The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a notification stating that the import of potatoes from Bhutan will be permitted without the need for an import license until June 30, 2024. This decision serves to ensure a stable supply of potatoes while fostering strong bilateral trade relations between Bhutan and India. The previous import policy allowed the free import of potatoes from Bhutan without an import license until June 30, 2023. However, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has extended this period to provide businesses with clarity and eliminate the requirement for additional documentation and licensing procedures. The amendment aligns with the powers granted by the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, and the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, empowering the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to modify and update import policies to facilitate smooth trade flows.
In a separate notification, the DGFT has also announced the permission to import 17,000 metric tonnes of fresh (green) areca nut from Bhutan, removing the condition of a minimum import price (MIP). This decision creates new opportunities for traders to engage in areca nut imports through the Land Customs Station (LCS) in Chamurchi, a village located in the Jalpaiguri district of India near the Bhutan border. The absence of the MIP condition further streamlines trade by providing flexibility in pricing.
It is noteworthy that the Prime Minister of Bhutan is Lotay Tshering, and Uttar Pradesh is India’s largest potato-producing state. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, responsible for trade-related decisions, is headed by Minister Piyush Goyal.