The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has issued Notification No. 44/2026-27 dated October 12, 2026, amending the Export Policy of Prepared Culture Media falling under ITC (HS) Code 38210000 of Chapter 38 of Schedule-II (Export Policy) of ITC (HS), 2022, with immediate effect.
The amendment provides a mechanism for issuing Shipment Clearance Certificates and Health Certificates for exports of Prepared Culture Media, wherever such documents are required or mandated by the importing country, while retaining the existing ‘Free’ export policy status of the notified products.
The notification has been issued in exercise of powers conferred under Section 3 read with Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, read with paragraphs 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, as amended from time to time.
Export Policy Amendment for Prepared Culture Media
Under the revised policy, Prepared Culture Media intended for the development or maintenance of micro-organisms, including viruses and the like, or of plant, human or animal cells, falling under ITC (HS) Code 38210000, will continue to be freely exportable.
However, where the importing country insists upon a Shipment Clearance Certificate and a Health Certificate, exporters may follow the prescribed certification procedure to meet the importing country’s regulatory requirements.
The amendment provides a specific mechanism for facilitating such certification without changing the existing export policy classification from ‘Free’.
Shipment Clearance Certificate to Be Issued by CAPEXIL
As per the revised export policy conditions, a Shipment Clearance Certificate shall be issued consignment-wise by the Chemical and Allied Export Promotion Council of India (CAPEXIL).
The certificate will contain relevant particulars of the exporter and export consignment, including the name and address of the exporter, registered plant address, Importer Exporter Code (IEC), Plant Approval Number, nature of the export product, quantity, invoice number and date, port of loading and destination.
The consignment-wise certification mechanism is intended to provide the documentary details required for exports to countries that mandate such clearance.
Health Certificate to Be Provided After Shipment
The notification further provides that, after the shipment has been made, the exporter shall furnish a Health Certificate on a consignment-wise basis to the buyer.
The Health Certificate will include relevant details of the exported product, such as HS Code, packaging, origin, destination, vessel name, date of departure and applicable health requirements.
This provision enables exporters to provide the necessary health-related documentation to overseas buyers wherever mandated under the regulatory framework of the importing country.
Joint Issuance of Health Certificate by CAPEXIL and Animal Quarantine Authority
Importantly, the notification specifies that the Health Certificate shall be issued jointly by CAPEXIL and the Regional Animal Quarantine Officer, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, wherever such certification is required or mandated by the importing country.
This joint certification mechanism establishes the prescribed procedure for issuing the required health documentation in respect of exports of Prepared Culture Media.
Implications for Exporters and International Trade
The amendment is relevant for exporters, manufacturers and businesses engaged in the international supply of Prepared Culture Media used for the development or maintenance of micro-organisms and plant, human or animal cells.
By expressly providing for Shipment Clearance Certificates and Health Certificates, the revised policy facilitates compliance with documentary requirements imposed by importing countries.
Exporters should verify the certification requirements of the destination country and ensure that the relevant consignment particulars and supporting documentation are available for issuance of the prescribed certificates.
Notably, the amendment does not impose a general export prohibition, restriction or licensing requirement on Prepared Culture Media under the notified ITC (HS) Code. The export policy continues to remain ‘Free’, subject to the specified certification procedure wherever required by the importing country.
Effect of the Notification
As expressly stated in DGFT Notification No. 44/2026-27 dated October 12, 2026, the export policy of Prepared Culture Media falling under ITC (HS) Code 38210000 has been amended to enable the issuance of Shipment Clearance Certificates and Health Certificates wherever required or mandated by the importing country.
The amendment has come into effect immediately, i.e., October 12, 2026, and provides an express certification mechanism for the export of the specified products.
The Notification can be accessed at: https://a2ztaxcorp.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Scan-English-Notification.pdf
