The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has amended the import policy and policy conditions governing clear float glass of thickness 4 mm to 12 mm falling under ITC (HS) Codes 70051090 and 70052990.
The government has shifted the import policy for the specified products from “Free” to “Restricted”, while creating an important price-based exception for imports having a CIF value of ₹34,000 or more per metric tonne (MT).
The notification has been issued by the Central Government 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 2023, as amended from time to time.
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The amendment specifically concerns clear float glass covered under Chapter 70 of the ITC (HS), 2022, Schedule-I (Import Policy). The notification covers the relevant tariff classifications for non-wired glass having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer and other non-wired glass falling under the identified ITC (HS) codes.
Under the revised framework, the import policy for ITC (HS) 70051090 and ITC (HS) 70052990 has been changed from Free to Restricted.
However, the restriction comes with a significant qualification: imports will continue to be treated as “Free” where the CIF value is ₹34,000 and above per MT. Consequently, the revised policy establishes a minimum import price-linked threshold for the specified clear float glass imports.
The first page of the notification contains a comparative table setting out the existing and revised import policy. For both 70051090 – Other and 70052990 – Other – Other, the existing policy was “Free”, whereas the revised policy is “Restricted”.
The corresponding revised policy condition states that import will nevertheless remain “Free” when the CIF value is ₹34,000 or above per MT. Imports falling below this threshold are therefore subject to the newly imposed restriction.
The measure effectively links importability with the declared CIF value of the product. Importers dealing in the specified categories of clear float glass will therefore need to take the revised threshold into account while planning imports and complying with the applicable foreign trade requirements.
The notification also introduces a Minimum Import Price (MIP) condition for the covered items. According to the second page, this MIP condition will remain applicable for one year from the date of publication of the notification.
Since the notification is dated August 18, 2026, the MIP-related condition is stipulated to remain in force for one year from its publication, subject to the terms of the notification.
The effect is that the government has not imposed an unconditional ban on imports. Instead, it has created a price-based regulatory mechanism under which imports below the prescribed CIF threshold face the restricted-policy regime, while imports meeting or exceeding the ₹34,000-per-MT threshold remain free.
A major carve-out has been provided for specified export-oriented and duty-free import arrangements.
The notification expressly provides that the MIP condition will not apply to imports by Advance Authorisation holders, Export Oriented Units (EOUs), and units in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), subject to an important condition.
The imported inputs under the relevant ITC (HS) codes must not be sold into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA).
This exemption is particularly significant for manufacturers and exporters operating under these schemes because it prevents the newly prescribed MIP condition from applying to eligible inputs used within export-oriented manufacturing arrangements, provided the specified restriction on DTA sales is respected.
The notification represents a shift from an unrestricted import regime to a more controlled framework for the specified categories of clear float glass.
By retaining “Free” import treatment for consignments with a CIF value of at least ₹34,000 per MT, while making lower-value imports subject to the restricted regime, the government has effectively established a price floor for imports covered by the notification.
The measure may have implications for importers, domestic glass manufacturers, exporters using imported glass as inputs, and other stakeholders involved in the clear float glass supply chain.
The precise commercial impact, however, will depend on prevailing international prices, freight and insurance costs, product specifications, and the manner in which CIF values are determined for individual consignments.
The notification identifies two principal tariff classifications for the revised policy:
- ITC (HS) 70051090 – Other
- ITC (HS) 70052990 – Other – Other
Both classifications have been moved from the existing Free import policy to Restricted, subject to the ₹34,000-per-MT CIF value exception.
The notification describes the broader product category as clear float glass of 4 mm–12 mm thickness falling under Chapter 70 of the ITC (HS), 2022.
Another important feature is the temporal limitation attached to the MIP condition.
Paragraph 3 of the notification provides that the MIP condition shall remain applicable for a period of one year from the date of publication.
Thus, the notification does not state that the MIP condition will operate indefinitely. Its specified duration is one year from publication, unless the government subsequently modifies, extends or otherwise changes the policy.
Importers and industry participants will consequently need to monitor subsequent DGFT notifications or amendments before the expiry of the one-year period.
The DGFT has expressly summarised the effect of the amendment on page 2 of the notification. The import policy and policy condition for clear float glass of 4 mm–12 mm under ITC (HS) Codes 70051090 and 70052990 have been revised from “Free” to “Restricted”.
At the same time, imports remain “Free” where the CIF value is ₹34,000 and above per MT. The restriction does not apply to imports by Advance Authorisation holders, EOUs and SEZ units, subject to the condition that the imported inputs are not sold into the DTA. The MIP condition is to remain effective for one year from publication.
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