The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has announced the immediate removal of port restrictions and mandatory testing requirements for various types of finished and semi-finished leather. This is a move aimed at boosting leather exports.
A notification issued on May 26, 2025, rescinds Public Notice 23(RE-2013)/2009-14 dated August 13, 2013, and its subsequent amendments.
Key changes brought about by this notification
The notification revokes all existing port restrictions on the export of Finished Leather, Wet Blue Leather, and EI Tanned Leather. This will provide exporters with greater flexibility in choosing ports for their shipments, potentially reducing logistics costs and transit times.
The requirement for mandatory testing and certification by the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) for the export of Finished Leather, Wet Blue Leather, Crust Leather, and EI Tanned Leather has been abolished with immediate effect. This is expected to streamline the export process, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and expedite shipments for leather exporters.
Impact of the Notification
This significant policy shift is expected to have an immediate positive impact on the leather industry by:
- Removing port restrictions and testing requirements will simplify export procedures, making it easier for leather manufacturers and exporters to trade internationally.
- Exporters will likely benefit from reduced logistics costs associated with port restrictions and the elimination of testing fees and the time taken for testing and certification.
- By streamlining the export process, Indian leather exporters will be better positioned to compete in the global market.
- The removal of these hurdles could lead to an increase in the volume of leather exports from India.
