The Government of India has tightened restrictions on imports of certain jute-based products from Bangladesh, allowing entry only through the Nhava Sheva Seaport in Maharashtra.
The Ministry of Commerce & Industry’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued the notification on Monday, amending the Import Policy under ITC (HS), 2022 Schedule 1, with immediate effect.
Under the order, products such as bleached and unbleached woven fabrics of jute, twine, cordage, rope, cables, as well as jute sacks and bags, will no longer be cleared through any land port along the India-Bangladesh border.
“Imports from Bangladesh shall not be allowed from any land port on the India-Bangladesh border. However, it is allowed only through the Nhava Sheva Seaport,” the notification stated.
The DGFT invoked powers under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, noting the measure builds on earlier restrictions issued in May and June 2025. While no specific reasons were cited, such curbs are typically linked to quality control, trade balance, and protecting domestic industries from competitive pricing.
The order, signed by Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary and Director General of Foreign Trade, makes it mandatory for all incoming shipments of the specified goods to comply with the new port restriction immediately.
Jute trade has long been a sensitive aspect of Indo-Bangladesh relations. Both nations are leading exporters of jute goods, but with U.S. tariffs of 50% on Indian textiles, Bangladesh has gained a strong edge in textile exports to the American market.
