DGFT Public Notice No. 21/2026-27, dated 13 July 2026, inserts Paragraph 2.50A into the Handbook of Procedures, 2023, prescribing the procedure for determining whether imported goods have been produced, wholly or in part, using forced labour. The Director General of Foreign Trade may initiate an enquiry suo motu or on receipt of information or a complaint supported by credible material, seek information and documents from importers, exporters, manufacturers or other persons, consult relevant Ministries, Departments, agencies and stakeholders, and obtain inputs from domestic or international organisations, governmental authorities or expert bodies. After completing the enquiry, the DGFT shall prepare a report containing its findings and may recommend to the Central Government, including recommending prohibition of the import of such goods under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 and the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023.
Government of India
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Department of Commerce
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Public Notice No. 21/2026-27- DGFT | Dated: 13 July 2026
Subject: Insertion of Para 2.50A in Handbook of Procedure, 2023-reg.
In exercise of powers conferred under paragraph 1.03 read with 2.04 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, as amended from time to time, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade hereby inserts Para 2.50A in the Handbook of Procedures, 2023 to prescribe the procedure for the determination of imports of goods produced using forced labour, as follows:
“Para 2.50A: Procedure for determination of use of forced labour in the production of imported goods
1. The Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) may, suo motu or upon receipt of any information or complaint supported by credible material, undertake an enquiry to ascertain whether any goods imported into India have been produced, wholly or in part, using forced labour.
2. For the purposes of such enquiry, the DGFT may seek such information, documents or clarifications from the importer(s), exporter(s), manufacturer (s) or any other person or authority, as may be considered necessary.
3. During the course of the enquiry, the DGFT may consult the relevant Ministries, Departments or agencies, or other stakeholders, as may be considered necessary.
4. The DGFT may also obtain information or technical inputs from any domestic or international organisation, governmental authority or expert body, wherever considered necessary for the purposes of the enquiry.
5. Upon completion of the enquiry, the DGFT shall prepare a report containing its findings regarding the use of forced labour in the production of the goods under enquiry and may make appropriate recommendations to the Central Government, including recommendations for prohibition of the import of such goods under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023.”
2. Effect of this Public Notice:
The Procedure for the determination of imports of goods produced using forced labour is notified under Para 2.50A of HBP 2023.
(Lay Agarwal)
Director General of Foreign Trade&
Addl. Secretary to the Government of India
Email: dgft@nic.in
[Issued from File No. K-31013/1/2026-DIR NAFTA-Part (4)]
