On September 18, 2024, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued Notification No. 30/2024-25-DGFT, amending the import policy for fresh (green) areca nuts under ITC (HS) 08028010. This amendment, made under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, modifies the import policy condition initially established in Notification No. 17/2023. The revised policy allows the import of 17,000 metric tonnes of fresh areca nuts from Bhutan without a Minimum Import Price (MIP) condition, specifically through the Land Customs Stations (LCS) Jaigaon, Chamurchi, Hatisar, and Darranga. Additionally, all imports must have a valid port-specific Registration Certificate issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The inclusion of LCS Hatisar and LCS Darranga as approved ports enhances the existing import framework, providing more options for importers. This notification underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to facilitate trade while maintaining regulatory oversight in the import of agricultural products. The changes reflect a strategic approach to bolster trade relations with Bhutan, ensuring a steady supply of areca nuts to the Indian market.
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(Department of Commerce)
(DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF FOREIGN TRADE)
New Delhi
Notification No. 30 /2024-25-DGFT | Dated : 18th September, 2024
Subject: Amendment in Import Policy Condition under ITC (HS) 08028010 of Chapter 08 of ITC (HS) 2022, Schedule –I (Import Policy).
S.O. 3960(E).— In exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 and 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 in partial modification to Notification No. 17/2023 dated 03.07.2023, hereby amends the Import Policy Condition (c)(i) of items under ITC(HS) 0802 80 10 of Chapter 08 of ITC(HS), 2022, Schedule – I (Import Policy), as under : (changes made are in bold letters)
Revised Policy Condition:
(c) Import of 17,000 Metric Tonnes of Fresh (green) Areca Nut without Minimum Import Price (MIP) condition shall be allowed from Bhutan every year. Such imports are allowed:
i) through LCS Jaigaon (INJIGB), LCS Chamurchi(INCHMB), LCS Hatisar(INHT5B) and LCS Darranga(INDRGB) only, and,
ii) shall be subject to a valid port-specific Registration Certificate issued by DGFT.
Effect of the Notification:
In addition to the existing two ports, import of 17,000 Metric Tonnes of Fresh(green) Areca nut without Minimum Import Price (MIP) condition from Bhutan shall also be allowed through LCS Hatisar(INHT5B) and LCS Darranga(INDRGB).
This issues with the approval of Minister of Commerce & Industry.
[F.No. 01/89/180/43/AM-01/PC-2[A]/Part-III/E-8258]
SANTOSH KUMAR SARANGI, Director General of Foreign Trade & Ex- officio Addl. Secy.
