On May 17, 2025, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, issued a notification imposing port restrictions on the import of specific goods from Bangladesh to India. These restrictions, effective immediately, aim to regulate trade while exempting goods transiting through India for Nepal and Bhutan.
Details of the Port Restrictions
Regulating Import Channels
The restrictions, outlined in Notification No. 07/2025-26 dated May 17, 2025, specify the ports through which certain goods can be imported from Bangladesh. The measures are designed to streamline trade processes and address regional trade dynamics.
Restrictions on Readymade Garments
Seaport-Only Imports
Imports of readymade garments from Bangladesh are now prohibited through any land port. These goods are permitted only through the Nhava Sheva and Kolkata seaports, ensuring controlled and monitored entry points for this sector.
Restrictions on Other Goods
Limited Land Port Access
Several goods, including fruit/flavored and carbonated drinks, processed food items, cotton and cotton yarn waste, plastic and PVC finished goods (except pigments, dyes, plasticizers, and granules), and wooden furniture, are barred from import through Land Customs Stations (LCSs) or Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, and specific LCSs in West Bengal, namely Changrabandha and Fulbari.
| Goods | Restricted Ports |
|---|---|
| Readymade Garments | All land ports; allowed only via Nhava Sheva and Kolkata seaports |
| Fruit/Flavored Drinks, Processed Food, Cotton, Plastic Goods, Wooden Furniture | LCSs/ICPs in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Changrabandha, Fulbari |
Exemptions from Restrictions
Unrestricted Imports
The port restrictions do not apply to certain essential goods from Bangladesh, including fish, LPG, edible oil, and crushed stone. These items can continue to be imported through all designated ports, ensuring uninterrupted supply chains for critical commodities.
Access to Detailed Information
Transparency in Trade Policy
The complete details of the notification are available on the DGFT website at https://dgft.gov.in. This resource provides stakeholders with comprehensive information on the new trade regulations, promoting transparency and compliance.
Key Highlights of the Event
- Port restrictions on imports from Bangladesh announced on May 17, 2025, via Notification No. 07/2025-26.
- Readymade garments restricted to Nhava Sheva and Kolkata seaports, barred from land ports.
- Goods like processed food and wooden furniture restricted in specific LCSs/ICPs.
- Exemptions for fish, LPG, edible oil, and crushed stone.
- Notification details available on the DGFT website.