The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has issued Notification No. 26/2025-26 dated August 22, 2025, amending the import policy for certain paper and paperboard items under Chapter 48 of ITC HS, 2022.
Key Highlights of the Notification
- HS Codes Covered: 48059100, 48059200, 48059300, 48109200, and 48109900.
- New Import Condition:
- Imports of Virgin Multi-layer Paper Board (VPB) with CIF value below ₹67,220 per MT will be restricted until March 31, 2026.
- Imports equal to or above the MIP remain free, subject to mandatory registration under the Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS).
- Stock Lot Import: Remains prohibited as per earlier Notification No. 45/2015-2020 dated January 31, 2020.
- All other imports under these HS codes continue to be free, but with compulsory PIMS registration.
Effect of the Notification:
The government has effectively imposed a Minimum Import Price (MIP) of ₹67,220 per MT (CIF basis) for VPB imports to safeguard domestic industry interests and regulate imports.
The Complete Notification can be accessed at: https://a2ztaxcorp.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/notfication-26-eng_0001_ocred.pdf
