India’s DGFT Notifies Changes in Import Regulations and Policy for Specific Chemicals and Pesticides

Background

On 15 October 2025, India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a notification revising the import policy conditions for certain chemicals and pesticides listed under Chapters 29 and 38 of the Indian Trade Classification (Harmonised System) [ITC (HS), 2022 – Schedule I]. The changes were made under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 and align with the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023.

The amendments update the import requirements for several chemical substances, introducing new permit obligations and clarifying existing rules for specific ITC (HS) codes related to organic chemicals and miscellaneous chemical products.

Key Amendments:

Introduction of Import Permit Requirement

• For certain chemicals and pesticides such as Bifenthrin (ISO), Prallethrin, and other specified insecticides and herbicides, import will now be subject to an Import Permit issued by the Central Insecticide Board & Registration Committee (CIB&RC) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

Revised Policy Conditions for Select ITC (HS) Codes

• ITC HS 29162020 (Bifenthrin, Prallethrin):
  • Import now subject to Policy Condition No. 07 of the chapter.
• ITC HS 29314930 (Glyphosate, Fosetyl-al, Glufosinate Ammonium, Glyphosate Potassium Salt):
  • Import requires a CIB&RC import permit as per Policy Condition No. 04.
• ITC HS 38089361 (Goods under Supplementary Note 7):
  • Import subject to an import permit from CIB&RC under Ministry of Agriculture as per Policy Condition No. 04.

Special Conditions for Import of Glufosinate and Its Salts

• Import allowed only with a valid Certificate of Registration from CIB&RC and confirmation of non-prohibition under the Insecticides Act, 1968.
• Restricted: For Cost, Insurance and Frieght (CIF) value below ($14.61) per kg.
• Free: For CIF value ($14.61) per kg or above.
• The policy condition will be reviewed after one year from the date of publication of Notification No. 54/2024.

Clarification for Other Chemical and Pesticide Entries

• Multiple other HS codes under Chapters 29 and 38 have been aligned to ensure consistency with the Insecticides Act, 1968 and the CIB&RC regulatory framework.
• Import of registered and non-prohibited formulations remains free, subject to compliance with the above conditions.
• Effective Date: Immediate upon publication in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary)

Key Takeaways for Importers:

• Verify CIB&RC Registration and Import Permit before import.
• Ensure compliance with updated Import Policy Conditions for relevant HS codes.
• Note pricing restrictions for Glufosinate and its salts.
• Review contracts and documentation for conformity with new regulations.

Effect of the Notification:

The import policy conditions for several specific ITC (HS) codes under Chapters 29 and 38 have been amended with immediate effect to ensure regulatory oversight and alignment with domestic agricultural safety laws.