12 April 2027 should check the DGFT notifications and the import policy in force at the relevant time. Businesses should also remember that the expiry of a particular price-related condition would not, by itself, remove any other applicable pesticide, customs or product-related legal requirements. What Businesses Should Do Next Importers and affected agrochemical businesses should review their existing and planned Glufosinate transactions against the extended policy condition. Priority Recommended Action Responsible Team Purpose High Confirm Glufosinate product coverage and HS classification Import/Compliance Determine whether the notification applies High Check the MIP threshold and related import conditions Finance/Compliance Assess import policy status High Verify restricted import authorisation requirements where relevant Regulatory/Import Avoid proceeding without applicable approval Medium Review purchase contracts and supplier quotations Procurement Align procurement with applicable conditions Medium Check product-related registration requirements Regulatory/Quality Address separate product compliance obligations Ongoing Monitor future DGFT notifications Regulatory/Quality Identify changes before future shipments A review should begin with the product and its classification. The next consideration is the applicable price condition, followed by any authorisation or product-specific regulatory requirements. Once those issues are clear, businesses can make better-informed procurement and shipping decisions. How Can Corpseed Help? Importing Glufosinate and other regulated agrochemical products requires an understanding of the applicable import policy, product classification and regulatory conditions. Corpseed provides Import Compliance Services and related regulatory assistance to businesses dealing with import and export requirements in India. Depending on the product and transaction, Corpseed can assist with DGFT import policy assessment Reviewing applicable import policy entries and related restrictions. Chemical import compliance services Helping businesses understand relevant requirements for regulated chemical imports. HS code classification support Assisting with the review of product descriptions and applicable classification provisions. Restricted import licence assistance Supporting businesses with applicable DGFT authorisation requirements where imports fall within a Restricted category. Regulatory documentation guidance Helping identify documentation relevant to the applicable compliance process. Compliance gap assessment Reviewing possible gaps between existing business practices and applicable requirements. Regulatory update support Assisting businesses in understanding new or amended foreign trade notifications. Businesses can explore Corpseed's DGFT Licence Services and Restricted Import Licence Services for relevant regulatory assistance. For importers dealing with Glufosinate and its salts, an assessment of the relevant HS code, MIP condition and import policy status can help identify the requirements that need attention before shipment. Need assistance with Glufosinate import compliance? Contact Corpseed to discuss applicable DGFT import policy requirements and available regulatory support. Key Takeaways The DGFT Glufosinate MIP Extension 2026 maintains the current minimum import price requirement until 12 April 2027. No new pricing system is introduced by this notification. Instead, the conditions set forth in the April 2026 notification are extended, and importers will need to keep them in mind when making appropriate shipments. Notification DGFT Notification No. 43/2026-27, dated 12 October 2026. Product(s) Glufosinate and its salts based on eight HS Codes. Validity extended until 12 April 2027. Price condition In the previous system, the combined CIF price and anti-dumping duty rate was Rs1,154 per kg. Other conditions Unchanged from the previous notification. Action to be taken by importer Check product classification, MIP condition, and other authorization/product registration requirements. The extension is particularly relevant to Glufosinate importers and agrochemical businesses relying on international supply.
Subject
DGTR Initiates Anti-Dumping Investigation on Per-sulphate Imports from ChinaSummary: The DGTR has initiated an antidumping investigation on Per sulphates originating from China. The investigation has been launched via a notice dated 30 September 2026, based on a complaint lodged by two Indian chemical manufacturing companies, namely Calibre Chemicals Private Limited and UI-VR Private Limited. The companies have alleged that Chinese Per sulphates are entering India at dumped prices, making it difficult for domestic manufacturers to compete. They have also claimed that increasing imports and falling import prices have affected their sales, production and profitability. The investigation covers three chemicals: Ammonium Per sulphate (APS), Potassium Per sulphate (PPS) and Sodium Per sulphate (SPS). These products are used as initiators and oxidising agents in the textile and chemical industries. For Indian chemical importers, manufacturers and industrial users, the announcement deserves attention because it could eventually affect the cost of importing these products. However, DGTR has only initiated an investigation. The notification does not impose any new anti-dumping duty. The Authority will now examine the available evidence, consider submissions from interested parties and determine whether the legal conditions for recommending an anti-dumping measure are satisfied. DGTR Anti-Dumping Investigation at a Glance The investigation has been initiated under the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 and the Anti-Dumping Rules, 1995. The following table summarises the notification. Particular Details Issuing Authority Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) Ministry Ministry of Commerce and Industry Department Department of Commerce Notification Date 30 September 2026 Gazette Reference Extraordinary, Part I, Section 1, No. 307 File Number 6/47/2026-DGTR SETU Case ID AD/OI/050/2026 Product Under Consideration Peroxosulphates, also known as Per sulphates Products Covered APS, PPS and SPS Subject Country China PR Customs Tariff Codes 2833 40 00 and 2833 29 90 Applicants Calibre Chemicals Private Limited and UI-VR Private Limited Applicable Legislation Customs Tariff Act, 1975 Applicable Rules Anti-Dumping Rules, 1995 Proposed Investigation Period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 General Response Period 37 days from the prescribed communication or transmission of notice Submission Platform DGTR SETU Portal Duty Imposition No new duty imposed through this notification The notification deals with alleged dumping and injury to domestic manufacturers. It also sets out how interested parties can participate and submit their information. Regulatory Framework Governing Anti-Dumping Investigations in India What Is an Anti-Dumping Investigation? An anti-dumping investigation examines whether goods exported to India are being sold at prices lower than their normal value and whether those imports are causing injury to Indian manufacturers. A product being cheaper than an Indian alternative does not automatically mean that dumping has taken place. The investigating authority must examine the relevant prices, production costs, import data and economic condition of the domestic industry. For an anti-dumping measure to be justified, the required findings concerning dumping, injury and the relationship between them must be established. Role of the Directorate General of Trade Remedies DGTR is responsible for conducting anti-dumping and other trade remedy investigations in India. During an investigation, DGTR examines information submitted by domestic manufacturers, importers, exporters and other interested parties. Its responsibilities include: Examining dumping allegations: Reviewing the available evidence concerning normal value and export prices. Assessing injury: Studying whether the domestic industry has suffered material injury. Reviewing import information: Considering relevant import volumes and prices. Hearing interested parties: Providing opportunities to participate under the prescribed procedures. Determining findings: Reaching conclusions based on the investigation record. Making recommendations: Recommending appropriate trade remedies when supported by the findings. The Central Government is responsible for deciding whether to impose an anti-dumping duty under the applicable law. Customs Tariff Act, 1975 Section 9A of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 serves as the statutory authority for imposing anti-dumping duties on dumped imports. The provision is implemented in accordance with the appropriate provisions and procedures. Anti-Dumping Rules, 1995 The investigation refers to several important provisions of the Anti-Dumping Rules, 1995. Provision Relevance to the Investigation Rule 2(b) Identification of the domestic industry Rule 5 Initiation of an anti-dumping investigation Rule 6 Investigation procedures and interested-party participation Rule 7 Treatment of confidential information Annexure I Principles relevant to determining normal value and dumping These provisions matter because the investigation must follow a prescribed legal process before any conclusions are reached. What Has DGTR Announced Regarding Per sulphates Imports from China? DGTR has formally opened an investigation into imports of Per sulphates originating in or exported from China PR. The investigation follows an application filed by Calibre Chemicals Private Limited and UI-VR Private Limited. Both companies have requested anti-dumping duties on the subject goods. The applicants believe that dumped imports are affecting domestic production and profitability. After examining the evidence submitted with the application, DGTR found sufficient preliminary grounds to begin the investigation. Main Developments Under the Notification 1. Investigation into alleged dumping DGTR will examine whether Per sulphates from China are entering India at dumped prices. 2. Examination of injury to domestic manufacturers The Authority will assess the claimed damage to the domestic industry, including effects on sales, prices and financial performance. 3. Examination of three Per sulphate products Ammonium, Potassium and Sodium Per sulphates are covered by the defined product scope. 4. Participation by interested businesses Importers, exporters, producers and other interested parties may participate according to the notification's procedures. 5. Possible recommendation of anti-dumping duty DGTR may recommend a duty if its investigation supports such a conclusion. The initiation notification itself does not imposes a duty. Why Has DGTR Initiated the Anti-Dumping Investigation? The main reason for the investigation is the domestic industry's complaint that Chinese Per sulphates are being imported at dumped prices and causing material injury. The applicants have identified several concerns involving import volumes, selling prices and business performance. Increase in Chinese Per sulphates Imports According to the notification, the applicants submitted evidence indicating that imports from China increased during the injury investigation period. The reported increase was both absolute and relative. An absolute increase means that the quantity imported has increased. A relative increase examines import volume in relation to another measure, such as Indian production or consumption. For domestic manufacturers, a continuing increase in lower-priced imports may put pressure on sales and market participation. However, the investigation must determine whether the imports were dumped and whether they caused injury. Decline in Import Prices The applicants also reported that Chinese import prices fell sharply during the injury period. They claimed that the imported products were being sold below comparable prices offered by Indian manufacturers. When imported products are available at lower prices, domestic manufacturers may face pressure to reduce their own prices or limit planned price increases. This is one of the matters DGTR will examine. Impact on Domestic Production and Sales The applicants submitted that they were unable to increase production and domestic sales in line with available demand and their expanded production capacity. They attributed this difficulty to the adverse effects of the alleged dumped imports. Impact on Profitability The complaint also mentions deterioration in: Profitability. Return on investment. Cash profits. These economic indicators form part of the injury assessment. The notification records preliminary evidence it does not establish that every allegation has been finally proved. Which Types of Per sulphates Are Covered Under the Investigation? The product under consideration is Per oxo sulphates, commonly called Per sulphates. The notification identifies three types of Per sulphates with similar physical characteristics and industrial uses. 1. Ammonium Per sulphate (APS) Ammonium Per sulphate is a water-soluble chemical compound with the formula (NH4)2S2O8. It is generally found as a white crystalline powder. The notification identifies its use as an initiator and oxidising agent in the textile and chemical industries. 2. Potassium Per sulphate (PPS) Potassium Per sulphate has the chemical formula K2S2O8. It is another crystalline compound used in industrial chemical processes. The product falls within the investigation scope described by DGTR. 3. Sodium Per sulphate (SPS) Sodium Per sulphate has the chemical formula Na2S2O8. Like APS and PPS, it is used as an initiator and oxidising agent in the industries identified in the notification. Products Covered Under the Investigation Product Name Short Form Chemical Formula Identified Industrial Uses Ammonium Per sulphate APS (NH4)2S2O8 Initiator and oxidising agent Potassium Per sulphate PPS K2S2O8 Initiator and oxidising agent Sodium Per sulphate SPS Na2S2O8 Initiator and oxidising agent The notification describes the three products as white crystalline powders that are dry, soluble in water and capable of slowly decomposing. DGTR has adopted metric tonnes as the unit of measurement for the investigation. For businesses importing these chemicals, the product description is particularly relevant because coverage depends on the defined goods rather than the importer's general business category. Applicable HSN Codes and Proposed PCN Classification DGTR has identified two customs tariff subheadings relevant to the products under investigation. HSN Codes for Per sulphates Imports Customs Tariff Subheading Details 2833 40 00 Identified classification of the product under consideration 2833 29 90 Additional classification under which the product is imported The notification expressly states that these classifications are indicative. This means that a product's inclusion in the investigation must be assessed against the defined product description, not simply by checking its tariff code. An importer using a different tariff classification should not automatically assume the product falls outside the investigation. What Is a Product Control Number? A Product Control Number, or PCN, helps distinguish product categories during an anti-dumping investigation.It allows products with different characteristics, costs, or prices to be identified for appropriate comparisons. In this case, the applicants have stated that the three Per sulphate categories differ in cost and price. They have therefore proposed separate PCNs. Proposed PCN Methodology Product Proposed Code Ammonium Per sulphate APS Potassium Per sulphate PPS Sodium Per sulphate SPS Interested parties may submit comments or suggestions on the product scope and PCN methodology within the prescribed 15-day period. This is a proposed methodology, and the Authority may consider the views received before taking further decisions. Indian Manufacturers Involved in the Anti-Dumping Investigation The investigation began following an application from two Indian manufacturers. Applicants Who Filed the Case Calibre Chemicals Private Limited and UI-VR Private Limited filed the application requesting an investigation into alleged dumping of Per sulphates from China. The notification also identifies other known producers of the subject goods in India. These include Yoyo Chemicals, Aminisha Organics LLP, Gujarat Persalts Private Limited and Ana Industries. According to the applicants' submissions, Gujarat Persalts Private Limited and Ana Industries had stopped production of the subject goods. Yoyo Chemicals and Aminisha Organics LLP supported the application. DGTR's Assessment of Domestic Industry Standing Before initiating an anti-dumping investigation, DGTR must examine whether the applicants satisfy the relevant requirements for representing the domestic industry. The Authority considered several circumstances. Imports from China: The applicants certified that they had not imported the subject goods from China during the period of investigation. Related overseas entities: Both applicants had related entities in China, but the notification records that these entities did not export the subject goods to India during the period of investigation. Other imports and domestic purchases: The notification discusses negligible imports by UI-VR from a related entity in Germany and certain domestic purchases made for resale. Share in Indian production: DGTR observed that the applicants accounted for a major proportion of Indian production of the like article. On this basis, the Authority preliminarily considered that the applicants constituted the domestic industry under Rule 2(b) and that the application satisfied Rule 5(3). This preliminary standing assessment allowed the investigation to proceed. Period of Investigation and Injury Assessment DGTR must examine information from a defined period to assess the dumping allegations. The notification records the applicants' proposed period of investigation and the periods considered relevant to the injury analysis. Proposed Period of Investigation The applicants proposed the period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, covering 12 months. Injury Investigation Period Assessment Period Dates First Injury Year 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 Second Injury Year 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 Third Injury Year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 Proposed Investigation Period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 Why Are These Periods Relevant? An injury assessment looks at business performance over time rather than relying on a single month's import or sales figures. DGTR can examine trends involving: Quantity of imports. Import prices. Domestic production. Domestic sales. Production capacity. Profitability. Return on investment. Cash profits. The information helps the Authority examine whether the domestic industry experienced injury and whether dumped imports contributed to it. How Will DGTR Determine the Alleged Dumping Margin? The dumping margin is an important measure in an anti-dumping investigation. Broadly, it involves comparing the normal value of a product with its export price using the applicable legal methodology. The comparison must account for relevant differences and adjustments. Determination of Normal Value for China The applicants argued that China should be treated as a non-market economy for the purpose of determining normal value under the relevant provisions of Annexure I of the Anti-Dumping Rules. They proposed using consumption prices in the United States as a basis for assessing normal value. Their proposal referred to certain exports of APS, PPS and SPS made to related entities in the United States. Interested parties may comment on this proposed approach. Methodology Considered by DGTR at Initiation For the purpose of initiating the investigation, DGTR considered normal value based on the price payable in India. The Authority considered Indian production costs with adjustments for selling, general and administrative expenses and reasonable profit. This is different from the methodology proposed by the applicants. The distinction is relevant because the final examination may involve submissions from different parties concerning the appropriate methodology. Determination of Export Price The notification states that the export price was determined by considering CIF prices reported in import data from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS). CIF means Cost, Insurance and Freight. The notification also records claimed adjustments for: Ocean freight. Marine insurance. Commission. Bank charges. Port expenses. Handling charges. These adjustments are relevant when comparing normal value and export prices at the appropriate level. Preliminary Dumping Margin Assessment DGTR compared normal value and export price at the ex-factory level. The Authority found preliminary evidence that the dumping margin exceeded the de minimis level and was significant. Nevertheless, the notice fails to give a figure for the dumping margin or the recommended anti-dumping duty. The provisional determination is for the start of the investigation, not for the determination itself. What Evidence of Injury Has the Domestic Industry Submitted? The applicants have identified several issues that they believe demonstrate injury from the alleged dumped imports. 1. Increase in Import Volumes The application states that imports from China increased in both absolute and relative terms during the injury period. 2. Price Undercutting The applicants claimed that imported Per sulphates were priced below the domestic industry's selling prices. Price undercutting can affect competition, particularly when buyers view imported and domestically produced goods as interchangeable. 3. Price Suppression The petitioners claimed that imports had the effect of depressing prices. Practically speaking, price depression implies that domestic producers might find it difficult to raise prices even when the business environment suggests that they should. 4. Limited Growth in Domestic Sales Despite increased manufacturing capacity and sufficient demand, the applicants stated that their domestic production and sales did not grow as expected. 5. Deterioration in Financial Performance The applicants also referred to weaker profitability, return on investment and cash profits. These factors will require examination as part of the injury investigation. The Authority must consider the evidence and relevant submissions before reaching final findings. Has Anti-Dumping Duty Already Been Imposed on Per sulphates from China? The initiation notification of 30 September 2026 does not place an anti-dumping duty on imports of Per sulphates from China. It merely initiates the investigation. Such information is important for those importing chemicals, as an investigation notification is legally distinct from a customs duty notification. Difference Between Investigation and Duty Imposition Stage Meaning Application Domestic industry requests an investigation Investigation Initiation DGTR decides that sufficient preliminary grounds exist to examine the allegations Investigation DGTR collects and assesses relevant evidence Findings DGTR reaches conclusions and may recommend measures Government Decision The competent government authority determines whether duty should be imposed The initiation of an investigation does not guarantee a future anti-dumping duty. Importers should continue to determine their actual customs liability from the applicable customs notifications rather than assuming this investigation creates a new charge. Scope and Applicability of the Investigation The investigation concerns Per sulphates originating in or exported from China PR. Several business groups may have a direct interest in its outcome. Chinese Producers and Exporters Companies producing or exporting the covered Per sulphates may submit relevant information under the investigation procedures. Indian Chemical Importers Businesses importing APS, PPS or SPS from China may be affected by the investigation's eventual outcome. Importers wishing to participate should understand the product scope and relevant filing requirements. Indian Per sulphates Manufacturers Domestic producers may submit information relevant to production, domestic sales, prices and injury. Industrial Users The notification identifies uses of Per sulphates in textile and chemical industries. Industrial users purchasing these products may have an interest in their availability, pricing and sourcing arrangements. Chemical Distributors and Traders Distributors dealing with the subject goods may also need to understand the investigation, particularly where they depend on imported supplies. Importantly, the notification does not introduce a separate mandatory import licence, product certification or new general registration requirement for all Per sulphates businesses. The SETU registration requirement concerns interested parties participating in the investigation. Participation Requirements for Importers, Exporters and Other Interested Parties DGTR has provided a formal process for interested parties to participate. Intimation of Interest Interested parties are advised to inform DGTR of their interest in the investigation, including the nature of that interest. Questionnaire Responses Participating parties must submit the applicable questionnaire responses within the prescribed time limits. Depending on the questionnaire, the information requested may relate to sales, production, costs, exports, imports or other relevant matters. Businesses should rely on the actual questionnaire rather than assuming a standard document list applies to every participant. Supporting Information Responses should be accurate, complete and supported by relevant records. The Authority may examine submitted information and seek clarification as permitted under the applicable procedure. Importance of Timely Participation Delays and incomplete responses can affect the consideration of a party's information. For businesses wishing to present their position, it is sensible to review the notification and applicable questionnaire promptly. How to Submit Information Through the DGTR SETU Portal DGTR requires investigation submissions to be filed through the SETU portal. The notification explains that information sent through email or other methods may not be considered. SETU Registration Interested parties participating in the investigation must register through the official portal. Submission Requirements The notification requires filings under the registered name of the interested party and the corresponding case ID. It also specifies the formats for different types of information. Submission Category Required Format Written explanations and narrative responses Searchable PDF or MS Word Numerical data and calculations MS Excel Confidential information Confidential version Information for access by other interested parties Non-confidential version Excel calculations should be appropriately linked. Why the Submission Format Matters DGTR needs to examine the evidence and supporting calculations provided by participating parties. Submitting files in the required format helps make the information accessible for examination. Businesses should also check whether additional instructions have been issued through the portal or relevant DGTR trade notices. Important Deadlines Under the DGTR Investigation The notification specifies different periods for filing responses and submitting comments. These periods are important because their starting points are not necessarily the Gazette publication date. Key Filing Deadlines Filing Requirement Time Limit Relevant Starting Point Questionnaire responses and other general submissions 37 days Communication or transmission of the prescribed initiation notice Comments on PUC and PCN methodology 15 days Transmission of the relevant intimation letters Comments on domestic industry's confidentiality claims 7 days Receipt of the non-confidential version of the application Extension following qualifying PUC/PCN modification 15 days Relevant modification notification Request for extension At least 1 day before the original deadline Applicable original filing deadline How Is the 37-Day Response Period Calculated? The notification states that confidential and non-confidential submissions must be filed within 37 days from the communication of the specified notice to identified interested parties or its transmission to the appropriate diplomatic representative. Businesses should not simply add 37 days to 30 September 2026 without checking the relevant communication. When Are Additional 15 Days Available? The notification provides a 15-day extension where DGTR subsequently modifies the product under consideration or PCN methodology in the manner specified. This extension does not apply simply because an interested party needs more time. How Can an Extension Be Requested? An extension request must be submitted through SETU at least one day before the original deadline. Requests made after the specified time will not be considered under the notification. Further extensions are generally restricted to exceptional circumstances. Confidentiality Requirements for DGTR Submissions Anti-dumping investigations can involve commercially sensitive information, including prices, costs and other business data. The notification therefore contains specific instructions for confidential submissions. Confidential and Non-Confidential Versions A party submitting confidential information must also submit a non-confidential version. The non-confidential version should reflect the original submission while appropriately protecting confidential details. Proper Identification of Confidential Material Every page must be clearly marked as confidential or non-confidential. Where a page is not marked, DGTR may treat the information as non-confidential. Non-Confidential Summaries Confidential information should ordinarily be appropriately indexed, summarised or blanked out where necessary. The non-confidential version must still allow a reasonable understanding of the substance of the information. Reasons for Claiming Confidentiality The requesting party needs to give good grounds for why the information should remain confidential.DGTR can look into whether such grounds are valid. Consequences of Inadequate Confidentiality Submissions Submissions lacking a meaningful non-confidential version or sufficient justification may not be taken on record. Businesses should therefore review both versions before filing. What Happens If an Interested Party Does Not Cooperate? The notification includes provisions addressing non-cooperation. DGTR may treat a party as non-cooperative where it fails to provide required information or significantly obstructs the investigation. Circumstances That May Amount to Non-Cooperation Refusing access to necessary information. Failing to submit required information within the specified period. Providing incomplete information. Significantly impeding the investigation. Consequences of Non-Cooperation The Authority may proceed using facts available on record. It may also make recommendations to the Central Government as it considers appropriate under the applicable rules. For a participating business, this means that failing to provide information could affect how its circumstances are assessed. The initiation notification does not set out a separate monetary penalty for every instance of non-cooperation. Impact on Indian Chemical Manufacturers, Importers and Other Businesses The investigation may affect different businesses in different ways. The immediate concern is participation in the proceedings. Commercial effects will depend on the final findings and any subsequent government action. Impact on Domestic Per sulphates Manufacturers Indian Per sulphates manufacturers may view the investigation as an opportunity for their claims concerning import pricing and injury to be examined. If DGTR eventually recommends a measure and the government imposes it, market conditions may change. However, the initiation notification does not guarantee relief to domestic producers. Impact on Indian Chemical Importers Importers sourcing Per sulphates from China may need to monitor the investigation and review their potential exposure. If a duty is imposed later, the landed cost of covered imports could change. Businesses may therefore consider examining supplier contracts and pricing arrangements. Impact on Chinese Exporters Chinese manufacturers and exporters may have an interest in submitting information concerning their products, sales and relevant costs. Participation allows them to present information for the Authority's consideration. Impact on Textile and Chemical Industries Per sulphates are used as industrial chemicals in the sectors identified by the notification. Businesses purchasing these products may need to monitor whether a future trade remedy could affect procurement costs. There is no basis in the initiation notification to conclude that industrial users must immediately pay more. Impact on MSMEs and Chemical Distributors Smaller importers and distributors may have fewer resources available for reviewing complex trade remedy documents. They may need appropriate import compliance assistance to identify whether their products are covered and whether participation is relevant. Stakeholder Impact Summary Stakeholder Immediate Consideration Possible Future Impact Indian Manufacturers Review injury evidence and participate where relevant Changes in competitive conditions Indian Importers Check product coverage and filing options Possible changes in landed costs Chinese Exporters Review questionnaires and participation requirements Possible duty-related effects on exports Industrial Users Monitor developments Potential procurement-cost implications Distributors Review supply arrangements Potential pricing and sourcing changes MSMEs Assess exposure and information needs Possible additional commercial planning These possible commercial effects should not be confused with confirmed consequences of the initiation notification. How Could Anti-Dumping Duty Affect Per sulphates Import Costs? An anti-dumping duty, if imposed in the future, could affect the landed cost of importing the covered products. However, the amount would depend on the scope and rate of any duty actually imposed. The initiation notification does not provide a final duty rate. Possible Effect on Landed Costs An additional duty could increase the amount payable on qualifying imports. The effect would depend on the applicable customs framework and the final duty notification. Effect on Supplier Contracts Importers may need to review whether existing purchase agreements address changes in customs duties or import costs. Effect on Product Pricing Businesses distributing imported Per sulphates may need to assess how any future increase in landed costs could affect selling prices. Effect on Procurement Decisions Importers may consider comparing domestic and overseas sourcing options according to quality, availability and total procurement cost. Such assessments are commercial precautions and not mandatory steps introduced by the investigation notification. Challenges and Possible Business Opportunities The investigation creates several practical considerations for businesses involved in the Per sulphates market. Challenges for Indian Importers One challenge is uncertainty over the eventual outcome. Importers cannot determine future duty liability from an investigation initiation alone. Businesses participating in the investigation may also need to gather detailed commercial information and meet prescribed filing deadlines. Challenges for Domestic Manufacturers Domestic manufacturers seeking relief must support their position with reliable information. Claims concerning dumping and injury are subject to examination. A domestic manufacturer's support for the investigation does not automatically establish that a duty should be imposed. Possible Opportunities for Domestic Suppliers A future trade remedy could change the competitive conditions faced by domestic producers. However, commercial benefits would depend on factors such as production capacity, product availability, demand and final government action. Supply Chain Planning Businesses may consider reviewing their dependence on particular suppliers and the terms of their procurement contracts. Such planning can help assess commercial exposure without assuming that the investigation will necessarily result in a duty. What Businesses Should Do Next Businesses involved in the import, manufacture or use of Per sulphates should focus on understanding the investigation and deciding whether they need to participate. 1. Confirm Whether the Product Is Covered Check whether the goods concerned are Ammonium, Potassium or Sodium Per sulphate. Review their chemical description and relevant specifications. 2. Review Applicable HSN Codes Compare the import classification with the two subheadings mentioned in the notification. Do not rely only on the HSN code when assessing product coverage. 3. Examine the Proposed PCN Categories Businesses dealing with different Per sulphate grades or categories should consider the proposed classification methodology. 4. Determine Whether Participation Is Relevant Importers, exporters and other interested parties should review whether they have information or interests to present to DGTR. 5. Check Applicable Filing Dates Determine the pertinent notice or intimation date before computing deadlines. 6. Gather Supporting Information In cases where a company opts to join in, refer to the applicable questionnaire and gather information. 7. Observe SETU Filing Guidelines Employ the correct filing mechanism and case ID number. 8. Consider Confidentiality Issues Gather the appropriate information, whether confidential or not. 9. Keep Track of Additional DGTR Notices Refer to any notices with regard to the scope of products, questionnaire, hearing procedures and findings. 10. Consider Potential Commercial Risk Analyze the import volumes and purchase agreements and other sources of commercial risk. What Happens After DGTR Completes the Investigation? An initiation notification is the beginning of the investigation process. DGTR must examine the relevant evidence before reaching conclusions. Examination of Questionnaire Responses The Authority will consider information submitted by interested parties according to the applicable procedures. Further Information and Hearings Additional information, procedural notices and opportunities for hearings may form part of the investigation process. Businesses should follow official notices rather than assuming a particular date or hearing schedule. Disclosure and Final Findings The Authority may issue relevant disclosures and final findings under the governing framework. Its findings will address matters such as dumping, injury and causal link. Possible Recommendation of Anti-Dumping Duty If the investigation supports a recommendation for anti-dumping duty, DGTR may recommend an appropriate measure. Government Decision A duty is imposed only through the applicable legal action by the competent government authority. The investigation could also end without the imposition of a duty. The notification does not establish the outcome. How Can Corpseed Help? For chemical importers and manufacturers, understanding the product scope and the difference between an investigation and an actual duty is important. Corpseed provides regulatory support to businesses dealing with import and other compliance requirements. Its Import Compliance Services can help companies review the regulatory requirements relevant to their operations. Depending on the business's requirements and service availability, Corpseed can assist with the following areas. Import Compliance Assessment Reviewing import-related regulatory requirements and identifying issues relevant to a business's products or activities. Product Classification Assistance Supporting companies in reviewing product descriptions, specifications, and the relevant customs classification process. Regulatory Compliance Assistance Guiding companies on relevant regulations and identifying issues related to compliance. Compliance Documentation Review Supporting the review and organisation of relevant import and business compliance documentation. Import Regulatory Advisory Guiding applicable import-related requirements and regulatory developments. Compliance Gap Assessment Identifying differences between a business's current arrangements and relevant regulatory requirements. Coordination for Specialist Requirements Where trade remedy representation or specialised legal work is needed, the business may require assistance from an appropriately qualified professional. Why Should Businesses Consider Professional Compliance Support? Chemical import regulations can involve several different requirements, and not every regulatory announcement creates the same obligations. An investigation notification, a customs duty notification and an import licensing requirement have different purposes. Understanding which requirements actually apply can help businesses avoid unnecessary filings and make better-informed commercial decisions. For assistance with chemical import compliance, product classification and relevant regulatory requirements, businesses can contact Corpseed to discuss suitable Import Compliance Services. Key Takeaways The DGTR Per sulphates anti-dumping investigation concerns allegations that imports from China are being dumped and causing injury to Indian manufacturers. The notification is relevant to domestic producers, Chinese exporters, Indian importers and businesses using the subject chemicals. DGTR initiated the investigation on 30 September 2026. The investigation covers APS, PPS and SPS. Calibre Chemicals Private Limited and UI-VR Private Limited filed the application. The Authority has found sufficient preliminary evidence to begin investigating the allegations. Interested parties must follow the relevant SETU filing requirements and deadlines. The general response period is linked to communication or transmission of the specified notice. No new anti-dumping duty is imposed through the initiation notification. Businesses should monitor further official developments before making decisions based on a possible future duty.
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Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary ESZ Amendment 2026: New Boundary Details and Business ImpactSummary: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has amended the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) boundary provisions for Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam. The change has been made through Notification S.O. 5569(E), appearing in the October 2026 Gazette of India. The amendment replaces paragraph 1 of the original notification issued on 7 June 2017. It provides a detailed description of the ESZ boundary, supported by geographical maps and 210 GPS coordinate points. For businesses around Guwahati, the boundary information deserves attention. A plot being considered for construction, an industrial expansion or a new commercial project may need to be checked against the notified ESZ before development plans are finalised. The amendment changes how the ESZ boundary is described. It does not, by itself, introduce a fresh environmental clearance process or a new set of business registration requirements. The restrictions already prescribed under the original ESZ notification remain relevant when assessing activities within the notified area. Landowners, developers and industrial operators therefore need to examine the updated boundary along with the existing regulatory provisions. Notification at a Glance Particular Details Issuing Authority Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) Notification Number S.O. 5569(E) Gazette Identification S.O. 5569(E) Notification Date CG-DL-E-13102026-277112 Gazette Issue Date 9 October 2026 in the Hindi version; the English version contains a conflicting year Publication Identifier Date 9 October 2026 Subject Amendment to Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary ESZ boundaries State Assam Principal Notification S.O. 1817(E), dated 7 June 2017 Previous Amendment S.O. 2715(E), dated 11 July 2024 Governing Law Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 Relevant Rules Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 Main Change Substitution of paragraph 1 relating to ESZ boundaries Annexure I Detailed ESZ boundary description Annexure II Google Earth map, toposheet map and GPS coordinates Boundary Points 210 New Business Compliance Deadline Not expressly specified Separate Commencement Date Not expressly specified in the amendment What Is the Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary Eco-Sensitive Zone? Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the eastern side of Guwahati in Assam. The original ESZ notification describes the sanctuary as covering approximately 78.64 square kilometres and comprising the Amchang, South Amchang and Khanapara Reserve Forest areas. Its landscape includes forested hills and habitats supporting wildlife such as elephants, leopards, hoolock gibbons, capped langurs and other species. The sanctuary is close to areas where roads, settlements and other development activities exist. Environmental protection around such a landscape involves more than conserving the forest within the sanctuary boundary. Activities in the surrounding area can also affect the protected habitat. An Eco-Sensitive Zone is an area notified around a protected landscape where certain activities are prohibited, regulated or permitted under prescribed conditions. It is not necessarily a uniform strip of land extending the same distance in every direction. For Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary, the original 2017 notification described an ESZ covering 109.99 square kilometres, with its extent varying from 170 metres to 8.1 kilometres. It also identified a zero-ESZ stretch on the western side because of the cantonment area. These figures belong to the original notification. Since the October 2026 amendment substitutes the boundary paragraph without expressly restating those measurements, the earlier figures should not be presented as a confirmed measurement of the revised ESZ. Why Does an ESZ Boundary Matter for Businesses? The location of a project can determine which environmental restrictions need to be examined. For instance, the original Amchang ESZ notification contains provisions covering commercial construction, polluting industries, mining, tourism development and other activities. Whether those provisions affect a particular proposal depends partly on its location. A business may have suitable land records and an approved development plan, yet still need to examine whether its intended activity is consistent with the applicable ESZ restrictions. This makes an accurate boundary assessment an important part of environmental due diligence, especially before land acquisition or a new development proposal. The Regulatory Framework Behind the Amendment The October 2026 amendment forms part of a regulatory framework established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Understanding the earlier notifications helps explain what has changed and what has not. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 The notification refers to Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. This section empowers the Central Government to take measures for protecting and improving the environment. The powers include specifying areas where particular industries, operations or processes may be restricted, subject to the applicable legal provisions. The ESZ notification for Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary was issued under this framework. Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 Rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 deals with the imposition of restrictions on the location of industries and the carrying out of processes and operations in specified areas. The October 2026 amendment relies on Rule 5(4). This provision permits the Central Government, where it considers the action necessary in the public interest, to dispense with the particular prior-notice requirement under Rule 5(3)(a). The notification expressly invokes this public-interest provision. It does not provide a detailed explanation identifying a particular construction project, industrial development or land dispute as the reason for the amendment. Original ESZ Notification of June 2017 The Central Government issued S.O. 1817(E) on 7 June 2017 to notify the Eco-Sensitive Zone around Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary. The notification established provisions concerning land use, preparation of a Zonal Master Plan, activity restrictions and regulatory monitoring. It classified activities into prohibited, regulated and promoted categories. That classification remains important because the October 2026 amendment does not expressly replace the activity table under paragraph 4. July 2024 Amendment The government issued another amendment through S.O. 2715(E) on 11 July 2024. This amendment substituted paragraphs 5 and 6 relating to the Monitoring Committee, and its functions. It set out the committee's composition and responsibilities for examining relevant activities within the ESZ. The Deputy Commissioner, Kamrup (Metro), was designated as the committee's chairperson, while the Divisional Forest Officer, Guwahati Wildlife Division, was designated Member Secretary. The 2024 amendment dealt with regulatory monitoring rather than the boundary substitution now made in 2026. What Has Changed Under the Amchang ESZ Amendment 2026? The October notification makes one principal legal change: it substitutes paragraph 1 of the 2017 notification, which concerns the boundaries of the Eco-Sensitive Zone. The substituted text directs readers to Annexure I for the boundary description and Annexure II for the maps and geographical coordinates. Although the amendment is short, the supporting geographical material occupies most of the 21-page Gazette document. A Detailed Boundary Description Is Provided Annexure I describes the notified boundary through four directional sections: north, west, south, and east. Each section follows numbered geographical points, using nearby locations, and landmarks to explain the route. These include riverbanks, roads, railway lines, educational institutions and settlements. The description helps identify how the boundary travels around the sanctuary. Revised Geographical Maps Are Included The notification contains a Google Earth map and a toposheet map. These maps provide a visual representation of the sanctuary and the ESZ boundary. For businesses examining sites around Guwahati, the maps are useful for understanding the boundary's relationship with nearby roads and developed areas. The Boundary Is Supported by 210 GPS Points Annexure II lists the latitude and longitude of 210 identified boundary points. The coordinates provide geographical reference information that can support a more detailed location assessment. A complete assessment should use the coordinates together with the official boundary description, and maps. The Western Boundary Includes a Zero-ESZ Stretch The notification specifically refers to a zero Eco-Sensitive Zone stretch along Narengi Military Station. This is a geographical feature of the notified boundary. It should not be understood as unrestricted permission for development throughout Narengi or the surrounding areas. The Revised Paragraph Does Not Restate All Earlier Details The original 2017 paragraph included the ESZ area, width, village list, and maps. The 2026 substituted text refers to the boundary description and maps but does not expressly restate the original area measurement, or village list. It also uses subparagraph numbers (3) and (4), although the amendment states that paragraph 1 is being substituted. This drafting point is important when interpreting the consolidated notification. Until the legal treatment of the omitted provisions is clarified, the article should not claim that the revised ESZ has either expanded or reduced by a particular area. Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary ESZ: 2017, 2024 and 2026 Notifications Compared Regulatory Aspect 2017 Notification 2024 Amendment 2026 Amendment Main Purpose Establishment of the ESZ framework Revision of Monitoring Committee provisions Substitution of the boundary paragraph Notification Number S.O. 1817(E) S.O. 2715(E) S.O. 5569(E) Boundary Information Original area, extent, village list and maps No express boundary substitution New boundary description, maps and coordinate tables Activity Restrictions Prohibited, regulated and promoted activities specified Activity restrictions not expressly replaced Activity restrictions not expressly replaced Monitoring Committee Original monitoring provisions Paragraphs 5 and 6 substituted No express substitution of committee provisions Business Relevance Established location-based ESZ conditions Regulatory scrutiny and monitoring Review of the geographical boundary affecting applicability The main difference: The 2017 notification established the regulatory framework, the 2024 amendment addressed monitoring arrangements and the October 2026 notification focuses on boundary identification. How Are the Revised Amchang ESZ Boundaries Defined? The new boundary description follows a series of identified points around the sanctuary. Rather than listing every coordinate in the article, the following explanation covers the main locations mentioned in Annexure I. Northern Boundary: Kopili River to Bonda The northern boundary begins at Point ID 1 on the left bank of the Kopili River. It proceeds towards Chandrapur, and reaches Point ID 4 in that area. From there, the boundary moves west towards Point ID 5 near Chandrapur High School. It then continues south-west and reaches Point ID 13 near Panikhaiti Rail Gate. The boundary crosses the railway track before proceeding towards Bonda, where it reaches Point ID 20. The riverbank, railway crossing and nearby settlements serve as reference points for understanding this portion of the ESZ. Western Boundary: Bonda to Khanapara From Bonda the boundary follows the foothills towards Point ID-41. It then travels east towards the first gate of Amchong Tea Estate, near Amsing Jorabat-Digaru Road at Point ID-51. The boundary subsequently moves south-west along the Narengi Military Station area. The notification identifies a zero-ESZ stretch along this portion before the boundary reaches Point ID 64. It continues towards Nabajyoti Nagar in Panjabari and then heads south towards Point ID 77 near Khanapara Bus Stand and Flyover. This section is relevant when assessing sites close to developed areas along the western side of the sanctuary. Southern Boundary: Khanapara to SSB Frontier Headquarters The southern boundary proceeds south-east, running parallel to National Highway 27. It reaches Point ID 98 near Jorabat (Shillong) Tiniali. From there, the boundary follows a route involving several turns around the NH-27 corridor and reaches Point ID 109 near Patarkuchi in Sonapur. It then turns through a series of points towards the Assam Don Bosco University campus. The route continues east, passing locations near LNIPE, Science City and NIA Guwahati. It eventually reaches Point ID 148 near the SSB Frontier Headquarters campus. The description is useful for understanding the notified boundary around the highway corridor and nearby institutional areas. Eastern Boundary: Kochutoli Pathar to Kopili River Starting at Point ID 148, the boundary goes north to Kochutoli Pathar and then west towards Botakuchi, along the foothills. It crosses the forest area near Amchang State Dispensary and reaches the NF Railway line at Kurkuria (Point ID 199). From there, it runs towards the Kopili River, crossing Point ID 205 on the river's left bank. The boundary then follows the river near the Digaru-Kopili confluence, and meets Point ID 1, completing the route. This completes the boundary route described in Annexu Direction-Wise Boundary Summary Direction Main Locations and Landmarks Point References North Kopili River, Chandrapur, Panikhaiti, Bonda 1-20 West Amchong Tea Estate, Narengi Military Station, Panjabari, Khanapara 20-77 South NH-27, Jorabat, Sonapur, Assam Don Bosco University, Science City 77-148 East Kochutoli Pathar, Botakuchi, Kurkuria, Digaru and Kopili rivers 148-210, returning to Point 1 The location names should be read as references within the notified boundary description. They do not mean that every property in those areas is necessarily inside the ESZ. What Do the Revised ESZ Maps and GPS Coordinates Show? Annexure II contains the geographical information needed to understand the boundary beyond the written description. It includes two types of maps and a list of GPS coordinates. Google Earth Map: The Google Earth map shows Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary and the surrounding notified ESZ. It helps readers identify the broad relationship between the sanctuary boundary, the ESZ boundary and nearby geographical features. The map is useful for an initial review of a property's location. However, the printed image is not a substitute for a detailed property survey. Toposheet Map: The toposheet map places the notified boundary within the surrounding landscape. It provides additional geographical context, including terrain and nearby infrastructure. This can help businesses understand the route followed by the boundary in different parts of the sanctuary. GPS Coordinates of the ESZ Boundary: The coordinate table contains 210 point IDs. Each point is identified using latitude and longitude. Some of the reference points are reproduced below. Point ID Latitude (North) Longitude (East) 1 26°14'13.87" 91°57'24.44" 20 26°11'21.82" 91°50'40.93" 51 26°9'19.51" 91°54'12.58" 64 26°8'3.69" 91°51'3.59" 77 26°7'11.55"v 91°49'32.25" 98 26°5'56.83" 91°52'46.97" 148 26°7'37.98" 91°57'14.56" 210 26°13'58.90" 91°57'25.26" These coordinates are examples from the official table, not a complete representation of the boundary. Why Are GPS Coordinates Important for Project Planning? Village names and road landmarks can help identify an area, but they may not establish the exact position of a plot. Coordinates allow a more detailed geographical assessment. For a proposed industrial unit, housing project or infrastructure development, the site boundary can be examined against the notified ESZ boundary. Where a plot is close to the boundary, a technical mapping exercise may be appropriate. Any final determination should be based on reliable site information and the legally notified geographical material. What Does the Zero Eco-Sensitive Zone Near Narengi Military Station Mean? The western boundary description specifically mentions maintaining a zero Eco-Sensitive Zone along Narengi Military Station. This means the ESZ's extent is described as zero along the identified stretch. It is not a blanket exemption for the whole locality. A property close to Narengi Military Station still needs to be examined against the official boundary. Other environmental, forest, building and land-use regulations may also be relevant, depending on the land and the proposed activity. A zero-ESZ boundary provision should never be treated as automatic permission to undertake construction or industrial development. How Can Businesses Check Whether Their Land Falls Within the ESZ? Before applying for project approvals or committing to a development, businesses should establish where their land is situated in relation to the notified boundary. The process is primarily one of document review and geographical verification. Step 1: Identify the Exact Property Location Start with reliable land information. Useful records may include: Plot or survey number. Land ownership or revenue records. Site layout. Verified property coordinates. Survey drawings identifying the proposed development area. The aim is to establish the exact site being assessed. Step 2: Examine the Official Boundary Description Review Annexure I of S.O. 5569(E). Identify the geographical route closest to the property and locate the relevant point IDs. Nearby landmarks can help identify the correct section of the boundary. Step 3: Compare the Site with the ESZ Maps Examine the Google Earth and toposheet maps in Annexure II. The maps can show whether a site appears close to the notified boundary. Where the position is unclear, a more detailed geographical assessment will be necessary. Step 4: Check the Relevant Coordinates Compare the site's verified coordinates with the official ESZ boundary points. The entire boundary route needs to be considered. A site's distance from one isolated point is not enough to establish whether it falls inside the ESZ. Step 5: Obtain Clarification Where Necessary Where there is uncertainty about a site's position, the matter may need to be verified with the competent forest, environment or land-record authority. Businesses should complete this assessment before relying on an assumption that a proposed activity is permitted. These steps are recommended due-diligence measures. The October 2026 notification does not prescribe them as a new standalone application procedure. Does the Amendment Change Existing Land-Use Restrictions? The latest notification changes the boundary paragraph. It does not expressly replace paragraph 4 of the 2017 notification, which deals with prohibited and regulated activities. For businesses, this is an important distinction. The restrictions were established under the earlier notification. The revised boundary information matters because it helps identify where the ESZ framework applies. Restrictions on Polluting Industries The original Amchang ESZ notification restricts the establishment of new polluting industries and the expansion of existing polluting industries within the ESZ. It separately addresses non-polluting industries, subject to the applicable classification and notification conditions. An industrial developer should therefore examine both the proposed activity and the property's location. Having a pollution-control consent does not, by itself, establish that an otherwise restricted industrial activity is permissible within the ESZ. Commercial Mining and Quarrying The original notification restricts commercial mining, stone quarrying and crushing units, subject to its stated qualifications and applicable legal provisions. It contains limited exceptions relating to the genuine domestic needs of local residents. These exceptions should not be extended to commercial projects that do not satisfy the stated conditions. Commercial Construction The original notification restricts new commercial construction within one kilometre of the protected-area boundary or up to the extent of the ESZ, whichever is nearer. It contains specific qualifications concerning local residential needs and other identified activities. Beyond the stated distance, construction is regulated under the applicable Zonal Master Plan framework. The exact wording of these provisions matters. They should not be shortened into a general claim that all construction within one kilometre is banned. Hotels, Resorts and Tourism Development The original notification places restrictions on new commercial hotels and resorts within one kilometre of the protected-area boundary or up to the ESZ's extent, whichever is nearer. It contains an exception for small temporary structures for eco-tourism activities. Beyond that distance, new tourism activities and expansion of existing activities are subject to the applicable Tourism Master Plan and guidelines. Businesses planning resorts or other tourism facilities need to examine these specific conditions. Hazardous Substances and Untreated Effluent The original notification includes restrictions relating to hazardous substances and the discharge of untreated effluent into natural water bodies or land. The restrictions are subject to the qualifications, and applicable laws identified in the notification. These are existing environmental controls, not new obligations created in October 2026. Summary of Existing Activity Restrictions Activity Position Under the 2017 Notification Relevance of 2026 Amendment New polluting industries and expansion Restricted under the activity table Verify whether the site falls within the revised ESZ Commercial mining and quarrying Prohibited subject to specified exceptions and applicable laws Boundary verification remains important New commercial construction Restricted within the specified distance, with stated qualifications Assess location and applicable construction conditions New commercial hotels and resorts Subject to distance-based restrictions and exceptions Check location and tourism-related conditions Hazardous substances Restricted subject to applicable laws Review the activity and legal requirements Untreated effluent discharge Prohibited subject to applicable law Environmental compliance requirements remain relevant Small non-polluting industries Subject to conditions under the notification Examine location, category and other applicable permissions The table summarises selected provisions. It does not replace the complete activity schedule in the 2017 notification. Are Any New Environmental Clearances or Permissions Required? Notification S.O. 5569(E) does not expressly establish a new environmental clearance application process. This does not mean that development near Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary is automatically free from approval requirements. Different projects may fall under different environmental laws. Environmental Clearance for Notified Projects Certain industrial, construction, mining and infrastructure proposals may require prior environmental clearance under the applicable Environmental Impact Assessment framework. The requirement depends on the project's nature, location, scale and relevant legal provisions. Businesses should establish whether their proposed activity falls within the applicable clearance framework. Professional environmental clearance consultancy may be useful where a project requires regulatory screening, technical documentation or assistance with an applicable clearance process. Wildlife Clearance A wildlife-related approval may be relevant where a project meets the applicable legal conditions. It should not be assumed that every commercial or industrial project near a sanctuary automatically requires the same wildlife permission. The assessment must be based on the project's location, nature and current legal requirements. Forest Clearance Where development involves the use of forest land for non-forest purposes, applicable forest-related approval requirements may arise. These requirements are separate from simply identifying the ESZ boundary. Land classification and the proposed activity are therefore important. Assam Pollution Control Board Consent Industrial projects may also need Consent to Establish (CTE) or Consent to Operate (CTO) from the Pollution Control Board, Assam, depending on their activity and applicable consent requirements. Such permissions are part of the pollution-control framework. They are not newly introduced by the Amchang ESZ boundary amendment. Land-Use and Building Approvals Development proposals may need local planning, land-use or building permissions under the relevant laws. A business should not assume that obtaining one environmental approval automatically satisfies every other requirement. The applicable permissions need to be assessed together. Role of the ESZ Monitoring Committee The Monitoring Committee is an important part of the Amchang ESZ regulatory framework. Its current functions were addressed through the July 2024 amendment. The committee is responsible for examining relevant activities within the ESZ and considering the actual conditions of the site. Review of Activities Requiring Environmental Clearance: For activities covered by the applicable EIA Notification schedule, the committee has a role in scrutinising relevant proposals and referring them to the competent environmental clearance authority, subject to the terms of the ESZ notification. Review of Other Regulated Activities: For activities not covered by the EIA schedule but located within the ESZ, the committee may examine the actual site-specific conditions and refer matters to the appropriate regulatory authorities. Prohibited activities are treated separately under the notification. Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement: The amended committee provisions also address the ability of specified officials to file complaints concerning contraventions under Section 19 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The committee is required to submit an annual action-taken report to the state's Chief Wildlife Warden. The reporting requirement applies to the committee. It should not be presented as a new annual return that every business must file. Impact on Businesses Near Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary The immediate business relevance of this amendment is geographical. Before deciding whether an ESZ-related restriction applies, businesses need to establish the correct location of their property or proposed project. Impact on Construction and Real Estate Developers A construction developer planning a commercial property near the sanctuary should review the ESZ boundary before finalising the site. The relevant issues include the project's precise location, intended use and applicable construction restrictions. Environmental due diligence services can help identify regulatory considerations during project planning, though official boundary and approval decisions remain with the competent authorities. Impact on Industrial Units Industrial businesses should review whether their proposed or existing premises fall within the notified area. For a proposed unit, the assessment should include the nature of the industrial activity and the restrictions prescribed under the existing ESZ framework. For an operating unit, the review may also involve examining existing approvals and any proposed expansion. The amendment does not expressly cancel previously issued industrial approvals. Impact on Infrastructure Developers Infrastructure projects can involve several connected land parcels, particularly when roads, utility infrastructure or transport facilities are involved. A project alignment near the sanctuary may require geographical checking against the notified ESZ boundary. Where the project intersects a regulated area, the applicable restrictions and approval requirements must be assessed before development proceeds. Impact on Hotels and Tourism Businesses Hotels, resorts and tourism facilities near Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary should pay attention to the original notification's tourism provisions. The regulations distinguish between different distances, project types and permitted activities. Businesses should therefore review the actual proposed facility rather than assuming that tourism development is either completely prohibited or unrestricted. Impact on Landowners and Investors A land purchase can involve more than checking ownership and revenue records. Where land is close to a protected area, the intended future use may also depend on environmental and land-use restrictions. Checking the ESZ boundary before making a major investment can help identify possible limitations at an earlier stage. Business Impact at a Glance Stakeholder Main Concern Recommended Check Construction developers Applicability of ESZ construction restrictions Site location and permitted land use Industrial operators Restrictions on industrial activities Industry category, plot location and existing permissions Infrastructure developers Development within or across the notified ESZ Project alignment and applicable approvals Tourism businesses Conditions on hotels, resorts and tourism development Distance, location and tourism rules Landowners Possible restrictions on future land use Boundary verification and land classification Investors Environmental issues affecting project feasibility Environmental due diligence before investment What Are the Risks of Ignoring ESZ Restrictions? The October 2026 amendment does not introduce a new schedule of penalties. However, businesses carrying out activities that contravene applicable ESZ provisions or other environmental laws may face legal and regulatory consequences under the relevant framework. The Monitoring Committee provisions also provide a mechanism for referring relevant activities to regulatory authorities and for specified officials to file complaints concerning contraventions. From a business perspective, failing to verify the location and applicable restrictions may create practical problems. These can include: Discovering that the proposed land use is restricted after project planning has begun. Needing to revise a project design or location. Delays in obtaining approvals that are legally required. Regulatory scrutiny where an activity conflicts with applicable conditions. Additional due-diligence work before investment or development decisions. These are possible operational consequences, not confirmed outcomes for every business. The appropriate response is to verify the legal position early rather than assuming that every development near the sanctuary is prohibited. What Should Businesses Do After the 2026 ESZ Amendment? Businesses with land, facilities or proposed projects near Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary can use the following checklist. Compliance Check Recommended Action Location verification Compare the site with the official maps and coordinates Notification review Read the 2017 notification and its 2024 and 2026 amendments Activity assessment Check whether the proposed activity is prohibited, regulated or permitted Environmental clearance Determine whether the activity independently requires clearance Forest and wildlife approvals Check the relevant legal triggers where applicable Pollution-control consent Review CTE/CTO requirements for industrial operations Existing project approvals Examine validity and applicable conditions Documentation Retain reliable land records, maps and assessment information Regulatory clarification Consult the competent authority where the boundary position is uncertain Checks for Existing Businesses Businesses already operating near the sanctuary should review the location of their premises, and the permissions relevant to their activities. They should also assess any proposed expansion separately. An existing permission should not be assumed invalid merely because the boundary amendment has been issued, but its conditions should be checked against the applicable legal position. Checks for New Projects For proposed projects, boundary verification should ideally take place before major financial commitments. A business should identify the exact land parcel, examine its proposed use and determine the permissions required under the relevant laws. Where the project is affected by ESZ restrictions, the issue should be resolved during planning rather than after construction or operational commitments have begun. Why Is Environmental Due Diligence Important for Projects Near the ESZ? Environmental due diligence involves examining the environmental and regulatory issues associated with a property, project or business activity. For projects near Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary, a useful assessment may cover the land's location, existing land-use classification, applicable ESZ restrictions, environmental approvals and other relevant records. It can also help identify whether a proposed change in land use or project expansion requires additional regulatory examination. Businesses considering new developments may benefit from carrying out this review before purchasing land or finalising a project plan. Environmental due diligence is not itself a new statutory requirement imposed by S.O. 5569(E). It is a practical way to identify relevant compliance issues before they affect business decisions. How Corpseed Can Help Businesses planning construction, industrial development or infrastructure projects near a protected area may need assistance in identifying which environmental requirements apply. Corpseed offers environmental compliance services and consultancy support for relevant environmental approval and due-diligence requirements. Environmental Compliance Consultancy: Through its environmental consultancy services, Corpseed can assist businesses with understanding applicable environmental regulations and identifying relevant compliance requirements. For projects near an ESZ, the regulatory assessment must begin with the property's location and the intended activity. Environmental Clearance Services: Where a project independently requires prior environmental clearance, Corpseed provides environmental clearance services covering relevant application and documentation assistance. The requirement for clearance depends on the project and applicable law, not merely on the publication of the 2026 boundary amendment. Wildlife Clearance Consultancy: Businesses whose projects are subject to wildlife-related approval requirements can seek assistance through Corpseed's wildlife clearance consultancy. The applicable approval route should be verified before submitting an application. Environmental Due Diligence Services: Corpseed provides environmental and social due diligence services for examining environmental and social considerations relevant to business and investment decisions. These services may be useful when assessing proposed land acquisition, industrial development or expansion plans. Assam Pollution Control Board Consent Assistance: Industrial units that require pollution-control consent can explore Corpseed's Assam Pollution Control Board CTE/CTO services. These services concern applicable industrial pollution-control requirements and are separate from the ESZ boundary amendment. Planning a project near Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary? Contact Corpseed for assistance with environmental compliance requirements, applicable clearance processes and environmental due diligence for your proposed project. Key Takeaways The October 2026 amendment to the Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary ESZ notification is primarily concerned with the notified geographical boundary. It substitutes paragraph 1 of the original 2017 notification and provides a detailed boundary description, maps and GPS coordinates. The amendment is relevant to businesses assessing land, or planning projects near the notified area. It does not however, create a new standalone environmental clearance process, or a general requirement for all nearby businesses to obtain fresh approvals. Existing restrictions on specified industrial, construction, mining and tourism activities remain important when determining the applicable regulatory position. The most useful first step for an affected business is to establish whether its land or project actually falls within the notified ESZ. Once that is clear, the applicable activity restrictions and project-specific approvals can be examined.
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GST Multistate Registration 2026: GSTN Introduces New Facility for BusinessesSummary: Applying for GST registration in more than one State can involve a lot of repeated paperwork and data entry. Business details, promoter information and authorised signatory particulars may need to be entered again when separate applications are prepared for different States. To reduce this repetition, the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) has introduced a new Multistate Registration facility on the GST Common Portal. According to GSTN’s advisory, which was published on 1 October 2026, the option is open to eligible taxpayers who can now select several states and union territories and provide their common registration information using the same Master Temporary Reference Number (Master TRN). After providing such information, the system automatically generates unique TRNs for each of the selected states and union territories. Currently, this service is available to Normal Taxpayers only. However, there is one important point businesses should understand: the new facility does not mean that one GST registration will cover all States. Separate State-specific application requirements continue to apply. The change is in how common information is collected and reused. GSTN Multistate Registration Advisory at a Glance The advisory explains the new portal functionality, the information that can be submitted together and the steps applicants must complete for individual State or Union Territory registrations. Particular Details Issuing Authority Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) Advisory Advisory on “Multistate Registration” Facility for GST Registration Date of Advisory 1 October 2026 Nature of Update New GST portal registration functionality Eligible Applicants Normal Taxpayers Applicable Portal GST Common Portal Main Feature Common information submission using a Master TRN Information Covered Business, promoter/partner, authorised signatory, authorised representative, and goods and services details Master TRN Submission Period Within 15 days State-wise Applications Separate TRNs generated for selected States/UTs Main Benefit Reduced repetitive data entry New Registration Fee Not specified in the advisory Separate Statutory Effective Date Not expressly specified The announcement concerns the registration application process. It is not a notification introducing new GST registration thresholds, tax rates or statutory exemptions. What Is the GST Multistate Registration Facility 2026? The Multistate GST Registration facility is a new option on the GST portal that allows eligible taxpayers to apply for registration in multiple States or Union Territories using a common-information process. The procedure in this case begins with the selection by the applicant of the States/Union Territories where they are supposed to be registered. Then a Master TRN is created, which is to be used for data entry. After the shared information has been submitted, separate TRNs are generated for the selected States or Union Territories. Applicants then complete the remaining details for each location. What Does This Mean for Businesses? The facility is intended to reduce the need to type the same business information repeatedly. For instance, information about the business's promoters, partners or authorised signatories may be common across several registration applications. The new facility allows those particulars to be entered through the Common Registration Information section and carried into the relevant individual applications. The applicant can still edit the information populated in an individual TRN. This makes the process more convenient without changing the legal requirement to complete registration applications for the relevant States or Union Territories. Regulatory Framework for GST Registration in Multiple States GST registration is governed by the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, the applicable State or Union Territory GST legislation, and the relevant registration rules. The GSTN Multistate Registration facility operates within this framework. It does not replace the provisions that determine when a business must obtain GST registration. GST Registration Under Section 22 of the CGST Act Section 22 deals with persons liable for registration under GST. Registration liability depends on factors such as the nature of supplies, the applicable turnover thresholds, the place from which supplies are made and other relevant legal provisions. A business operating in different States must examine whether registration is required in each location. There is no general rule that every business selling goods or services to customers in another State must obtain a separate GST registration in that State solely because of the customer's location. Registration Requirements Under Section 25 Section 25 of the CGST Act deals with the procedure for registration. Where a person is required to obtain registration in more than one State or Union Territory, the applicable requirements for those registrations must be followed. Section 25(4) also provides that a person having more than one GST registration is treated as a distinct person in respect of each registration. This distinction is relevant to the business's GST responsibilities even when the registrations belong to the same legal entity. Does the New Advisory Amend the CGST Act? No amendment to the CGST Act or registration rules is announced in the GSTN advisory dated 1 October 2026. The advisory introduces a portal facility for entering common information and preparing multiple State/UT applications. Existing statutory registration obligations remain separate from the new application functionality. What Has Changed Under the GSTN Advisory? The most noticeable change is the introduction of a Multistate Registration tab on the homepage of the GST Common Portal. Eligible applicants can now select multiple States or Union Territories and enter shared information through one Master TRN. Previously, common information had to be handled as part of the respective individual registration applications. The new facility provides a common stage for entering those details. Key Changes Introduced 1. Selection of multiple States and Union Territories Applicants can select more than one State or Union Territory through the new facility. 2. Generation of a Master TRN After selecting the required locations, the portal generates a Master Temporary Reference Number for the common-information stage. 3. Submission of Common Registration Information Instead of separately preparing shared information at the beginning of each application, the applicant can provide it through the Master TRN. 4. Separate TRNs for each State/UT After CRI submission, the portal generates individual TRNs for the selected locations. 5. Prepopulation of common information Common details are carried into the respective individual applications. The applicant can review and edit them. 6. Completion of remaining State-specific details Applicants still need to provide information such as the Principal Place of Business, Additional Place of Business, State-specific particulars and applicable Aadhaar authentication. Earlier Application Approach vs New Facility Registration Area Earlier Individual Application Approach New Multistate Facility Application initiation State/UT-specific applications Multiple States/UTs can be selected together Common business information Entered through individual applications Entered through CRI Reference number Individual TRN Master TRN followed by individual TRNs Repeated information Handled separately in applications Common details are populated into individual applications State-specific details Required Still required Registration approval Subject to GST registration procedure Remains subject to GST registration procedure The improvement is primarily administrative. It helps with application preparation; it does not automatically grant or combine registrations. Why Has GSTN Introduced the Multistate Registration Facility? The advisory identifies two clear objectives: reducing repetitive data entry and making the registration application process easier for taxpayers. Reducing Repeated Entry of Business Information Several details in GST registration applications can relate to the same business, even when the applications concern different States. Entering those particulars repeatedly takes time and creates additional administrative work. The new CRI facility addresses this issue by allowing common details to be provided at one stage. Making Registration Applications Easier to Manage Businesses applying in multiple States may need information from their legal, finance, administration and tax teams. The common-information facility may make this coordination easier because shared particulars can be prepared together. The remaining State-specific details can then be addressed separately. Improving Ease of Doing Business The advisory expressly links the new functionality with ease of doing business. The benefit is particularly relevant to applicants dealing with several registration applications. However, GSTN has not announced guaranteed approval within a shorter period or any reduction in statutory registration requirements. Who Is Eligible for the Multistate GST Registration Facility? The GSTN advisory states that the functionality is currently available only to Normal Taxpayers. This eligibility condition should be checked before using the facility. Normal Taxpayers Normal Taxpayers applying for registration in more than one State or Union Territory can use the new functionality, subject to the applicable GST registration requirements. The advisory does not provide a separate list of eligible industries or business sizes. Businesses Operating Across Multiple States The facility may be relevant to eligible businesses with establishments in different States or Union Territories. It may also help businesses preparing registration applications as part of an expansion into additional locations. The requirement to obtain registration must be determined from the applicable GST provisions rather than from the availability of this portal option. Is the Facility Available to All Taxpayer Categories? No. The advisory currently restricts its availability to Normal Taxpayers. It does not announce when, or whether, the functionality will be extended to other taxpayer categories. Applicant Category Position Under the Advisory Normal Taxpayers Facility currently available Other taxpayer categories Not covered by the announced availability Businesses seeking multiple registrations Can use the facility where eligible Businesses seeking only one State/UT registration Multiple-State functionality is not needed for that purpose How to Apply for Multistate GST Registration on the GST Portal The advisory sets out the main stages of the new application process. Businesses planning to use the facility should understand what happens at each stage and which information must still be supplied separately. Step 1: Access the Multistate Registration Tab Visit the GST Common Portal at www.gst.gov.in. According to the advisory, the homepage now includes a tab named Multistate Registration. Eligible applicants can use this option to begin the common-information process for multiple State/UT registration applications. Step 2: Select the Required States or Union Territories The applicant selects the States or Union Territories where registration applications are to be made. Before doing so, the business should confirm where registration is required or otherwise legally appropriate. The availability of the facility does not by itself determine the business's registration liability. Step 3: Generate the Master TRN After State/UT selection, the portal generates a Master TRN. This serves as the reference for entering Common Registration Information. It is different from the separate TRNs subsequently generated for individual State/UT applications. Step 4: Enter Common Registration Information The applicant uses the Master TRN to submit the common details. The advisory identifies the following information: Business details Promoter or partner details Authorised signatory details Authorised representative details Goods and services information The applicant should check these details carefully because they are intended for use across the selected applications. Step 5: Submit the Master TRN Within 15 Days The advisory specifies that the Master TRN must be submitted within 15 days. Applicants should therefore prepare their common information in time to complete this stage. The advisory does not explain the precise calculation of this period or state the portal's treatment of an incomplete Master TRN after the period has passed. Step 6: Receive Separate Individual TRNs Once the Common Registration Information is submitted, individual TRNs are generated for the selected States or Union Territories. Each TRN is associated with the corresponding registration application. Generation of a TRN is not the same as the grant of GST registration. Step 7: Complete State-Specific Registration Information Common information is populated into the respective applications and remains editable. The applicant must supply the remaining information, including: Principal Place of Business (PPoB) Additional Place of Business (APoB), where applicable Other State-specific particulars Aadhaar authentication, as applicable Step 8: Complete the Individual Registration Applications After entering the remaining information, applicants must follow the current GST portal procedure for completing their respective applications. The advisory does not create a separate approval mechanism or guarantee a particular registration processing time. GST Multistate Registration Process Summary Step What the Applicant Does Result 1 Accesses Multistate Registration Opens new facility 2 Selects States/UTs Identifies intended applications 3 Generates Master TRN Receives common reference 4 Submits CRI Provides shared information 5 Completes Master TRN within 15 days Finishes common-information stage 6 Receives individual TRNs Gets separate application references 7 Provides State-specific details Completes remaining application information 8 Follows applicable portal procedure Continues State-wise registration process What Is a Master TRN in GST Registration? A Master Temporary Reference Number is generated when an eligible taxpayer selects multiple States or Union Territories through the new registration facility. It is used to provide shared application information before individual TRNs are generated. Purpose of the Master TRN The Master TRN supports the common stage of the registration process. Through this reference, the applicant submits business and other information that can be populated into the selected State/UT applications. When Is It Generated? The Master TRN is generated after the applicant selects the required States or Union Territories. Why Is It Important? Without completing the common-information stage, the applicant cannot follow the subsequent CRI-based sequence described in the advisory. Applicants should also remember that a Master TRN is not a registration approval. Does a Master TRN Replace Individual TRNs? No. The advisory specifically provides that individual TRNs are generated after CRI submission. These references serve different purposes. What Is Common Registration Information (CRI)? Common Registration Information is the information entered through the Master TRN that can be populated into the selected individual registration applications. GSTN identifies five categories of CRI. 1. Business Details These are the common particulars relating to the applicant business. Accurate business information is important because it forms part of the registration applications for the selected States or Union Territories. 2. Promoter and Partner Details This section is in reference to information about the promoters or partners in connection with the application form. The necessary information will be based on the constitution of the business and the fields required for registration. 3. Authorised Signatory Information Authorised signatories are those individuals who are authorized to represent the applicant in the GST registration process. 4. Authorised Representative Details The advisory includes authorised representative information in CRI. Applicants must provide the relevant information wherever applicable under the portal process. 5. Goods and Services Information This category covers details about the goods or services associated with the applicant's business. The information should accurately reflect the activities relevant to the registration applications. Common Registration Information Summary Information Category What It Covers Business Details Shared particulars of the applicant business Promoter/Partner Details Relevant promoter or partner information Authorised Signatory Person authorised to act or sign Authorised Representative Applicable representative details Goods and Services Relevant business activity information What Information Must Be Provided Separately for Each State/UT? The new system reduces repeated common-information entry. It does not remove the need for location-specific details. After receiving the individual TRNs, applicants must complete the remaining information for each selected State or Union Territory. Principal Place of Business The Principal Place of Business is the principal business location identified for the relevant GST registration. Businesses must ensure that the particulars supplied for each application are correct and correspond to the relevant location. Additional Place of Business Where applicable, additional business premises information must be supplied in the relevant State/UT application. The advisory specifically identifies Additional Place of Business details among the remaining information. Other State-Specific Information Certain registration particulars may differ from one location to another. These must be completed through the respective individual TRNs. Aadhaar Authentication The advisory also mentions Aadhaar authentication as part of the remaining application process. Whether and how authentication applies must be determined under the existing GST requirements and applicable portal procedure. The advisory does not itself create a new Aadhaar authentication rule. What Is the 15-Day Master TRN Submission Requirement? GSTN has stated that the Master TRN is required to be submitted within 15 days. This requirement relates to the common-information stage of the new functionality. Applicants should not confuse it with the deadline for obtaining a GSTIN or the statutory period for applying for registration after becoming liable under GST. Why Does This Period Matter? The Master TRN is used to submit information shared across the selected applications. Businesses should arrange the necessary particulars before starting the process so that the common-information stage can be completed within the stated period. What Happens If the Period Is Missed? The advisory does not expressly specify the consequences of missing the 15 days. It does not establish a penalty, recovery procedure or automatic extension in the text provided. Applicants should follow the current official GST portal instructions rather than assume what happens to an incomplete Master TRN. Master TRN vs Individual TRN: Key Differences Particular Master TRN Individual TRN Purpose Submission of common information State/UT-specific application Generation After selection of multiple States/UTs After CRI submission Information Shared application particulars Remaining State-specific particulars together with populated common details Coverage Common stage for selected applications Individual State/UT GST Registration Approval Does not represent approval Does not represent approval Main Role Reduces repeated information entry Supports completion of separate applications Neither should be confused with a GSTIN. Does Multistate Registration Mean One GSTIN for All States? No. The new Multistate Registration facility does not provide one common GSTIN for every selected State or Union Territory. GST registration is governed by the applicable statutory provisions, including Section 25 of the CGST Act. A taxpayer required to register in more than one State or Union Territory must continue to meet the relevant registration requirements. The new GSTN functionality only allows common details to be entered through a shared application-information process. Master TRN Is Not a GSTIN A Master TRN is a temporary application reference. A GSTIN is issued in connection with a GST registration. The generation of a Master TRN or an individual TRN should never be treated as confirmation that registration has been approved. Separate Registrations Still Have Their Own Legal Significance In cases where an individual has more than one GST registration, the separate-person rules of Section 25(4) continue to apply. The business should thus appreciate the benefits of sharing application data and its statutory obligations. Does the Facility Change Existing GST Registration Requirements? The advisory does not change the legal tests for registration. It does not announce: A new GST registration threshold. A new registration fee. A new tax rate. A new penalty for registration applicants. An exemption from State-wise registration obligations. Automatic approval of applications. One GSTIN for multiple States. The change is confined to the new registration facility described by GSTN. Businesses must continue to examine their obligations under applicable GST legislation and official guidance. What Are the Benefits of Multistate GST Registration for Businesses? The facility can make application preparation easier for eligible businesses dealing with several registrations. Reduced Repetitive Entry Common information can be entered through the Master TRN rather than being prepared separately at the initial stage of each application. Easier Preparation of Multiple Applications The applicant can organise shared information before completing individual State/UT forms. Prepopulated Information CRI details are carried into the individual TRNs and remain editable. Better Coordination of Application Details Having a common-information stage may help businesses and their advisers organise shared particulars consistently. Less Administrative Duplication Reducing repeated typing and preparation can make the process more convenient. These are application-related advantages. They should not be interpreted as guaranteed cost savings or faster regulatory approval. Impact on Businesses Operating in Multiple States The practical value of the facility depends on the applicant's business structure and registration needs. MSMEs MSMEs planning operations in additional States may benefit from a common-information process where multiple registrations are required. However, registration liability must still be assessed separately. Multi-location Companies Businesses preparing several State/UT applications may find it easier to manage common promoter, signatory and business information. The remaining State-specific details must still be completed. Startups Startups expanding their business presence can review the new facility when planning GST registration applications. The need for separate registration depends on the applicable law and actual business circumstances. Tax Consultants and Compliance Teams Professionals handling multiple applications may benefit from the reduced repetition of common information. They must still review the accuracy and completeness of each individual application. Stakeholder Practical Benefit Responsibility That Remains MSMEs Easier common-information preparation Assess where registration is needed Multi-location businesses Reduced repetitive data entry Complete State-specific details Startups More organised application process Check eligibility and legal requirements Tax consultants Better management of shared details Review separate applications Compliance teams Improved coordination of common particulars Ensure application accuracy What Challenges Should Businesses Consider? Even with the new functionality, several practical matters require attention. Incorrect Common Information Information entered through CRI is used in the individual applications. Businesses should therefore verify common particulars before submission and review them again where they are populated. Missing State-Specific Details The applicant must still provide the remaining information for each State or Union Territory. Incomplete location details can affect an individual application. Confusion Between Application References Businesses should maintain a record of the Master TRN and separate individual TRNs. This can help avoid mistakes while working on several applications. Master TRN Submission Period The 15-day requirement must be kept in mind when preparing CRI. Applicants should not assume that the Master TRN can remain incomplete indefinitely. Common Risks to Avoid During Multistate GST Registration Assuming one Master TRN gives registration in all States: The Master TRN is only a reference used at the common-information stage. Not reviewing populated information: Applicants should check the information carried into each application. Ignoring State-specific registration fields: The remaining information must still be completed. Selecting States without considering registration requirements: Businesses should establish where registration is required or otherwise appropriate. Misinterpretation of the 15-day approval period: This is the period referred to by the advisory as the period for submission of Master TRN. Misconception that all categories of taxpayers qualify: The functionality can be utilized only by Normal Taxpayers Treating the advisory as a change in GST law: The announcement relates to portal functionality, not a new statutory registration framework. What Should Businesses Do Before Applying? Businesses planning to use the new facility should first check their GST registration requirements. The following checklist can help with preparation. Action Why It Matters Determine relevant States/UTs Identify where registration applications are needed Confirm taxpayer category Check whether the functionality applies Prepare business information Support CRI submission Review promoter/partner particulars Improve information accuracy Verify authorised signatory details Prepare common applicant information Arrange State-specific particulars Complete individual TRN applications Monitor the 15-day period Complete Master TRN submission on time Review individual applications Check populated and remaining information These are recommended preparation steps. They are not a separate statutory checklist created by the advisory. Best Practices for Managing GST Registration in Multiple States Businesses can make the process easier by keeping their application information organised. Prepare Common Details in Advance Arrange the business, promoter/partner, signatory, representative and goods/services information before starting the common-information stage. Keep State-specific Records Separate Information relating to the Principal Place of Business and Additional Places of Business should be reviewed for each relevant location. Check Populated Information The facility allows common information to remain editable in the individual TRNs. Applicants should use that opportunity to check whether the details are accurate for each application. Maintain an Application Reference Record Keep track of the Master TRN and all individual TRNs so that the different applications can be managed without confusion. Follow Current GST Portal Instructions The advisory explains the new common-information functionality. Applicants should follow the current official portal process for the remaining registration requirements. How Corpseed Can Help with GST Registration Services Businesses seeking GST registration in more than one State may need assistance in understanding registration applicability, preparing common information and completing individual applications. Corpseed provides GST registration services and compliance assistance for businesses planning or managing their registration requirements. 1. GST Registration Applicability Assessment Corpseed can assist businesses in examining their activities and determining which registration requirements may apply under GST law. 2. Multi-State GST Registration Assistance Businesses using the new facility can seek guidance on the Master TRN, CRI and individual TRN stages. 3. Online GST Registration Services Corpseed can support applicants with the applicable online registration process and the preparation of relevant information. 4. Review of Registration Details Accurate business and location-specific particulars are important when handling multiple applications. Corpseed can assist with checking the information prepared for registration. 5. GST Compliance Advisory Services Businesses can also seek assistance with GST registration-related compliance questions and the responsibilities associated with their registrations. 6. Ongoing Registration Support Where registration-related updates or other follow-up requirements arise, Corpseed can provide relevant advisory assistance. Need GST registration in multiple States? Businesses looking for GST registration services or guidance from a GST registration consultant can contact Corpseed to understand the applicable requirements and obtain support with preparing their applications. Key Takeaways The GSTN Multi-state Registration module, which is launched on 1 October 2026, allows taxpayers who qualify for using this service to file the same set of information for all State/Union Territory applications. The main points businesses should remember are: The facility is currently available only to Normal Taxpayers. Applicants can select multiple States or Union Territories. A Master TRN is generated for submitting Common Registration Information. The Master TRN must be submitted within 15 days. Individual TRNs are generated after CRI submission. Remaining State-specific information and applicable authentication requirements must still be completed. The Master TRN is neither a substitute for GST registration in States nor a GSTIN number. This service helps in saving time for those who have to make multiple applications. Nevertheless, the process of GST registration remains subject to the law.
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