DGFT Notification No. 71/2025-26: Free Import Policy for Urad Extended to 31 March 2027

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), functioning under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, has formally announced an extension of the "Free" import policy applicable to Urad (Beans of SPP Vigna Mungo (L.) Hepper) bearing ITC (HS) Code 07133110. This extension was notified vide Notification No. 71/2025-26 dated 31 March 2026, and it pushes the deadline for unrestricted importation of Urad by one full year — from 31 March 2026 to 31 March 2027.

This development carries significant implications for importers, traders, and the domestic pulse market, ensuring an uninterrupted and policy-supported supply chain for one of India's most consumed pulses.

Legal Basis for the Notification

The Central Government has exercised its statutory authority to effect this amendment under the following provisions:

• Section 3 read with Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 (Act No. 22 of 1992)
• Paragraphs 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023, as amended from time to time

These provisions collectively empower the Central Government to regulate, restrict, or liberalise the import and export of goods into and from India. The issuance of this notification falls squarely within this statutory framework, making the extension legally valid and immediately operative.

What Has Changed: The Policy Amendment in Detail

The amendment specifically targets the import policy condition for Urad under Schedule I (Import Policy) of ITC (HS) 2022. The change can be understood as follows:

Key Takeaway: The sole modification in this notification is the extension of the deadline. All other terms, conditions, and policy provisions that were in force prior to this amendment continue to remain applicable without any alteration.

Understanding "Free" Import Policy

Under India's foreign trade framework, import of a commodity may be categorised as: