The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has amended the import policy for roasted areca nuts, changing it from “Free” to “Prohibited.” According to Notification No. 02/2025-26, imports are now permitted only if the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value is ₹351 or more per kilogram. This revision, effective from April 2, 2025, impacts ITC (HS) codes 08028090 and 20081920, with the latter specifically excluding roasted areca nuts, which are now classified under 08028090. Exemptions from this Minimum Import Price (MIP) condition apply to 100% Export Oriented Units (EOUs), units in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and imports under the Advance Authorisation Scheme. This change aims to regulate the import of processed areca nuts into India.
Government of India
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Department of Commerce
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi
Notification No. 02/2025-26-DGFT | Dated: 02nd April , 2025
Subject: Amendment in import policy and policy condition of Roasted Areca Nuts falling under ITC (HS) Code 20081920 of Chapter-20 of ITC (HS), 2022, Schedule-I (Import Policy)-reg.
S.O. 1578(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 (FTP) 2015-2020, as amended from time to time, the Central Government hereby adds following condition against ITC (HS) Codes 08028090 and 20081920 of Schedule-I(Import Policy) of ITC (HS) 2022:
| ITC (HS)
Codes |
Description | Policy | Policy Condition |
| 08028090 | Areca Nut—Other | Prohibited | (a) However, import is free if CIF value is Rs. 351/- and above per Kilogram.
(b) MIP conditions, however, will not be applicable for imports by 100% Export Oriented Units (EOUs), units in the SEZ and imports under Advance Authorisation Scheme. (c) This code also covers all kinds of processed Areca nuts including Roasted Areca Nuts. |
| 20081920 | Other roasted nuts and seeds | Free | However, “Roasted Areca Nuts” are not covered here as they are specifically covered under 08028090 |
Effect of this Notification: The Import Policy of “Roasted Areca Nuts” falling under ITC (HS) Code 08028090 and 20081920 is revised from “Free” to “Prohibited” and Import shall be free if CIF Value is Rs. 351/- or above per Kilogram.
This is issued with the approval of Minister of Commerce & Industry.
(Santosh Kumar Sarangi)
Director General of Foreign Trade &
Ex-officio Addl. Secretary to the Government of India
E-mail: dgft@nic.in
[File no.01/89/180/43/AM-01/PC-2[A]/E-1256]
