List of Banned or Restricted Imports in India (2025)

List of Banned or Restricted Imports in India (2025)

Need‑to‑Know for Importers

This 2025 guide summarizes current policy themes. Always verify the latest notifications on DGFT, CBIC, and RBI.

Quick Overview

India regulates imports under the Foreign Trade Policy and ITC(HS) classification. Items may be “Free,” “Restricted” (license/conditions needed), “Prohibited” (banned), or “State Trading” (through designated agencies). Compliance can involve DGFT import licenses, BIS/WPC approvals, MOEF&CC clearances, lab testing, and specific labeling.

Banned (Prohibited) Imports: 2025 Highlights

The following categories are generally prohibited under Indian law and customs regulations. Refer to official notifications for exact HS codes and scope.

  • Counterfeit currency, obscene material, pirated media, and infringing intellectual property. CBIC
  • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances without lawful authority. CBIC
  • Wild fauna/flora and derivatives protected under CITES and Indian wildlife law. Permits are exceptionally limited. MOEF&CC | CITES
  • Hazardous wastes specified as prohibited under rules/notices. MOEF&CC
  • Ozone‑depleting substances/prohibited refrigerants as per phase‑out schedules. MOEF&CC
  • Unsanitary or unfit foodstuffs; certain meat products without health clearances. FSSAI
  • Counterfeit/branded goods violating trademarks and GI protections. IP India
  • Currency/coins/medals falling under restrictions of the Coinage Act and customs notifications. RBI

Tip: Prohibitions may be HS‑code specific. Always check the latest ITC(HS) schedule on DGFT.

Restricted Imports: License or Conditions Required

Electronics & IT Hardware

  • Items requiring BIS registration under the CRS (e.g., adapters, LED lights, mobile phones, laptops).
  • Wireless/Bluetooth/RF devices may need WPC equipment type approval.
  • Batteries and cells subject to performance/safety standards and e‑waste rules.

Chemicals & Industrial Inputs

  • ODS/HFCs subject to licensing and quota controls. MOEF&CC
  • Precursor chemicals under NDPS/Customs supervision.
  • Hazardous chemicals, pesticides, and industrial solvents with import conditions and labeling rules.

Food, Pharma & Health

  • Processed foods, nutraceuticals, and additives require compliance with FSSAI and lab testing.
  • Drugs, APIs, and medical devices need CDSCO permissions and registration. CDSCO
  • Cosmetics require registration/label compliance.

Agri, Seeds & Animals

  • Plants, seeds, and nursery stock need PQIS permits and phytosanitary certificates. PQIS
  • Live animals and animal products require health certification and departmental approvals.
  • GM/GE organisms subject to strict biosafety approvals.

Metals, Scrap & Waste

  • Metal scrap imports may need pre‑shipment inspection certificates (PSIC) from approved agencies. DGFT
  • E‑waste import generally restricted; specific exceptions require authorization. MOEF&CC

Arms, Dual‑Use & Currency

  • Arms/ammunition and defense‑related items need Home/Defense Ministry licenses.
  • Dual‑use items under SCOMET (DGFT) require specific authorization.
  • Import of gold, precious metals, and currency is subject to RBI and customs restrictions. RBI

Key Licenses, Certificates, and Port Approvals

  • IEC and AD Code registration; check policy on DGFT.
  • BIS registration (CRS) and product standards. BIS
  • WPC/ETA for wireless devices. WPC
  • FSSAI license and lab testing for food imports. FSSAI
  • CDSCO registration/permissions for drugs and medical devices. CDSCO
  • PQIS permits for plants/seeds with phytosanitary certificates. PQIS
  • MOEF&CC authorizations for hazardous/regulated materials. MOEF&CC
  • RBI/Customs rules for currency, gold, and FEMA compliance. RBI
  • SCOMET authorization for dual‑use exports/imports. DGFT

How Befach Helps You Stay Compliant

From eligibility checks to landing your shipment legally and on time—Befach covers it end‑to‑end.

Practical Compliance Steps for 2025

  1. Identify HS code accurately. Cross‑check in the ITC(HS) schedule on DGFT.
  2. Determine policy status: Free, Restricted, Prohibited, or State Trading. Note any conditions, quotas, or port restrictions.
  3. Map approvals: BIS, WPC, FSSAI, CDSCO, PQIS, MOEF&CC, wildlife/forest permissions, RBI, etc.
  4. Prepare documentation: invoices, packing list, COO, test reports, licenses, PSIC, insurance, and labeling as required.
  5. Pre‑shipment checks: arrange inspections, lab tests, or authorizations to avoid detention.
  6. File customs entries with correct valuation, duty benefits (if any), and DGFT/RBI compliances.
  7. Post‑clearance: maintain records and be audit‑ready.
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