On October 15, 2025, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) of India issued a notification revising the import policy conditions for certain chemicals and pesticides listed under Chapters 29 and 38 of the Indian Trade Classification (Harmonised System) [ITC (HS)]. The revisions are implemented under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, and align with the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023.
Under this revision, the DGFT adjusted import policies for various chemical substances, introducing new permit obligations and clarifying existing regulations for specific ITC (HS) codes related to organic chemicals and miscellaneous chemical products.
Key Amendments
Introduction of New Import Permit Requirements：
- Import of specific insecticides and herbicides, such as Bifenthrin (ISO) and Prallethrin, now requires an Import Permit issued by the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIB&RC) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare.
Revised Policy Conditions for Specific ITC (HS) Codes:
- ITC HS 29162020 (Bifenthrin, Prallethrin):
- Import is now subject to Policy Condition No. 07 of the chapter.
- ITC HS 29314930 (Glyphosate, Fosetyl-al, Glufosinate Ammonium, Glyphosate Potassium Salt):
- Import requires a CIB&RC import permit as per Policy Condition No. 04.
- ITC HS 38089361 (Goods under Supplementary Note 7):
- Import requires a CIB&RC import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture as per Policy Condition No. 04.
Special Import Conditions for Glufosinate and Its Salts:
- Import is permitted only with a valid Certificate of Registration from the CIB&RC and confirmation of non-prohibition under the Insecticides Act, 1968.
- Restricted: For Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) values below USD 14.61 per kg.
- Free: For CIF values at or above USD 14.61 per kg.
- This policy condition will be reviewed one year after the date of publication of Notification No. 54/2024.
Clarifications for Other Chemical and Pesticide Entries:
- Multiple other HS codes under Chapters 29 and 38 have been harmonized to ensure consistency with the Insecticides Act, 1968, and the CIB&RC regulatory framework.
- Import of registered and non-prohibited formulations remains free, subject to compliance with the above conditions.
Key Considerations for Importers:
- Verify CIB&RC Registration Certificates and obtain necessary Import Permits prior to import.
- Ensure compliance with the updated Import Policy Conditions for relevant HS codes.
- Note the pricing restrictions applicable to Glufosinate and its salts.
- Review contracts and documentation for conformity with the new regulations.
Effect of the Notification
This notification amends the import policy conditions for the specified ITC (HS) codes with immediate effect, to ensure effective regulatory oversight and alignment with domestic agricultural safety laws.
Further Information
