Decision to restrict imports from Bangladesh to only a few ports in India
19-May-2025 02:01 PM
Chandigarh. To prevent the entry of infiltrators and terrorists along the eastern border, the Indian government has banned border (local) trade with Bangladesh and restricted the import of certain products to specific ports.
According to a notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), a body under the Union Ministry of Commerce, ready-made garments from Bangladesh can now only be imported through the seaports of Nhava Sheva and Kolkata. Their import via land or rail routes has been stopped.
In addition, imports of fruits, fruit-flavoured and carbonated drinks, processed food products (including baked mangoes, snacks, chips, and confectionery),
cotton and cotton yarn waste, plastic and wooden items, and furniture from Bangladesh will no longer be allowed at Land Customs Stations (LCS)/Integrated Checkposts (ICCs) in Changrabandha and Phulbari in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, and West Bengal.
Concerns about trade through the land route with Bangladesh have persisted for some time, with allegations of smuggling along with legal trade. The Border Security Force has been placed on high alert and granted full autonomy. Under the new regulations, the listed Bangladeshi products can only be imported into India by sea.
Imports through any other route will be considered illegal. While this move may create difficulties for Bangladesh, India could also face potential consequences if Bangladesh imposes reciprocal restrictions. However, the Indian government prioritised national security in taking this decision.
The notification clarifies that the restrictions mentioned in paragraph 1 do not apply to edible oil, LPG, fish, and crushed stone imported from Bangladesh.
Likewise, the restrictions mentioned in paragraph 2 will not apply to Bangladeshi goods in transit to Nepal and Bhutan via India.
Meanwhile, the Indian government is also stepping up security in three districts of Bihar and West Bengal that border Nepal and Bangladesh to prevent the entry of undesirable elements.