DGFT Extends Duty-Free Yellow Peas Import Policy till 2027 [Read Notification]

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has issued Notification No. 10/2025-26 dated March 3, 2026, announcing the extension of the duty-free import policy for yellow peas till March 31, 2027.

The move continues the government’s calibrated approach to ensure stable supply and price control in the pulses market especially at a time when domestic availability remains sensitive to production fluctuations.

What the notification says

• Import of yellow peas under ITC (HS) Code 07131010 will remain “Free”
• No Minimum Import Price (MIP) condition will apply
• No port restrictions have been imposed
• Importers must register under the online Import Monitoring System
• The benefit applies to consignments where the Bill of Lading is issued on or before March 31, 2027

Traders can continue importing yellow peas without price caps or logistical limitations, subject to basic registration compliance.

Background and context

The current extension follows a series of earlier notifications through 2023, 2024, and 2025, reflecting the government’s ongoing intervention in the pulses sector. Yellow peas have been periodically liberalised to supplement domestic supply, especially when retail inflation in pulses rises.

India remains one of the largest consumers of pulses globally, but domestic production often falls short of demand due to weather variability and acreage shifts. As a result, imports play a key role in stabilising prices.

Why this matters

• Helps control retail prices of pulses for consumers
• Ensures adequate supply in the domestic market
• Provides certainty to importers and traders for long-term contracts
• Supports the government’s broader food inflation management strategy

By keeping yellow peas imports free of restrictions till March 2027, the government aims to balance farmer interests with consumer affordability while maintaining stability in the essential commodities market.

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