The Jute Commissioner has issued an order imposing maximum stock limits for raw jute to be held by various categories of traders, dealers, agencies, stockists, and jute mills. The order, dated May 20, 2025 (published on May 26, 2025), comes into force with immediate effect and will remain valid until further orders.
The decision, made after considering factors outlined in Clause 5 and 6(2) of the Jute and Jute Textiles Control Order, 2016, aims to regulate the stocking of raw jute.
Maximum Stock Limits
The order specifies the following maximum quantities of raw jute that can be held at any point in time:
- Balers with raw jute Baling Press in the same premises: 1500 Quintals
- All other categories of traders/dealers/agencies/stockist of raw jute: 300 Quintals
- Entities who did not apply for registration by the deadline (July 15, 2024) following the order dated March 5, 2024: 500 Kilograms
- Jute Mills / Manufacturing units of Jute Goods from raw jute: 2 months’ consumption as per the current production rate.
Directions for Excess Stock
The Jute Commissioner has directed those holding raw jute in excess of the prescribed limits to sell the excess quantity within 10 days from the date of the order and physically deliver it to the consignee by May 31, 2025. A compliance report, along with supporting documentary evidence of the sale and delivery, must be sent immediately via email to jcoffice@jutecomm.gov.in for verification. Furthermore, any entity holding stock above the limit is prohibited from purchasing fresh stock until their holdings fall below the specified maximum.
Aggregation of Stock
The order clarifies that raw jute stocked in a single premise will be considered as a total single stock for the purpose of this order, regardless of different names of traders/stockists, unless the jute is stored in a commercial godown with specific conditions met. These conditions include separate trade licenses, separate PANs, separate registration with the JC office, and separate rent agreements/receipts for the godown.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with the provisions of this order will result in punishment under clause 11 of the Jute and Jute Textiles Control Order, 2016, read with Section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, which includes provisions for imprisonment and fines.
Exemption and Enforcement
The order explicitly states that it will not be applicable to stocks of raw jute procured by The Jute Corporation of India Ltd. Additionally, the Jute Commissioner has directed all concerned to afford necessary facilities to authorized representatives and state police officials to enter and search premises, inspect records, and seize raw jute stored in contravention of this order, as well as to take any other legal action as per the Jute and Jute Textiles Control Order, 2016, and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
