The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has once again imposed restrictions on imports from Bangladesh. A new directive issued on Monday bans the import of four key jute-based products from Bangladesh through land ports. The products affected include jute and jute fabric, jute rope or cordage, cordage made from jute-based products, and jute sacks or bags.
Under the new rules, these items can now only be exported to India via the Nhava Sheva seaport in Mumbai. The order took immediate effect, effectively halting the longstanding land route used by Bangladeshi exporters. According to industry sources, around 99 percent of these products are currently exported to India by land, with only 1 percent shipped via sea.
In recent months, India has repeatedly introduced non-tariff barriers on imports from Bangladesh. On June 27, the DGFT restricted the import of raw jute, jute rolls, jute yarn, and specialized jute fabrics through land ports. On May 17, similar restrictions were imposed on items including ready-made garments, processed foods, and furniture. Earlier, on April 9, India withdrew the facility allowing Bangladeshi goods to be exported to third countries via Kolkata Airport.
