India Tightens Import Restrictions on Goods from Bangladesh
India has imposed new port restrictions on the import of certain goods from Bangladesh, including ready-made garments and processed food items. These measures are part of a broader policy change aimed at specific categories of goods.
IndiaBangladeshImport RestrictionsReadymade GarmentsBilateral TradeReal EstateMay 18, 2025
Imports of ready-made garments from Bangladesh will now only be allowed through the Nhava Sheva and Kolkata seaports and are banned from all land ports. This move is aimed at controlling the influx of these goods and ensuring better regulatory oversight.
For goods such as fruits, carbonated and fruit-flavored beverages, processed food items like snacks and baked goods, plastic and PVC finished goods, cotton and cotton yarn waste, dyes, plasticisers, granules, and wooden furniture, imports will not be allowed through land customs stations (LCSs) and integrated check posts (ICPs) in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, and at Changrabandha and Fulbari in West Bengal. These restrictions are designed to streamline the import process and enhance quality control.
The restrictions, however, do not apply to the import of fish, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), edible oil, and crushed stone. These essential commodities will continue to be allowed through all designated ports to ensure uninterrupted supply.
The DGFT said these changes are effective immediately and are being implemented through a revision in India’s import policy specific to Bangladesh. This move is part of a broader strategy to manage bilateral trade more effectively and address concerns raised by Indian industries.
Earlier, on April 9, India withdrew a transshipment facility that allowed Bangladesh to export goods to global destinations—excluding Nepal and Bhutan—via Indian ports and airports. The move followed controversial remarks by Bangladesh’s interim government chief Muhammad Yunus during a visit to China. In his comments, Yunus referred to India’s northeastern states as “landlocked” and claimed Bangladesh was the “only guardian” of the Indian Ocean in the region. He also invited China to use Bangladeshi territory for trade access. The remarks triggered strong reactions from Indian political leaders.
India had granted the transshipment facility to Bangladesh in June 2020, which had significantly benefited Bangladeshi exporters. Indian textile exporters had previously urged the government to reconsider this concession, citing growing competition. The recent restrictions are seen as a response to these concerns and a move to protect domestic industries.
India-Bangladesh relations have recently cooled amid concerns in New Delhi over increasing attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus. Bilateral trade between the two nations stood at $12.9 billion in the 2023–24 financial year. Despite the tensions, both countries continue to work towards a balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What goods are affected by the new import restrictions from Bangladesh?
The new restrictions affect ready-made garments, processed food items, fruits, carbonated and fruit-flavored beverages, plastic and PVC finished goods, cotton and cotton yarn waste, dyes, plasticisers, granules, and wooden furniture.
Which ports are still allowed for importing ready-made garments from Bangladesh?
Ready-made garments from Bangladesh can only be imported through the Nhava Sheva and Kolkata seaports.
Why did India impose these restrictions?
India imposed these restrictions to better manage bilateral trade, address concerns from domestic industries, and respond to controversial remarks by Bangladeshi officials.
What essential commodities are exempt from these restrictions?
Fish, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), edible oil, and crushed stone are exempt from these restrictions and can be imported through all designated ports.
How did the transshipment facility for Bangladesh change?
India withdrew the transshipment facility that allowed Bangladesh to export goods to global destinations via Indian ports and airports, except for Nepal and Bhutan, following controversial remarks by a Bangladeshi official.
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