CBIC Bans Import and Transit of Goods from Pakistan under FTP 2023

By Author | May 6, 2025

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued Instruction No. 07/2025-Customs on May 3, 2025. This directive enforces a total ban on the import and transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan. The move follows a key amendment to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023.

The CBIC referred to Notification No. 06/2025-26, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on May 2, 2025. This notification invokes Section 3 and Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, along with paragraphs 1.02 and 2.01 of FTP 2023.

Effective immediately, Para 2.20A has been added to FTP 2023:

“Para 2.20A: Prohibition on Import from Pakistan
Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders. This restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy. Any exception shall require prior approval of the Government of India.”

The policy now prohibits all trade routes and types of goods linked to Pakistan, regardless of previous allowances. This includes both land and sea-based trade channels. The government has taken this step to safeguard national security and uphold public policy interests.

All customs zones and border checkpoints must immediately implement the policy. CBIC urges regional officers to raise awareness and ensure strict compliance.

For businesses engaged in cross-border trade, it is vital to realign sourcing and logistics strategies. Stakeholders should follow official updates from CBIC and DGFT for future changes or exemptions.