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.

The MIP extension derives its legal force from the following provisions:

  • Section 3 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 — grants the Central Government power to make provisions for development and regulation of foreign trade
  • Section 5 of 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: