Export Norms

Exports to China rose in 2025, but trade deficit hit record high at $116 bn

India's exports to China posted a USD 5.5 billion increase compared to last year bucking the declining trend even as the trade deficit hit a record USD 116.12 billion, as per the annual trade data released by Chinese customs here on Wednesday. Bilateral trade, too, surged to an all time high to USD 155.62 in 2025, according to the data. Indian exports to China which over the years struggled to make headway climbed to USD 19.75 billion between January and December last year, posting a 9.7 per cent increase, amounting to USD 5.5 billion, according to the data. At the same time, Chinese exports to India increased 12.8 per cent to USD 135.87 billion last year. While trade is picking up from both countries, the total bilateral trade surged to a record high of USD 155.62 billion in 2025, the year in which both countries faced US President Donald Trump's tariff hikes. The trade deficit -- a constant problem in India-China trade -- touched a record high of USD 116.12 billion, crossing the

Govt to clear ₹800 crore pending exporters' dues under revamped IES

The move aims to ease pressure on MSME exporters as the revamped Interest Equalisation Scheme is folded into the new Export Promotion Mission

Govt approves ₹25,060 crore 'Export Promotion Mission' for six years

The government on Wednesday approved the Export Promotion Mission, with an outlay of Rs 25,060 crore for six financial years, beginning this fiscal. The mission will be implemented through two sub-schemes -- Niryat Protsahan and Niryat Disha. It is a very comprehensive mission and it will support the complete export ecosystem, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told reporters here. Sectors including textiles, leather, engineering, marine and gems and jewellery will get priority. The measure is expected to help insulate domestic exporters from global trade uncertainties arising from US President Donald Trump's tariffs. The US has imposed a hefty 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, starting August 27.

Parliamentary panel for export policy reset, manufacturing focus

The Standing Committee on Finance urges recalibrating India's export strategy with a focus on manufacturing competitiveness, AI, market diversification, and addressing geopolitical uncertainties.

Govt restores Rodtep export benefits for SEZs, EOUs starting June 1

Move reverses February decision and offers relief to exporters in SEZs and EOUs; FIEO calls it critical support amid global uncertainties and competitiveness issues

Govt imposes export ban on raw human hair priced below $65 per kg

The government on Monday imposed export ban on raw human hair if the prices are below USD 65 per kg, according to a notification. In January 2022, the government imposed restrictions on these exports. "The export policy of raw human hair is amended from restricted to prohibited. However, export shall be free if FOB (Free on Board) value is USD 65 or above per kilogram," the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) said in a notification. The decision was taken on the back of reports of smuggling of raw human hair to countries like Myanmar and China, which is hurting local industries and exports. In India, West Bengal is the major hub for the industry besides Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. Major competitors of India are China, Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar. Raw human hair are mainly collected from households and temples of these states to primarily cater to the beauty market globally. Two types of hair are collected in India - remy and non-remy hair. Remy hair, the b

For goods sent abroad for repairs, no tax implication based on value

The facility to import components under EPCG scheme for assembly or manufacture of capital goods by the importer was available earlier but has been discontinued since 2004

Amazon raises cumulative export target from India: $80 billion by 2030

Says it's on track to reach $20 bn goal in exports by 2025

Banks should not hold up crediting exporters money due to fault of ICEGATE

On the outstanding EDPMS entry you can't do much except follow up with ICEGATE. But, I don't think your bank is correct in holding up your money

19 major commodities see export volume growth, but value declines

These commodities constitute over a fourth of the export value for April-February, commerce department data showed

Chatroom: Customs should not hold up exports due to valuation issues

The Customs have held up our export consignment because our export price is nearly twice the price our purchase price

Increasing ambitions

MSMEs must be encouraged to tap export opportunities

Govt mulls export tax on low-grade iron ore amid call to curb overseas sale

Indian iron ore exports touched 32.2 million metric tons during the first nine months of the current fiscal year that began in April 2023 - worth $2.7 billion - from 9.5 million tons a year ago

Indian company among 27 faces EU sanctions over dual-use exports

The latest sanctions were announced to mark two years of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the second anniversary of which falls on Saturday

Commerce ministry to extend benefits under RoDTEP scheme to SEZ units

The commerce ministry has decided to extend export benefits under the RoDTEP scheme for companies in the special economic zones (SEZs) and export oriented units (EOUs). This decision was communicated to the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on February 16. The DGFT may issue a formal notification soon amending the foreign trade policy on the same. "Post rolling out of ICEGATE (Indian Customs Electronic Data Interchange Gateway) in SEZs, the RoDTEP scheme may also be extended to SEZs," according to an office memorandum of the commerce ministry. The government in August 2021, announced the rates of tax refunds under export promotion scheme -- Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP), for 8,555 products such as marine goods, yarn and dairy items. As SEZs and EOUs were kept out of the scheme in the list notified that time, the industry was demanding to include them in the scheme. Under RoDTEP, various central and state duties, taxes, and levies imposed on in

Small Indian exporters reel as Red Sea crisis helps rivals nab business

Re-routing via the Cape of Good Hope has meant ships sailing from India will often need an extra 15-20 days before reaching destinations in Europe, greatly increasing costs

Indian exporters gear up to comply with EU's paperless customs system: Rpt

Indian exporting firms need to gear themselves up to comply with new EU norms as the European Union is moving towards a paperless customs process from June 3 this year. The development assumes significance for domestic exporters as the European Union (EU) accounts for about 17 per cent of India's total merchandise exports. In 2022-23, India exported goods worth USD 75 billion to EU as against the country's total exports of USD 451 billion in that financial year. The EU has proposed to implement the second phase of its Import Control System (ICS) from June 3 this year. ICSD 1 was applicable to the air mail and express deliveries from March 15, 2021, and then it was extended to air cargo from March last year. The 'ICS2' will now be extended to cover all type of imports using ships, trains, trucks also on June 3, 2024. First two phases covered 15 per cent imports into the EU, third and final phase cover balance 85 per cent of the imports by value. According to a European Commission .

Walmart readies 'Open Call' in India on way to $10 bn a year export target

'The category expansion over the last 15 years has been incredible …The ingenuity, the grit, the education of the labour force are a strategic advantage in India'

After RoDTEP, govt likely to extend export-boosting textile scheme

Ministry seeks Cabinet's approval regarding RoSCTL scheme

Govt extends time for accreditation of halal certification bodies till Apr

The government on Friday extended the time period for accreditation of halal certification bodies and registration of export units by six months till April 5, 2024. On April 6 this year, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) notified policy conditions for halal certification process for meat and meat products while directing the existing bodies to seek accreditation from National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB) for i-CAS (Indian Conformity Assessment Scheme) Halal in six months. "Time period for accreditation of halal certification bodies and registration of export units have been extended by a period of six months i.e., up to April 5, 2024," the DGFT said in a notification. DGFT is an arm of the ministry which deals with exports and import-related issues. As per the guidelines, meat and its products are allowed to be exported as 'halal certified' only if they are produced, processed and packaged in a facility having a valid certificate issued by a bo