Never miss a DGFT, Customs or BIS change that affects your products

The government has updated the membership structure of the Sub-Committee on Trade Finance that oversees export finance schemes under the Niryat Protsahan program. The revised composition now applies uniformly across all trade finance interventions and includes representatives from MSME, Commerce, Finance, EXIM Bank, ECGC, and banking associations.

India has extended the Minimum Import Price (MIP) requirement for ATS 8, a specialty chemical, from September 2025 to November 30, 2026. The MIP is set at USD 111 per kg on CIF value. This applies to imports under multiple HS codes related to this chemical compound.

India has extended the Minimum Import Price (MIP) requirement for Sulfadiazine Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) imports until 30 November 2026. The MIP remains set at Rs. 1,774 per kg on CIF value. This is a continuation of the previous restriction with no changes to the price threshold.

India has extended the Minimum Import Price (MIP) requirement for Virgin Multi-layer Paper Board imports by six months, until 31 March 2027. The MIP remains at INR 67,220 per MT on CIF value. All other terms and conditions from the original notification remain unchanged.

The Government has extended the eligibility and validity timeline for Component II of the RELIEF intervention (a scheme supporting exporters facing logistics challenges) from the original deadline to 31st March 2027. This extension applies to shipments meant for delivery or transshipment. The move aims to help Indian exporters manage ongoing West Asia crisis-related logistics disruptions.

India has extended the deadline for TRQ (Tariff Rate Quota) holders to surrender unused raw sugar import allocations. Holders can now surrender any unutilised quantity by October 15, 2026, by paying 0.5% of the CIF value of the surrendered quantity.

The RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) scheme continues until 31 December 2026 for all eligible exporters. Existing duty refund rates and value caps remain unchanged during this extension period.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade has automatically extended the validity of TRQ (Tariff Rate Quota) authorisations for gold imports under the India-UAE CEPA. The extension is from 30 June 2026 to 30 September 2026. No new application or fees are required.

DGFT has revised the Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (PSIC) issuance timeline to 2 days from inspection date. A one-time 7-day grace period is given to clear backlog PSICs from inspections before 25.08.2026.

Exporters shipping consignments valued up to ₹3,00,000 (FOB) no longer need a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) or Certificate of Registration. This exemption applies to small value exports via postal, courier, and emerging channels. Higher-value shipments still require valid RCMC where applicable.

DGFT is amending Para 2.93 of the Handbook of Procedures to comprehensively define Rules of Origin (Non-Preferential) for both exports and imports. The notice invites stakeholder comments within 15 days. Key changes include new export criteria, import self-declaration rules, and agency certification processes.

India's DGFT has extended the deadline for TRQ holders to surrender unused Raw Sugar import allocations. Holders can now surrender quantities up to 30 September 2026, paying 0.5% of CIF value. All other terms from the original notice remain unchanged.

DGFT has launched an Open API framework allowing exporters and certifying agencies to digitally submit, process, and verify Certificates of Origin (both preferential and non-preferential) through the Trade Connect e-Platform. This replaces manual processes and enables seamless integration with user systems for FTA/RTA benefits and customs compliance.

The DGFT proposes to suspend 544 Standard Input Output Norms that have not been used under the AA/DFIA schemes for three years. Exporters and importers can submit objections within 15 days if they need these SIONs or plan to use them.

DGFT extended the application window for converting eligible Advance Authorisations under SION E-52 to Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) for raw sugar imports. The new submission deadline is 7 September 2026. All other terms from the original notice remain unchanged.

The DGFT is now allocating the remaining 2,02,550 MT of raw sugar import quota on a daily basis instead of one-time allocation. Applications open for 7 days through DGFT portal with daily batches processed next working day.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has enabled automated issuance of Free Sale and Commerce Certificates (FSC) on its online portal. Eligible applications are now auto-approved based on risk parameters, while non-compliant cases still go to Regional Authorities for manual review. This shifts from the previous manual verification process to a system-driven, paperless workflow.

The DGFT has added new features to the Bank Guarantee Repository Module on its portal to streamline BG processing and monitoring. Exporters will now receive automatic email alerts 60 and 45 days before BG expiry, and Regional Authorities can digitally sign renewal and encashment notices through the portal.

DGFT has upgraded the Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (PSIC) system to reduce manual work and improve compliance. PSICs must now be generated only on inspection date, signatures/stamps auto-embed digitally, and photo/video upload limits have been increased.

India is lifting the ban on exports of wheat flour and related products (atta, maida, semolina, wholemeal). Exporters can now ship these items freely without restrictions, effective immediately.

India has removed the export prohibition on wheat (both durum and common wheat). Wheat exports are now allowed without restrictions, effective immediately. This reverses a long-standing ban on wheat exports.

The government relaxed export performance requirements for One Star Export House status. Applicants (except Gems & Jewelry) now need export data from any two of the last three years instead of all three years. This makes it easier for smaller exporters to qualify.

DGFT has introduced an automated system to process Export Obligation (EO) extensions for Advance Authorisation and EPCG cases approved by PRC/EPCG Committee. Exporters no longer need to file separate EO extension applications; the system auto-generates extension letters after fee payment. This simplifies the process and eliminates manual re-application.

The government has amended Para 4.63 of FTP-2023 to remove the exemption from Compensation Cess (sub-section 9) for diamond imports under Diamond Imprest Authorisation. Compensation Cess was discontinued effective 01.02.2026, so this is a technical correction. Imports remain exempt from Basic Customs Duty, Additional Customs Duty, Education Cess, Anti-dumping Duty, Countervailing Duty, Safeguard Duty, and Transition Product Specific Safeguard Duty.

India has opened a duty-free Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) of 10 lakh MT for raw sugar imports until 31 October 2026. Companies holding existing Advance Authorisation licenses can convert them to this new quota scheme once. Refined sugar made from imported raw sugar must be sold domestically by 31 October 2026.

India is opening a 10 lakh MT tariff rate quota (TRQ) for raw sugar imports by millers and refiners. Millers with refining capacity can apply online from 21–28 August 2026. Existing advance authorisation holders can convert their unused quantity to the TRQ scheme once.

This is a correction to an earlier notice about importing 10 lakh MT of raw sugar under TRQ. The deadline for converting raw sugar into white/refined sugar and selling it domestically has been changed from 31 October 2026 to within two months from bill of entry filing.

India has amended FTP rules to allow export contracts and invoices to be denominated in Indian Rupees (in addition to foreign currencies), aligning with RBI's Foreign Exchange Management Regulations. This applies to exports to ACU member countries and Nepal/Bhutan, with full eligibility for FTP export promotion schemes. Exporters can now realize proceeds in Rupees through banking channels for eligible countries.

India has changed the import policy for Clear Float Glass (4-12 mm) from "Free" to "Restricted". However, imports remain "Free" if the CIF value is ₹34,000 and above per Metric Tonne. Advance Authorisation holders, EOUs, and SEZ units are exempt from this restriction if inputs are not sold domestically.

DGFT has issued a Standard Operating Procedure for how NBFC Factors must report inward remittances to banks and exporters using the eBRC (Electronic Bank Realisation Certificate) portal. Exporters can now view remittances from factors on the DGFT portal and self-certify their export documents. AD-II entities (non-bank) can now also handle foreign trade transactions up to ₹25 lakh per transaction.

DGFT has issued a cautionary advisory against M/s Legoy Powersports and M/s Druk A‑Z Store (both Thimphu, Bhutan) after they failed to respond to complaints despite diplomatic channels. All exporters, importers, EPCs, banks, and ECGC must exercise heightened due diligence before transacting with these entities.

India's DGFT is reviewing how much of allocated wheat export quota has been used by licensees. Exporters must submit utilization certificates and declare if they need more quota or want to surrender unused amounts by August 31, 2026. Unused quota below 50% utilization will be moved to a common pool for reallocation.

The implementing agency for Interest Subvention Support under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) is shifting from RBI to EXIM Bank effective 1st April 2026. RBI will process legacy claims from Jan–March 2026; EXIM Bank handles all new operations from April 2026 onwards. Banks must now submit reimbursement claims and reports to EXIM Bank instead of RBI.

The government has expanded the Trade Connect ePlatform to allow DPIIT-recognized start-ups to register under the "Source from India" feature, even if they don't meet standard export thresholds. Start-ups with an active IEC code can now create profiles to showcase products to international buyers.

DGFT has operationalized rules for exporters selling goods through e-commerce platforms to foreign buyers using inventory held in India. Exporters must register as 'Exporter-on-Record' and comply with inventory management, seller visibility, and compliance certification requirements.

DGFT has linked Customs duty payment records to its online system to automate Export Obligation Discharge Certificate (EODC) applications under AA and EPCG schemes. Exporters can now view their voluntary duty payments on the DGFT portal instead of submitting physical receipts. Regional Authorities will use portal data as official records for EODC processing from August 1, 2026 onwards.

India extends the implementation deadline for mandatory Halal certification (i-CAS) for meat and meat product exports to Egypt from 6 months to 9 months. This gives Egyptian certification bodies more time to complete their onboarding and accreditation process under India's new certification scheme.

India has introduced a new framework allowing e-commerce entities to export goods through registered Exporters-on-Record (EoR) who hold export inventory. Sellers-on-Record supply goods to EoRs against confirmed export orders. This enables small Indian sellers to access global markets via an organized e-commerce export model.

The deadline for submitting online Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) applications under the India-UK trade agreement has been extended to 9 August 2026. This is the second extension granted due to industry requests. All other terms remain unchanged.

The DGFT is now accepting applications for Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) allocations under the India-Oman trade agreement for 30 products across agriculture, chemicals, plastics, marble, and metals. Applications open 04 August 2026 and close 19 August 2026. Specific supporting documents are mandatory for marble and PET flakes.