Centre Slashes Import Duty on Crude Edible Oils to Combat Soaring Prices
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has announced a reduction in the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on major imported crude edible oils. The duty on crude sunflower, soybean, and palm oils has been cut from 20% to 10%.
Implementation of Agreement Between India and Bhutan to Streamline Food Imports
For imported food consignments from approved Bhutanese manufacturers, if accompanied by the prescribed Health Certificate duly issued by the BFDA Competent Authority, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) may be granted based on the compliant Health Certificate.
India Imposes Port Restrictions on Imports from Bangladesh
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a notification imposing port restrictions on the import of several categories of goods from Bangladesh into India. The directive, effective immediately from May 17, 2025, aims to regulate the entry points for specific commodities.
FSSAI Recognizes Nepal’s National Food & Feed Reference Laboratory for Food Sample Analysis
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has officially recognized the National Food & Feed Reference Laboratory (NFFRL) located in Kathmandu, Nepal, for the analysis of food samples intended for import into India. This significant development follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) established between the FSSAI and the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) of Nepal, aimed at fostering cooperation in the critical area of food safety.
India Bans All Imports from Pakistan Citing National Security
The Indian government has announced an immediate ban on the import of all goods originating from or exported by Pakistan. The notification explicitly prohibits both direct and indirect import, as well as the transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, regardless of whether those goods were previously freely importable or otherwise permitted.
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.
FSSAI Proposes New Export Certification Form To Vegan Foods
“Form I,” for vegan food compliance certificates provides a detailed template for certifying that exported vegan food products meet the requirements of the FSSAI’s vegan food regulations. The draft regulations will be considered after May 2, 2025.
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.
