DGFT Invites Applications for CPC and RPC Import Quota Allocation for FY 2026-27

Overview

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued Public Notice No. 02/2026-27 dated 10th April 2026, formally launching the application process for import quota allocations concerning Calcined Petroleum Coke (CPC) intended for use by the aluminium industry, and Raw Petroleum Coke (RPC) required by CPC manufacturing units, for the financial year 2026-27. This public notice operates within a structured regulatory framework anchored in Supreme Court directions and environmental oversight mandates.

Background and Regulatory Basis

The origins of this import allocation mechanism can be traced to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which acted in compliance with the directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court vide its order dated 15.02.2024. In response to those directions, the CAQM established strict annual ceilings on the import of petroleum coke products, driven by air quality and environmental protection concerns — particularly in the National Capital Region and surrounding areas.

Under the Supreme Court-mandated framework:

• For FY 2024-25, the aluminium industry was permitted to import CPC not exceeding 0.5 Million MTs, while calciner (CPC manufacturing) units were allowed to import RPC not exceeding 1.9 Million MTs.
• From FY 2025-26 onwards, the revised limits were set at:
  • 0.8 Million MTs of CPC for the aluminium industry
  • 1.9 Million MTs of RPC for CPC manufacturing units

These caps continue to apply for FY 2026-27 under the current public notice.

Amendments to Import Policy

To bring the regulatory framework in line with the CAQM's directions, the import policy conditions applicable to Petroleum Coke were formally amended through:

• Notification No. 68/2023 dated 07.03.2024
• Notification No. 27/2024-25 dated 04.09.2024

These notifications also clarified that the regulation and ongoing monitoring of such imports shall be governed by the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) vide OM No. Q-18011/54/2018-CPA dated 10th September 2018, along with any subsequent amendments thereto.

The preceding year's allocation procedure was similarly notified through Public Notice No. 48/2024-25 dated 12.02.2025, establishing a consistent annual framework for such applications.

Authorisation Quantities for FY 2026-27

Exercising powers conferred under Paragraph 1.03 and 2.04 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, DGFT has formally invited applications for the following import quantities for FY 2026-27: