The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has amended the export policy governing Baryte (Natural Barium Sulphate), placing high-grade variants of the mineral under the “Restricted” category.
Baryte, also known as natural barium sulphate, is widely used in oil and gas drilling operations, paints, chemicals, plastics, rubber, and other industrial applications. India is among the major exporters of baryte globally, particularly to the petroleum drilling sector.
The notification has been issued in exercise of powers under Sections 3 and 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, read with paragraphs 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023.
As per the amended policy, the export conditions have now been revised on a grade-wise basis.
Under the revised framework, Grade A baryte having specific gravity of 4.2 or above and Grade B baryte having specific gravity between 4.10 and 4.20 have been shifted from the “Free” category to the “Restricted” category. This means exporters dealing in these grades will now require prior authorisation or licensing from the DGFT before exports can be undertaken.
The restriction applies across various ITC(HS) classifications including:
- 25111010 – Natural barium sulphate (barytes): lumps
- 25111020 – Natural barium sulphate (barytes): powder
- 25111090 – Natural barium sulphate (barytes): other.
However, Grade CDW baryte, having specific gravity below 4.0, will continue to remain freely exportable under the existing export policy regime.
The DGFT clarified that exports of Grade A and Grade B baryte would now be subject to the standard licensing procedure applicable to items falling under the “Restricted” category.
The “Effect of this Notification” clause specifically states that the amendment aims to regulate exports on a grade-wise basis by restricting higher-grade baryte while retaining lower-grade CDW baryte under the free export category.
Notification Details
Notification No. 12/2026-27
Date: 17/04/2026
