DGFT Extends STE Status of ‘Indian Potash Limited’ for Urea Imports on Government Account [Read Notification]

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has amended the import policy condition for Urea [Exim Code 31021010], extending the State Trading Enterprise (STE) status of Indian Potash Limited (IPL) for imports on Government account.

Indian Potash Limited is an Indian fertilizer company that was established in 1955. IPL primarily focuses on the import and marketing of potash and other fertilizers that are extensively used in the Indian agricultural sector. With headquarters in Chennai, IPL serves as a major agricultural partner with diversified interests in sugar, cattle feed, and dairy.

The notification states that the Central Government has extended the STE status of IPL for import of urea on Government account till 31.03.2027 by modifying its current import policy condition as under ITC (HS) 2022, Schedule-I.

All other terms and conditions remain unchanged as per the earlier Notification No. 79/2023 dated 18.03.2024.

Import of Urea (agricultural grade) will continue to be routed through IPL, in line with Para 2.21 of the FTP, 2023, which pertains to imports by State Trading Enterprises.

The extension is touted as a routine measure, to ensure that the import of urea through IPL remains uninterrupted, ensuring continuity in the procurement and supply chains.

The amending Notification is issued under the provisions of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 read with the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023, and under the hand of Lav Agarwal, the Director General of Foreign Trade & Ex-officio Additional Secretary to the Government of India with the approval of the Minister of Commerce and Industry and takes effect immediately.

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