DGFT restricts import of umbrellas, allows free import above ₹100 CIF per piece

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued Notification No. 57/2025-26, dated 2nd Feb 2026, amending the import policy for finished umbrellas covered under Chapter 66 of ITC (HS) 2022. The move marks a clear shift from a liberal import regime to a controlled import framework, aimed at regulating low-value imports.

What has changed?

Under the latest notification, the import policy for the following HS codes has been revised from “Free” to “Restricted”:

However, DGFT has introduced a Minimum Import Price (MIP)–linked relaxation.

Imports will continue to remain “Free” if the CIF value is ₹100 or more per piece.

This effectively restricts low-priced umbrella imports, while allowing higher-value products to enter without licensing.

Exemptions for export-linked units

The MIP condition will not apply to imports made by:

• Advance Authorisation holders

• Export Oriented Units (EOUs)

• SEZ units

Important condition:
The imported umbrellas must not be sold in the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA).

India has a sizeable umbrella manufacturing ecosystem, particularly in the MSME sector. Restricting ultra-cheap imports will be beneficial for Indian manufacturing.