The DGFT vide Notification No. 43/2025-26 dated October 15, 2025, amends the import policy for areca nut. For ITC (HS) code 08028090 (Areca Nut—Other), import is restricted but free if the CIF value is ₹351/- per kg or more. This minimum value doesn’t apply to EOUs, SEZ units, or Advance Authorisation. For ITC (HS) code 20081991 (Other Roasted Areca Nut and Seeds), import is free, but roasted areca nut with a CIF value below ₹351/- per kg is restricted. Similarly, this restriction on minimum value does not apply to EOUs, SEZ units, or Advance Authorisation for roasted areca nut.
In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 read with Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, read with paragraphs 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020, as amended from time to time, the Central Government hereby incorporates the following conditions under ITC (HS) Codes 08028090 and 20081991 of ITC (HS), 2022, Schedule-I (Import Policy):-
| ITC (HS) Code | Description | Policy | Policy Condition |
| 08028090 | Areca Nut—Other | Restricted | (a) However, import shall be free if CIF value is ₹ 351/- per kilogram and above.
(b) However, the said minimum import value shall not be applicable for imports by 100% Export Oriented Units (EOUs), units in Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and imports under Advance Authorisation Scheme. |
| 20081991 | —Other: Other Roasted Areca Nut and Seeds | Free | (a) However, import of roasted areca nut with CIF value less than ₹ 351/- per kilogram is Restricted.
(b) All other roasted areca nut and seeds are Free to import. (c) However, the minimum import value mentioned in (a) shall not be applicable for imports of roasted areca nut by 100% Export Oriented Units (EOUs), units in Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and imports under Advance Authorisation Scheme. |
Effect of this Notification: Import of “roasted areca nut” falling under ITC (HS) Code 20081991 with CIF value less than ₹ 351/- per kilogram is restricted.
The Notification can be accessed at: https://a2ztaxcorp.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/English-Notification-43_0001.pdf
