The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has announced new port restrictions on the import of certain goods from Bangladesh to India, effective immediately. This move aims to regulate and monitor trade flows more closely while maintaining smooth transit for goods destined for Nepal and Bhutan through India.
According to Notification No. 07/2025-26 issued on 17th May 2025, the import of all types of ready-made garments from Bangladesh will no longer be permitted through any land ports. Instead, such imports will only be allowed through the seaports of Nhava Sheva and Kolkata. Additionally, imports of fruit and fruit-flavored carbonated drinks, processed food items, cotton and cotton yarn waste, as well as plastic and PVC finished goods (except certain raw materials like pigments and dyes), and wooden furniture will be restricted from entering through land customs stations and integrated check posts in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, and specific ports in West Bengal such as Changrabandha and Fulbari.
However, the restrictions are designed with sensitivity to local needs and trade patterns; essential items like fish, LPG, edible oil, and crushed stone from Bangladesh are exempt from these limitations to ensure that daily requirements and industries dependent on these materials are not adversely affected.
The DGFT’s decision reflects a balanced approach to managing cross-border trade, protecting domestic interests while supporting regional connectivity and economic cooperation. Stakeholders and traders are encouraged to review the detailed notification available on the DGFT website to understand the new regulations fully.
