DGFT Restricted Items List 2026 Update | Complete Guide | BEFACH International
regulations-compliance
DGFT Restricted Items List 2026: What's Changed for Importers
February 24, 2026
befach
Share
DGFT Restricted Items List 2026: What's Changed for Importers
Import Duty on Water Bottles from China to India (2026) — Complete Cost Breakdown & DGFT Compliance
Import Duty on Water Bottles from China to India (2026) — Complete Cost Breakdown & DGFT Compliance
Before importing water bottles from China, always check the DGFT restricted items list 2026 update to confirm your HS code remains import-compliant. While plastic tableware isn't currently restricted, reviewing the DGFT restricted items list 2026 update prevents costly surprises at customs.
If you're importing water bottles from China, your landed cost calculation has changed significantly. Recent BIS certification mandates and revised duty structures mean what worked in previous years won't work now. Here's exactly what you need to know.
DGFT Restricted Items List 2026 Update: Compliance Status
While water bottles under HS Code 3924 10 00 are not currently featured on the DGFT restricted items list 2026 update, importers must verify this quarterly. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade periodically revises prohibited and restricted categories without advance notice.
Checking the DGFT restricted items list 2026 update should be your first compliance step. Restrictions can apply to specific materials or countries of origin. Cross-reference your exact product specification against the latest DGFT notifications to confirm clearance eligibility before shipment.
Facing Any Issue While Buying
Discover how ESSENTIO revolutionizes home cleaning with AI-driven precision. Watch as it navigates, cleans.
Importing water bottles from China falls under HS Code 3924 10 00 (Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles of plastics). Here's your complete duty breakdown:
Duty Component
Rate
Applicable On
Basic Customs Duty (BCD)
10%
CIF Value
Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS)
10% on BCD
BCD Amount
Integrated GST (IGST)
18%
CIF + BCD + SWS
Total Effective Duty
~31%
-
Sample Cost Calculation for ₹1,00,000 CIF shipment:
CIF Value: ₹1,00,000
BCD (10%): ₹10,000
SWS (10% of BCD): ₹1,000
IGST (18% on ₹1,11,000): ₹19,980
Total Landed Cost: ₹1,30,980
> ⚠️ WATCH OUT: Many importers forget to factor SWS into their IGST calculation base. This adds approximately ₹1,800 per ₹1 lakh of goods — a surprise that hits your cash flow at clearance.
BIS Certification Requirement — Non-Negotiable
All plastic water bottles imported into India must comply with IS 9833:2016 (for food-grade plastics) and carry BIS certification. Without this:
Customs will detain your shipment
You face re-export orders or destruction
Demurrage charges accumulate daily
Action required: Verify your Chinese supplier holds valid BIS certification before placing orders. The certificate number must match your import documents exactly.
Recent Regulatory Updates
2026 DGFT Notifications: No specific duty changes on HS 3924, but BIS enforcement has tightened significantly. Always cross-reference with the DGFT restricted items list 2026 update before finalizing orders.
Quality Control Orders (QCO): Plastic food contact articles now under mandatory BIS certification — no exceptions for Chinese imports
> 💡 PRO TIP: If your supplier claims BIS certification, cross-check the certificate number on the BIS portal before payment. Fake certificates are common, and customs verification is now automated.
Hidden Costs to Budget For
Cost Item
Typical Range
CHA Fees
₹3,500 – ₹8,000
Port Handling
₹2,500 – ₹5,000
Customs Examination
₹1,500 – ₹3,000
BIS Testing (if required)
₹15,000 – ₹25,000
Container Detention (per day)
₹2,000 – ₹5,000
Compliance Checklist Before You Import
Check DGFT Restricted Items List 2026 Update: Verify your product isn't newly restricted before shipping
Verify HS Code: Confirm 3924 10 00 with your CHA — bottle type (PET, PC, Tritan) may shift classification
Check BIS License: Valid IS 9833:2016 certification from supplier
Calculate Full Landed Cost: Include BCD + SWS + IGST + clearance charges
Prepare Documents: Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, BIS Certificate, GATT Declaration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where can I find the official DGFT restricted items list 2026 update?
A: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade publishes updates on dgft.gov.in. Check the "Public Notices" and "Restricted/Prohibited Items" sections monthly, as the DGFT restricted items list 2026 update can change quarterly.
Q: Are water bottles from China currently on the DGFT restricted items list?
A: No. As per the latest DGFT restricted items list 2026 update, plastic water bottles under HS Code 3924 10 00 are importable with proper BIS certification. However, always verify current status before shipping.
Q: What happens if I import without checking the DGFT restricted items list?
A: If your product appears on a new DGFT restricted items list 2026 update, customs will detain, re-export, or destroy your shipment. You will also face demurrage charges and potential penalties.
Q: How often does the DGFT update restricted items lists?
A: The DGFT restricted items list 2026 update schedule varies, but major revisions typically occur quarterly. Subscribe to DGFT email alerts or check the portal bi-weekly when actively importing.
Q: Does the DGFT restricted items list affect import duty rates?
A: No. The DGFT restricted items list 2026 update controls whether you can import an item at all. Duty rates (BCD, IGST) are set by CBIC and remain separate from DGFT restrictions.
Bottom Line
Importing water bottles from China is viable, but your margin calculation must account for ~31% effective duty plus mandatory BIS compliance. Budget ₹1.31 lakhs landed cost for every ₹1 lakh of CIF value. Always verify the DGFT restricted items list 2026 update and never skip BIS certification checks.
Need help navigating BIS certification, checking the latest DGFT updates, or calculating exact landed costs for your shipment? Contact our import consultants — we handle documentation, duty optimization, and customs clearance daily.
Thinking about importing? We help Indian businesses source and import products from China and Southeast Asia — from finding the right supplier to doorstep delivery. Tell us what you need
