DGFT Extends Minimum Import Price Condition for Virgin Multi-Layer Paper Board Until 31 March 2027
Overview
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a fresh notification extending the Minimum Import Price (MIP) condition applicable to certain specified items falling under Chapter 48 of ITC (HS), 2022, Schedule-I (Import Policy). This extension keeps the MIP condition alive through 31 March 2027, ensuring continued price protection for domestically manufactured Virgin Multi-layer Paper Board (VPB).
The notification — Notification No. 38/2026-27-DGFT dated 30 September 2026 — was issued under the authority vested by Section 3 and Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, read together with paragraphs 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, as amended from time to time.
Legal Basis and Regulatory Authority
The MIP extension derives its legal force from the following provisions:
Section 3of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 — grants the Central Government power to make provisions for development and regulation of foreign tradeSection 5of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 — empowers the government to formulate and announce the Foreign Trade Policy- Paragraph 1.02 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 — establishes the general framework for import and export regulations
- Paragraph 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 — provides the operational basis for trade policy measures
The current extension is a continuation of a series of regulatory actions beginning with the original MIP imposition and subsequently renewed on multiple occasions.
Chronology of Notifications
The MIP on Virgin Multi-layer Paper Board has been subject to a structured sequence of regulatory notifications, reflecting the government's continued intent to maintain this price floor:
| Notification No. | Date | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Notification No. 26/2025-26 | 22 August 2025 | Original imposition of MIP condition |
| Notification No. 69/2025-26 | 31 March 2026 | First extension of MIP condition |
| Notification No. 14/2026-27 | 30 April 2026 | Second extension of MIP condition |
| Notification No. 38/2026-27 | 30 September 2026 | Current extension up to 31 March 2027 |
Important: Policy Circular No. 04/2025-26 dated 3 September 2026 had previously clarified the scope and applicability of the MIP imposed through Notification No. 26/2025-26. The present notification is issued in continuation of, and with reference to, that Policy Circular as well.
Key Terms of the MIP Extension
Applicable Minimum Import Price
The MIP fixed for the import of Virgin Multi-layer Paper Board (VPB) is: