In a fresh trade restriction, India has announced an immediate ban on importing certain jute products from Bangladesh through land ports, allowing shipments only via the Nhava Sheva sea port in Maharashtra.
According to a notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Indian Ministry of Commerce, the ban covers bleached and unbleached woven fabrics of jute or other bast fibres, as well as jute twine, cordage, cables, sacks, and bags. “Imports from Bangladesh shall not be allowed from any land port on the India–Bangladesh border,” the DGFT stated, citing the move as part of efforts to “regulate” the import of specified goods.
The latest decision comes just over two months after India first restricted imports of certain Bangladeshi jute products via land routes, permitting their entry solely through Nhava Sheva.
This measure follows a series of similar steps in recent months. In April and May, India imposed port restrictions on a range of Bangladeshi exports, including readymade garments, processed foods, flax tow, jute yarn, and other bast fibre products. On May 17, specific goods faced tightened port rules, while on April 9, India withdrew the transhipment facility for Bangladeshi garment exporters shipping to destinations such as the Middle East and Europe, except for Nepal and Bhutan.
The move is expected to impact cross-border trade significantly, as land ports have been the primary route for jute product exports from Bangladesh to India.
