Withdrawal of Consultative Letters Issued to Importers Regarding Desi Chickpeas

13-Jun-2026 09:04 PM

New Delhi: The Office of the Commissioner of Customs (Audit) under the Union Ministry of Finance has issued a notice to all importers stating that the consultative letters (Nos. 1607 to 1738) previously issued regarding 'Desi' chickpeas are being withdrawn with immediate effect.

The government had received letters and memoranda from various trade associations and importers urging a re-evaluation and review of the classification of Desi chickpeas (Bengal gram) specified in those consultative letters.

Upon a thorough study and analysis, the Commissioner's office determined that the commodity does not qualify for classification under CTT 0713 2090 but correctly falls under tariff item 0713 20 20. Based on this finding, the decision was made to immediately withdraw all consultative letters ranging from No. 1607 to 1738.

Credit for this new government decision goes to Pradeep Bhai. Pradeep Bhai, President of the Pulses and Beans Grain Association of India, stated that a long struggle was required to achieve this outcome, which will benefit all importers. Additionally, thanks are due to Consumer Affairs Secretary Praveen Khandelwal and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for their support.