India Strengthens Pharmaceutical Quality Control Amidst Growing Export Market
India, ranking 11th globally in pharmaceutical exports by value in 2023, is taking significant strides to enhance the quality, safety, and efficacy of its medicines. This comes as a 2025 Bain & Company report reveals India accounts for 3% of total global pharmaceutical exports.
India Extends Free Import Policy for Urad Beans Until March 31, 2026
The “free” import policy for Urad beans, which was set to expire on March 31, 2025, has been extended until March 31, 2026. This means that Urad beans can continue to be imported without quantitative restrictions or import duties during this extended period.
India Extends Free Import Period for Yellow Peas Until May 31, 2025
The import of Yellow Peas under ITC (HS) Code 07131010 will continue to be “Free” without the Minimum Import Price (MIP) condition and without port restrictions. This extension applies to all import consignments where the Bill of Lading (Shipped on Board) is issued on or before May 31, 2025.
India Eases Rice Export Regulations for Most European Countries
This policy change significantly reduces the regulatory burden for rice exporters targeting European markets outside of the specified countries. This exemption is effective immediately and will remain in place for six months, until September 9, 2025.
Key Initiatives to Boost Industrial Growth: attracting investments
Make in India, Start-up India, PM GatiShakti, National Industrial Corridor Programme, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, promoting Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and reducing compliance burden, National Single Window System (NSWS), India Industrial Land Bank, Project Monitoring Group (PMG), liberalization of FDI policy, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes, Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme (IFLDP) Scheme are some of the major initiatives of the Department to boost industrial growth in the country.
CDSCO Launches Streamlined Online Export NOC System via SUGAM Portal
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has launched a new, streamlined online Export No Objection Certificate (NOC) system on the SUGAM portal, aimed at enhancing “ease of doing business” for pharmaceutical exporters.
When Spain Gives You Oranges: India Imposes Conditions of Import
The amendment removes specific import conditions previously applied to all citrus fruits (lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, mandarins, etc.) from Spain, specifically regarding the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata). This removes the previous options of specific cold treatments or methyl bromide fumigation for all citrus and specifically imposes them only on oranges.
Government Amends Export Norms to Boost Millet-Infused Wheat Flour Exports
The Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has announced amendments to the Standard Input Output Norms (SION) E-136, enabling and regulating the export of “Wheat Flour (Atta) with Millets.” This move aims to promote the export of value-added products and support the inclusion of millets in global food supply chains.
Quarantine Regulations For Apple Imports From Brazil
The Indian government has amended its Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003, with a third amendment specifically addressing apple imports from Brazil. This update introduces stricter phytosanitary requirements to prevent the introduction of harmful pests and diseases. This notification was issued on January 30, 2025.
Updated Quarantine Regulations For Dried Plum & Birch, Walnut and Cherry Wood
The Indian government has amended its Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003, with two separate amendments published in the Official Gazette. These changes introduce new regulations for the import of dried plums from France and wood from Canada.
