The Government of India has imposed new restrictions on the import of certain jute-based goods from Bangladesh. The decision, issued through a notification by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on Monday, amends the existing Import Policy under the ITC (HS), 2022 Schedule 1, and takes immediate effect.
According to the notification, items such as bleached and unbleached woven fabrics of jute or other textile bast fibres, twine, cordage, rope, cables made of jute, and jute sacks and bags will no longer be allowed entry into India through any land port along the India-Bangladesh border. These imports will now be permitted only via the Nhava Sheva Seaport in Maharashtra.
“Imports from Bangladesh shall not be allowed from any land port on the India-Bangladesh Border. However, it is allowed only through the Nhava Sheva Seaport,” the notification stated.
The DGFT said the restrictions are being enforced under powers granted by the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, and are in continuation of earlier measures announced in May and June 2025. While the order does not specify the reasons for the latest move, such measures are often associated with quality control, trade balance considerations, or safeguarding domestic industries from competitive pricing pressures.
The notification also clarifies that all other terms and conditions from the previous order — Notification No. 21/2025-26 dated June 27, 2025 — will remain unchanged.
The order, signed by Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary to the Government of India and Director General of Foreign Trade, is effective immediately. This means any shipments of the affected goods must comply with the new port restriction without delay.
The jute sector has historically been a sensitive area in Indo-Bangladesh trade relations, with both countries being major producers and exporters of jute products. Bangladesh competes with India in the textile sector and, with a 50 per cent U.S. tariff on Indian textiles, it now enjoys a major advantage in textile exports to the United States.
-ANI
