10 percent import duty is applicable on lentils and Desi gram in India

16-Apr-2025 03:04 PM

Mumbai. The central government has imposed a 10 percent basic customs duty on the import of lentils and Desi gram, removing them from the duty-free category.

In contrast, duty-free import of tuvar and urad has been extended until March 31, 2026, and yellow peas can be imported without duty until May 31, 2025.

Under India’s trade agreement with Australia, a quota of 1.50 lakh tonnes of lentils is allowed annually with a reduced 5 percent duty.

Previously, all lentils were duty-free, but after the new policy took effect on March 8, 2025, imports above the quota are now taxed at 10 percent. No such quota exists for gram, meaning all imports are subject to the full 10 percent duty.

Internationally, trade policies on agricultural products are also tightening. From July 2024, the European Union is applying a 50 percent duty on imports from Russia and Belarus. Russia has also imposed a 5 percent duty on the export of gram, lentils, and peas (excluding EAEU nations).

Meanwhile, China has enforced a steep 100 percent import duty on peas and canola products from Canada starting March 20, 2025.

The U.S. had planned high import duties on goods from various countries, but except for China, the implementation has been delayed by 90 days.

Currently, a 125 percent import duty is applied on Chinese goods, with a proposal to add 20 percent more, raising the rate to 145 percent.

In retaliation, China has imposed 84 percent import duty on U.S. products. The U.S. also announced a 25 percent import duty on products from Canada and Mexico.