The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has extended the “free” import policy for urad (black gram) until March 31, 2027. The decision was notified by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) through an official gazette notification.
The notification, issued under the provisions of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 and aligned with the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, amends the import policy condition for urad classified under ITC (HS) Code 07133110. Earlier, the “free” import status for urad was valid only until March 31, 2026.
With this amendment, imports of urad will continue to remain unrestricted—i.e., not subject to quantitative limits or licensing requirements—until March 31, 2027.
Under the revised framework: Earlier Policy: Free import permitted up to March 31, 2026 and Revised Policy: Free import extended up to March 31, 2027.
This means traders and importers can continue to import urad without requiring specific government approvals for another year beyond the earlier deadline.
The extension is seen as part of the government’s broader strategy to manage food inflation and ensure sufficient supply in the domestic market. Pulses, including urad, are a key component of India’s food basket, and fluctuations in their availability often lead to price volatility.
The notification has been issued by exercising powers under Sections 3 and 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, read with relevant provisions of the FTP 2023. These provisions empower the central government to regulate imports and exports in the interest of trade and economic stability.
Notification Details
Notification No. 71/2025-26
Date: 31/03/2026
