The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has issued Notification No. 12/2026-27 dated April 17, 2026, introducing amendments to the export policy of Baryte (Natural Barium Sulphate) under the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023.
Grade-wise Regulation Introduced
In exercise of powers under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, the Central Government has rationalised the export policy for barytes by introducing a grade-wise classification system.
As per the revised policy:
- Grade A (Specific Gravity ≥ 4.2) → Restricted
- Grade B (Specific Gravity 4.10–4.20) → Restricted
- Grade CDW (Specific Gravity < 4.0) → Free
Earlier, Grade A and Grade B were freely exportable, while only lower-grade material (CDW) remained free.
Licensing Requirement for Higher Grades
The notification specifies that:
- Export of Grade A and Grade B barytes will now require authorisation/licensing from DGFT.
- The procedure applicable will be the same as that followed for items under the “Restricted” category.
No Change for Lower Grades
- Grade CDW barytes (Specific Gravity < 4.0) will continue to be freely exportable, ensuring that low-grade material remains accessible for export without regulatory burden.
Objective of the Amendment
The revision aims to:
- Ensure optimal utilisation and conservation of high-grade baryte resources
- Regulate exports of strategically important mineral inputs
- Balance domestic industry requirements with export opportunities
Effect of the Notification
With this amendment, the export policy of barytes shifts from a largely free regime to a controlled framework for high-grade material, while maintaining ease of export for lower-grade variants.
The Notification can be accessed at: https://a2ztaxcorp.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Notification-12-1.pdf
