The Government of India, through Notification No. 08/2026-27 dated 10 April 2026, has amended the export policy for feathers, skins, and related products under specified ITC(HS) codes in Chapter 5 of Schedule-II of the Export Policy. While the export category remains “Free,” a new Policy Condition 5 has been introduced, imposing additional compliance requirements aligned with EU/UK regulations. Exporters must obtain a consignment-wise Veterinary or Shipment Clearance Certificate issued by CAPEXIL, detailing exporter and plant information. Post-shipment, exporters are required to provide a Production Process Certificate or Veterinary Health Certificate containing product, origin, and shipment details. Where mandated by the importing country, the Veterinary Health Certificate must be jointly issued by CAPEXIL and the Animal Quarantine Officer. The amendment ensures stricter documentation and certification standards for exports, aiming to align Indian export practices with international regulatory requirements while maintaining the free export status.
Government of India
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Department of Commerce
Notification No. 08/2026-27 – DGFT Dated: 10 April, 2026
Subject: Amendment in Export Policy of Feathers – regarding.
S.O. 2221(E). In exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 read with section 5 of Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, read with paragraph 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, as amended from time to time, the Central Government hereby amends export policy of specific ITC(HS) codes under Chapter 5 of Schedule-II (Export Policy), ITC(HS), 2022 with immediate effect, as under-
1. Policy condition 5 under Chapter 5 of the Schedule-II (Export Policy), ITC(HS) 2022 is inserted as follows:-
(i) A Veterinary Certificate/Shipment Clearance Certificate (conforming to the EU/UK model) is to be issued consignment-wise by the CAPEXIL indicating details of the exporter such as name and address of the exporter, address of the registered plant, IEC of the exporter, plant approval number and other relevant details, subject to EU/UK regulation in force.
(ii) After the shipment is made, the exporter shall also provide a ‘Production Process Certificate” or Veterinary Health Certificate’ consignment-wise to the buyer giving details of the product with HS code, packaging, its origin, destination, vessel name, date of departure, Veterinary health requirement etc.
(iii) This Veterinary Health Certificate would be issued jointly by CAPEXIL and Animal Quarantine Officer, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India only where such certificate is required or mandated by the importing country.
2. Export Policy of the following ITC(HS) Codes are amended accordingly:
| ITC(HS) Code |
Description | Export Policy |
Existing Export Policy Condition | Revised Export Policy Condition |
| 05051090 | Feathers of a kind used for stuffing; down — Other | Free | Subject to Policy condition 1 of this Chapter | Subject to Policy Condition 1 and Policy condition 5 of this Chapter |
| 05059029 | Other feather (excluding for stuffing purpose) — Other | Free | Subject to Policy condition 1 of this Chapter | Subject to PolicyCondition 1 and Policy condition 5 of this Chapter |
| 05059099 | Skins and other parts — Other | Free | Subject to Policy condition 1 of this Chapter | Subject to Policy Condition 1 and Policy condition 5 of this Chapter |
Effect of this Notification: Export Policy of Feathers, Skins and other parts under specific ITC(HS) codes as mentioned above, has been revised in line with applicable EU/UK Regulations, including provision for issuance of Veterinary Health Certificate wherever required by the importing country.
(Lay Agarwal)
Director General of Foreign Trade
& Ex-officio Additional Secretary to the Government of India
E-mail: dgft@nic.in
