The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the powers conferred by Section 3 read with Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, and paragraphs 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015–2020, has issued a notification introducing specific import restrictions on Areca Nuts and Roasted Areca Nuts under ITC (HS) 2022, Schedule-I (Import Policy).
Revised Import Conditions
ITC (HS) Code | Description | Policy | Policy Condition |
08028090 | Areca Nut — Other | Prohibited | a. However, import is free if the CIF value is Rs. 351/- and above per Kilogram. b. The Minimum Import Price mentioned above, however, will not be applicable for import by 100% Export Oriented Units (EOUs), units in the SEZ and imports under the Advance Authorization Scheme. |
20081991 | Other: Other Roasted Nuts and Seeds | Free | a. However, import of Roasted Areca Nuts having CIF value less than Rs. 351/- per Kilogram is Prohibited. b. Import of all other roasted nuts and seeds remains Free. c. The Minimum Import Price mentioned at (a), however, will not be applicable for the import of Roasted Areca Nuts by 100% Export Oriented Units (EOUS), units in the SEZ and imports under the Advance Authorization Scheme. |
Effect of the Notification
- The import of Roasted Areca Nuts under ITC (HS) Code 20081991 having CIF value less than ₹351/- per Kilogram is now prohibited.
- Imports at or above the specified MIP threshold remain permissible.
- The exemption for EOUs, SEZ units, and Advance Authorisation continues, ensuring flexibility for export-oriented operations.
Key Highlights
- Introduction of Minimum Import Price (MIP) for Areca Nuts and Roasted Areca Nuts.
- Imports below ₹351/- per Kg restricted to curb under-invoicing and protect domestic producers.
- Exemptions granted to export-linked and special economic entities.
- Aligns with government’s efforts to maintain trade discipline and fair market valuation.
Conclusion:
This notification reinforces the government’s focus on trade regulation and value protection in sensitive agricultural commodities. Importers dealing in Areca Nuts and Roasted Areca Nuts should ensure compliance with the new MIP-based import conditions to avoid prohibition-related restrictions.
Notification Reference: DGFT
Notification No. 43/2025-2026
15 /10 /2025
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