India restricts jute, woven fabric import from Bangladesh via land routes

Banglabandha Land Port. File Photo: Rajib Dhar

India today (27 June) banned imports of certain jute products and woven fabrics from Bangladesh through any land port on the border, reports Times of India.

The restricted items include jute products, flax tow and waste, jute and other bast fibres, single and multiple jute yarns, woven fabrics of flax, and unbleached woven fabrics of jute.

However, import of such goods will be allowed only through Nhava Sheva seaport in Maharashtra, India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification.

India halts import of Bangladeshi garments, processed foods via land ports

The DGFT also clarified that these restrictions will not apply to Bangladeshi goods transiting through India to Nepal and Bhutan. However, re-exports of these products from Bangladesh to India via Nepal and Bhutan will not be allowed.

This move marks the third such curtailment by India in recent months, according to Times of India. On 17 May, India imposed similar port restrictions on imports from Bangladesh, including ready-made garments and processed food items.

India cancels Bangladesh’s cargo transit to third countries, says exports to Nepal, Bhutan won't be affected

On 9 April, the Indian government withdrew transshipment facilities previously extended to Bangladesh for exports to the Middle East and Europe, with exceptions made only for Nepal and Bhutan.

Earlier, on 28 March, Bangladesh halted the import of yarns through land ports, following longstanding demands from local textile mill owners.

Bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh stood at $12.9 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24, with India's exports at $11.46 billion and imports at $2 billion, according to Times of India.