Notification No. 43/2025-26, Dated 15-10-2025
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a notification revising the import policy and policy conditions applicable to Areca Nuts under the ITC (HS), 2022, Schedule-I (Import Policy). The amendments affect Areca Nuts classified under ITC (HS) Codes 08028090 and 20081991.
1. Revised Import Policy for Areca Nuts (ITC (HS) Code 08028090)
As per the amended provisions:
- Import of Areca Nuts with a CIF value below ₹351 per kilogram is prohibited.
- Import of Areca Nuts with a CIF value of ₹351 or above per kilogram is freely allowed.
This measure aims to protect domestic producers by discouraging low-value imports and ensuring fair market competition.
2. Revised Policy for Roasted Areca Nuts (ITC (HS) Code 20081991)
The DGFT has also modified the policy for Roasted Areca Nuts, stipulating that:
- Import of Roasted Areca Nuts is prohibited if the CIF value is below ₹351 per kilogram.
- Import of all other roasted nuts and seeds, however, continues to be freely permitted.
3. Exemptions from Minimum Import Price (MIP) Condition
The minimum import price (MIP) condition of ₹351 per kilogram will not apply to imports made by the following categories:
- 100% Export Oriented Units (EOUs),
- Units located in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and
- Imports under the Advance Authorization Scheme.
These exemptions are intended to facilitate export-linked manufacturing and maintain the competitiveness of SEZ and EOU operations.
4. Objective of the Amendment
The policy amendment seeks to strike a balance between domestic industry protection and trade facilitation, ensuring that import flows align with value-based thresholds while supporting legitimate export-oriented operations.
