Amendment in Import Policy for Roasted Betel Nut

07-Apr-2025 08:33 PM

Mangalore: The Central Government has amended the import policy for roasted betel nut, reclassifying it under a single HS code 08028090 and placing it in the restricted import list, replacing its earlier free import status. This move is expected to benefit domestic producers significantly.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a notification on April 2, stating that roasted areca nut, previously listed under two codes—08028090 and 20081920—will now be exclusively covered under 08028090, which includes roasted and various processed areca nuts. The notification also bans its import.

This decision follows representations by Campco, a leading cooperative, which alerted the government about misuse of classification loopholes by certain importers. The new clarification aims to curb unauthorized imports and protect indigenous interests.