Dhaka, May 17 (V7N) – In a move with significant trade implications, the Indian government has imposed an immediate ban on the import of several Bangladeshi products, including ready-made garments and food items, through land ports. The directive was issued on Saturday (May 17) by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

According to the notification, Bangladeshi garments and certain food products will no longer be permitted entry into India via land ports. However, the order clarifies that the restriction does not apply to goods in transit to third countries such as Nepal and Bhutan.

The DGFT circular specifically states that Bangladeshi garments can only be imported via two designated sea ports—Nhava Sheva (Jawaharlal Nehru Port) and Kolkata Port. All land port entry points are now closed for these imports.

In addition to garments, the ban covers fruits, fruit-flavored and carbonated beverages, processed foods, cotton waste, various plastic items (except raw materials for manufacturing), and wooden furniture. These items cannot be imported through customs points in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, nor through Changrabandha and Fulbari customs checkpoints in West Bengal.

However, the order makes clear that some essential items such as fish, LPG, edible oil, and crushed stone from Bangladesh will continue to be allowed via land ports.

This development follows a previous restriction imposed last month when India suspended Bangladesh’s access to transshipment facilities for exporting goods to third countries via Indian territory. The Indian government cited disruptions faced by Indian export processing industries as the reason for that suspension. Notably, exceptions were again made for Nepal and Bhutan.

Trade analysts in Dhaka see the latest move as a major setback for Bangladesh’s export sector, particularly its garment industry, which has historically relied on cross-border land routes for quick and cost-effective delivery.

Economic observers warn that the decision may not only hurt bilateral trade but could also strain diplomatic relations between the two neighbors if not addressed through diplomatic engagement.

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