Export Restrictions Eased On Low Value Added Leather Goods

New Delhi, May 27 (KNN) The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has eliminated several procedural restrictions governing the export of value-added leather products through Notification No. 15/2025-26, issued on Monday.

The measures are designed to reduce regulatory burden and enhance the business environment for exporters in the sector.

Under the new guidelines, port restrictions have been lifted for the export of Finished Leather, Wet Blue Leather, and EI Tanned Leather, enabling shipments through any port or Inland Container Depot (ICD) across the country. Previously, these exports were confined to designated ports only.

Additionally, the mandatory testing and certification requirements by the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) for exports of Finished Leather, Wet Blue Leather, Crust Leather, and EI Tanned Leather have been eliminated.

The procedural requirements were initially established to monitor exports of value-added leather products and differentiate them from raw hides and items subject to export duties.

With the removal of export duties on these leather categories and the clear physical differences between processed and raw leather materials, authorities determined that existing verification processes had become unnecessary.

The policy changes were implemented following extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, including the Council for Leather Exports, leather exporters, and the Central Leather Research Institute.

The reforms are anticipated to simplify export procedures, lower transaction costs, and provide particular benefits to micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) exporters operating in the sector.

The initiative aligns with India's broader strategy to strengthen export competitiveness within the global leather value chain while preserving transparency and quality standards through existing general customs regulations.

(KNN Bureau)