DGFT notifies Restrictions on Importing Premium Duck Meat

Introduction: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in New Delhi, has announced a significant amendment to the import policy condition for duck meat. This revision, detailed in Notification No. 66/2023-DGFT dated 6th March 2024, specifically affects items under ITC(HS) Code 02074200 and 02074500 of Chapter 2 of ITC (HS) 2022, Schedule–I (Import Policy). The policy alteration comes as a response to evolving market conditions and aims to regulate the quality and quantity of duck meat entering the Indian market.

Detailed Analysis: The amendment delineates a clear distinction in the import policy conditions for duck meat. Under the revised policy, the import of premium duck meat, intended for supply to hotels and restaurants, will now be classified as ‘Restricted’. This change is pursuant to the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) Office Memorandum No. L-110109(3)/1/2016-Trade (E-2625) dated 22.02.2024 and the Department of Revenue Notification No. 13/2024-Customs dated 06.03.2024. Conversely, all other imports under the specified ITC(HS) codes will remain ‘Free’, indicating that the general import of duck meat, not classified as premium or specifically for hotel and restaurant use, will not face the new restrictions.

This strategic move by the DGFT underlines the government’s intent to maintain control over the quality of food products available in the hospitality sector, ensuring that only premium quality duck meat is served in hotels and restaurants. By categorizing the import of premium duck meat as ‘Restricted’, the government aims to impose stricter quality checks and balances, thereby protecting consumer interests and upholding food safety standards.

Conclusion: The amendment to the import policy condition for duck meat marks a pivotal shift in how India regulates its food imports, particularly concerning premium products destined for the hospitality industry. This change signifies the government’s proactive stance in not only safeguarding consumer health and safety but also in promoting the domestic poultry industry by potentially reducing the competition from imported premium products. Importers, hotels, and restaurants must now navigate these new regulations, ensuring compliance with the revised policy to continue their operations smoothly. As the policy takes effect, its impact on the hospitality sector, importers, and the broader poultry market in India will be closely monitored.

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MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(Department of Commerce)
(DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF FOREIGN TRADE)
New Delhi

Notification No. 66/2023-DGFT | Dated: 6th March, 2024

Subject: Amendment in import policy condition for Duck Meat Chapter 2 of ITC (HS) 2022, Schedule–I (Import Policy)

S.O. 1118(E).— In exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 read with Section 5 of FT (D&R) Act, 1992, and read with paragraph 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, as amended from time to time, the Central Government hereby revises the import policy condition of the following items under ITC(HS) Code 02074200 and 02074500 of Chapter 2 of ITC (HS) 2022, Schedule–I(Import Policy), as under:

Effect of the Notification: Import of Premium Duck Meat as per DAHD OM No. L-110109(3)/1/2016-Trade (E­2625) dated 22.02.2024 and under Department of Revenue Notification No. 13/2024-Customs dated 06.03.2024 for supply to Hotels and Restaurants shall be ‘Restricted’. Other Imports under ITC(HS) codes 02074200 and 02074500 shall be ‘Free’.

This is issued with the approval of Minister of Commerce & Industry.

[F. No. 01/89/180/200/AM-02/PC-2(A)/Part-I. /E-31445]
SANTOSH KUMAR SARANGI, Director General of Foreign Trade & Ex- officio Addl. Secy.