In a major policy shift, India has imposed port restrictions on the import of certain goods from Bangladesh, dealing a significant blow to Bangladeshi exporters. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce has issued a notification prohibiting the import of items such as readymade garments, processed food products, and other goods through specific ports.
According to the notification, imports of readymade garments from Bangladesh are no longer permitted through any port in India. Additionally, items like fruit-flavored and carbonated beverages, processed foods (including baked items, snacks, chips, and confectionery), cotton and cotton yarn waste, plastic and PVC products, pigments, dyes, granules, and wooden furniture will not be allowed through land routes via Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura, and Mizoram.
However, these port restrictions will not apply to Bangladeshi goods transiting through India to reach Nepal and Bhutan.
Officials stated that the move is aimed at ensuring fair trade practices. Currently, Bangladeshi products enter northeastern Indian markets without restrictions, while Bangladesh charges ₹1.8 per ton per kilometer on Indian goods—more than double its domestic freight rate of ₹0.8. The new policy will now require Bangladesh to reroute its exports through major seaports like Nhava Sheva and Kolkata.
