DGFT Import Policy Amendment 2025: Key Updates for Importers | BEFACH International
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DGFT Import Policy Amendment 2025: What Importers Must Know
February 24, 2026
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DGFT Import Policy Amendment 2025: What Importers Must Know
DGFT Import Policy Amendment Notification 2026: China Import Compliance Guide
DGFT Import Policy Amendment Notification 2026: China Import Compliance Guide
The DGFT import policy amendment notification 2026 introduces stricter compliance requirements for Indian businesses sourcing from China. Despite bilateral trade crossing $118 billion in 2023-24, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade has tightened import policy frameworks through recent amendments affecting HS classification, BIS certification, and customs clearance procedures.
This guide covers updated duty structures, mandatory certifications, and the step-by-step import process under the current notification 2026.
Recent DGFT import policy updates mandate enhanced scrutiny for Chinese-origin goods. The amendment requires 100% physical inspection for electronics at Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata ports. Additionally, the notification 2026 expands BIS certification requirements to over 400 products under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).
Specific HS Codes affected include:
8471, 8517, 8528: IS 13252 (Part 1) for electronics
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Anti-dumping duties remain active on 90+ Chinese product categories. Import licenses for restricted items carry 18-month validity under the amended framework.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
BIS Certification: Electronics and IT equipment under HS Codes 8471, 8517, and 8528 require IS 13252 (Part 1) certification. LED lights (HS 8539) need IS 16102/16103, while batteries (HS 8506-8507) require IS 16046. Toys (HS 9503) fall under IS 9873 series. Certification costs range ₹50,000-2,00,000 with 4-6 month processing timelines.
FSSAI Clearance: Food imports require FSSAI licenses (₹2,000-7,500 annually), health certificates from Chinese authorities, and 100% inspection at designated ports.
DGFT Licenses: Restricted items require Specific Import Licenses valid 18 months. Iron and steel imports need SIMS registration.
Import Duty Structure and Calculations
Basic Customs Duty (BCD) rates for Chinese goods:
Product Category
HS Code Chapter
BCD Rate
Electronics & Mobile Phones
85
20-25%
Machinery & Mechanical Appliances
84
7.5-15%
Chemical Products
28-38
10-15%
Plastics & Articles
39
10-15%
Iron & Steel Articles
73
15-25%
Textiles & Articles
50-63
10-20%
Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS) applies at 10% of BCD amount. Integrated GST (IGST) calculates on (Assessable Value + BCD + SWS) at rates of 5%, 12%, 18%, or 28%.
Calculation Example for Machinery (₹10,00,000 CIF):
Component
Calculation
Amount
Assessable Value (CIF)
Base value
₹10,00,000
BCD (15%)
15% of ₹10,00,000
₹1,50,000
SWS (10% of BCD)
10% of ₹1,50,000
₹15,000
IGST Base
₹10,00,000 + ₹1,50,000 + ₹15,000
₹11,65,000
IGST (18%)
18% of ₹11,65,000
₹2,09,700
Total Landed Cost
₹13,74,700
Effective Duty Burden
37.47%
LED Panel Lights Example:
Cost Component
Amount (INR)
Product Cost (FOB)
₹8,50,000
Ocean Freight
₹65,000
Insurance (0.2%)
₹1,830
CIF Value
₹9,16,830
BCD (15%)
₹1,37,525
SWS (10% of BCD)
₹13,753
IGST (18% on ₹10,68,108)
₹1,92,259
Customs Clearance
₹15,000
Port Handling
₹25,000
Inland Transport
₹18,000
Total Landed Cost
₹13,18,367
Effective Import Duty
43.8%
Step-by-Step Import Process
HS Code Verification: Confirm classification on Indian Trade Portal. Wrong classification risks penalties up to 5x the duty shortfall.
Supplier Vetting: Conduct factory audits (₹50,000-1,00,000) and verify business licenses (₹5,000-10,000).
Shipping: Sea freight (FCL) takes 18-25 days; LCL takes 22-30 days. Air freight requires 3-7 days. Marine insurance costs 0.15-0.3% of CIF value—always insure for 110% of invoice value.
Customs Clearance: File Bill of Entry through ICEGATE with Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and applicable licenses. Chinese electronics face 100% examination (red channel).
Storage charges accrue after free periods: 3 days for FCL, 5 days for LCL, then ₹5,000-15,000 daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the DGFT import policy amendment notification 2026?
A: The notification 2026 comprises regulatory updates from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade implementing stricter BIS certification requirements, mandatory 100% physical inspection for Chinese electronics at major ports, and enhanced Quality Control Orders for Indian importers.
Q2: Which products require BIS certification under the 2026 amendment?
A: Over 400 products require mandatory BIS registration, including electronics under HS 8471, 8517, 8528; LED lights (HS 8539); batteries (HS 8506-8507); and toys (HS 9503).
Q3: How long does import license validity last under current DGFT policy?
A: Specific Import Licenses for restricted items remain valid for 18 months from issuance date under the amended import policy.
Q4: What are the current anti-dumping duty implications for Chinese imports?
A: Active anti-dumping duties cover 90+ Chinese product categories including chemicals, steel, and ceramics, adding 5-40% to landed costs. Check the DGTR website before ordering.
Q5: Which ports enforce 100% inspection for Chinese electronics?
A: Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata ports mandate complete physical examination of Chinese-origin electronics, causing 2-4 week clearance delays.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the DGFT import policy amendment notification 2026 requires updated compliance strategies. While Chinese manufacturing maintains 20-30% cost advantages in electronics and machinery, importers must factor BIS certification timelines (4-6 months), potential anti-dumping duties, and 100% inspection delays into procurement planning.
Verify all HS codes, secure certifications pre-shipment, and calculate total landed costs including the 37-44% effective duty burden before placing orders.
Sources:
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT): https://dgft.gov.in/
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC): https://www.cbic.gov.in/
Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR): https://dgtr.gov.in/
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): https://www.bis.gov.in/
ICEGATE: https://www.icegate.gov.in/
Indian Trade Portal: https://www.indiantradeportal.in/
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