The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) — India’s apex authority on trade policy — has issued multiple notifications recently that affect import regulations for steelmaking inputs and export pricing for agricultural products. These updates reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to balance domestic industry protection with export competitiveness.
Below are three important changes from the DGFT notification list that traders, manufacturers, and logistics professionals should know:
1. Import Policy Amendment for Low Ash Metallurgical Coke
The DGFT has amended the import policy for Low Ash Metallurgical Coke (HS Codes 27040020, 27040030, 27040040, 27040090) under Chapter-27 of the ITC (HS), 2022, Schedule-I.
What Changed?
The import of Low Ash Metallurgical Coke — a key raw material used in steel production — has now been placed under a restricted import category with specific policy conditions.
This restriction covers coke with ash content below 18% (excluding fines and coke breeze) and ultra-low phosphorous metallurgical coke up to 30 mm size with tolerance, aimed at regulating imports more closely.
The amendment is effective January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026.
Placing it in the restricted category means importers will likely require DGFT import authorization, aligning supply with domestic industry needs and helping protect local producers from cheap or excessive imports.
2. Extension of Minimum Export Price (MEP) on Natural Honey
The DGFT has extended the validity of the Minimum Export Price (MEP) condition on Natural Honey exports under HS Code 04090000.
Key Points:
Exports of Natural Honey, though normally under a Free export policy, continue to be subject to a Minimum Export Price of USD 1400 per metric ton (FOB).
This policy condition was amended to extend the existing MEP up to March 31, 2026.
Why This Is Important
MEP rules help prevent undervaluation or dumping of agricultural commodities in global markets. For honey exporters, maintaining the MEP ensures a baseline price.
What Importers Should Do
Importers in metallurgical sectors should, check whether they need import licenses or authorizations to bring restricted coke into India
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