DGFT Revises Import Policy for Patrol Boats, Air-Cushion Vehicles, and Remote-Operated Vehicles [Read Notification]
The DGFT removed import restrictions on patrol boats, surveillance vehicles, and air-cushion vehicles, allowing their free import with immediate effect
DGFT – Import Policy for Patrol Boats – Air-Cushion Vehicles – DGFT Import Policy Update 2024 – taxscan
DGFT – Import Policy for Patrol Boats – Air-Cushion Vehicles – DGFT Import Policy Update 2024 – taxscan
The Ministry of Commerce & Industry issued Notification No. 55/2024-25, dated January 29, 2025, announcing that certain types of patrol boats, surveillance boats, air-cushion vehicles, and remote-operated vehicles can now be imported freely into India.
Under the authority given by Section 3 and Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, and as per the guidelines in paragraphs 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 (with amendments), the Central Government has changed the Import Policy for items under ITC (HS) Code 890690 of Chapter 89 in ITC (HS) 2022, Schedule I (Import Policy), as follows:
| ITC(HS) Code | Description | Existing Import Policy | Revised Import Policy |
| 89069010 | Patrol or surveillance boat, air-cushion vehicle, remote-operated vehicle | Restricted | Free |
| 89069090 | Other | Restricted | Free |
Become a PF & ESIC expert with our comprehensive course - Enroll Now
Before this notification, the import of the following items was restricted, meaning importers needed special clearance from the government:
- Patrol boats and surveillance boats
- Air-cushion vehicles (hovercrafts)
- Remote-operated vehicles (possibly used for underwater surveillance and research)
With this new decision, the import policy has been changed from "Restricted" to "Free," meaning anyone can now bring these items into the country without needing special permission.
This notification was approved by the Minister of Commerce & Industry, and the notification was signed by Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Director General of Foreign Trade & Ex-Officio Additional Secretary to the Government of India.
The new policy takes immediate effect, allowing businesses, defense agencies, and research organizations to import these essential items without any delays.
To Read the full text of the Notification CLICK HERE
Support our journalism by subscribing to Taxscan premium. Follow us on Telegram for quick updates
