DGFT Extends Free Import Policy for Yellow Peas Up To 31 March 2027

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has further prolonged the liberalised import regime for Yellow Peas classified under ITC (HS) Code 07131010. Through Notification No. 10/2025-26 dated 31 March 2026, the Central Government has extended the existing import period and policy conditions from 31 March 2026 to 31 March 2027, ensuring continuity in the current “Free” import status.

This measure is anchored in the statutory powers granted by the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 and the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, and aligns with the government’s broader objective of maintaining adequate supplies of pulses while preserving an effective monitoring mechanism.

Statutory Powers Invoked

The extension of the import policy for Yellow Peas has been issued by invoking:

  • Section 3 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992
  • Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992
  • Paragraph 1.02 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023
  • Paragraph 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023

These provisions collectively empower the Central Government to regulate, restrict, or liberalise imports and exports, as well as to modify the Foreign Trade Policy from time to time.

Continuity with Earlier Notifications

The latest notification is issued in continuation of and without disturbing the broader framework laid down by earlier DGFT notifications, namely:

  • Notification No. 50/2023 dated 08.12.2023
  • Notification No. 61/2023 dated 23.02.2024
  • Notification No. 04/2023 dated 05.04.2024
  • Notification No. 12/2024-25 dated 08.05.2024
  • Notification No. 29/2024-25 dated 13.09.2024
  • Notification No. 43/2024-25 dated 24.12.2024
  • Notification No. 63/2024-25 dated 10.03.2025
  • Notification No. 16/2025-26 dated 31.05.2025

All substantive conditions, procedural requirements, and compliance responsibilities set out in these prior notifications remain fully intact. The new notification only alters the validity period of the import policy for Yellow Peas.

Scope of the Extended Import Policy

Product Coverage

The extension applies specifically and exclusively to:

  • Commodity: Yellow Peas
  • ITC (HS) Classification: ITC (HS) Code 07131010
  • Chapter: Chapter 07 of ITC (HS), 2022, Schedule – I (Import Policy)

No other products or HS codes are covered by this particular change, and importers must ensure their consignments clearly correspond to this specific code to claim the benefit of the “Free” import status.

Period of Validity

Prior to this notification, the import policy for Yellow Peas under ITC (HS) Code 07131010 was operative up to 31 March 2026. Pursuant to Notification No. 10/2025-26:

  • The validity is now extended up to 31 March 2027.
  • The extension operates with immediate effect from the date of notification.

Important:
The benefit under the extended policy is linked to the Bill of Lading (Shipped on Board) date, not the date of arrival in India or date of customs clearance.

Nature of Import Policy: “Free” Status Clarified

Imports Allowed on “Free” Basis