The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), has announced new port restrictions on the import of certain items from Bangladesh to India. The decision was outlined in a notification dated May 17, 2025, and aims to control the flow of specific commodities, so that imports are handled through designated ports. These changes are part of India’s comprehensive import policy, as outlined in its Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023.
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Key Imports Affected by the Restrictions
The newly implemented ban affects various goods imported from Bangladesh. The following categories of goods will be affected:
| S.No | Item Description | Import Policy /Port restriction |
| 1 | All HS codes of Ready Made Garments (RMG) | Import from Bangladesh shall not be allowed from any land port, however, it is allowed only through Nhava Sheva and Kolkata seaports. |
| 2 | Fruit/ Fruit flavoured and Carbonated Drinks | Imports from Bangladesh shall not be allowed through any Land Customs Stations (LCSs)/Integrated Check Posts (ICPs)in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram; and LCS Changrabandha and Fulbari, in West Bengal. |
| 3 | Processed food items (Baked goods, Snacks, Chips and Confectionery) | |
| 4 | Cotton and Cotton Yarn Waste. | |
| 5 | Plastic and PVC finished goods, except pigments, dyes, plasticisers and granules that form input for own industries. | |
| 6 | Wooden Furniture |
Exceptions to Import Restrictions
While the new port restrictions on imports from Bangladesh affect a wide range of goods, some items will remain unaffected. Imports of the following items will continue without new restrictions:
- Fish: Fish imports from Bangladesh will remain unaffected by the restrictions.
- LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas): LPG imports will be allowed without any port restrictions.
- Edible Oil: Edible oil imports from Bangladesh will continue to flow into India without any interruption.
- Crushed Stone: Crushed stone from Bangladesh will not be subject to the new port restrictions.
Moreover, these restrictions will not apply to cargoes that are traveling from Bangladesh to Nepal or Bhutan via India.
Implications for Importers and DGFT License Holders
The new regulation will have significant impacts on businesses and people involved in the import-export sector. Importers holding DGFT licenses have to ensure that their goods are shipped through designated ports (Nhawa Shewa and Kolkata seaports) for certain product categories. They should also be aware of any future updates related to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 to ensure compliance. To comply with the new guidelines, importers must ensure that their shipments meet specific import conditions set by the DGFT. This includes ensuring that goods are imported only through approved ports and that all regulations pertaining to specific product categories are followed. Importers who fail to comply with these restrictions may face delays, penalties, or other legal consequences.
The imposition of new port restrictions on imports from Bangladesh reflects India’s continued efforts to regulate cross-border trade and ensure that the flow of goods is in line with national standards. For businesses importing goods from Bangladesh, staying updated with the latest DGFT information and ensuring proper compliance will be critical to navigating the changing import landscape.
As the regulations come into effect immediately, importers are advised to review their current import practices and adjust their logistics strategies accordingly. The introduction of Para 19 under the General Notes Regarding Import Policy (ITC HS, 2022 Schedule 1) offers a clear framework for managing imports and highlights India’s commitment to strengthening its import policy. Importers and businesses involved in cross-border trade should closely monitor updates from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to stay compliant with India's evolving foreign trade regulations.
This portion of the site is for informational purposes only. The content is not legal advice. The statements and opinions are the expression of author, not corpseed, and have not been evaluated by corpseed for accuracy, completeness, or changes in the law.
