MoU for Pulse Imports from Myanmar and African Nations Expires

01-Apr-2026 01:52 PM

New Delhi. The five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)—entered into by the Government of India for the annual import of a fixed quantity of Tur and Urad from its northeastern neighbor, Myanmar, and Tur from two African nations, Mozambique and Malawi—expired on March 31, 2026. As anticipated, the government did not seek to extend this agreement, as, in light of the changed circumstances, the need or relevance of such a pact is no longer perceived.

Through separate notifications, the government has extended the period for the duty-free import of Tur and Urad until March 31, 2027, while simultaneously deciding to retain the 30 percent customs duty on the import of yellow peas.

The quota system for pulse imports was abolished long ago, and imports are now conducted under the Open General License (OGL) regime.

Consequently, no quantitative restrictions are currently in force. Importers are free to procure pulses from any country of their choice, based on their specific requirements, without facing any impediments.

In India, Urad is primarily imported from Myanmar and Brazil, whereas Arhar (Tur) is imported from Myanmar, as well as from African nations such as Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Sudan. Industry and trade analysts observe that, within a system of open imports, the role of an MoU becomes negligible.

Given that the sources of supply for these two pulses are limited for India, the expiration of the MoU is unlikely to have any significant impact on the exporting nations either.