New Delhi, May 17 (UNI) India today restricted the import of readymade garments from Bangladesh via land ports, and allowed it only through two sea ports, Nhava Sheva on India’s western coast, and the Kolkata seaport.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in a notification issued late on Saturday evening, also said the Import of Fruit/ Fruit flavoured and Carbonated Drinks; Processed food items; Cotton and Cotton Yarn Waste; Plastic and PVC finished goods, except pigments, dyes, plasticisers and granules that form input for own industries; and Wooden Furniture, from Bangladesh will not be allowed through any of the land ports.

However, it added that the port restrictions “do not apply to the import of Fish, LPG, Edible Oil, and Crushed stone from Bangladesh”.

It also said that the port restrictions will not apply to Bangladesh goods transiting through India but destined for Nepal and Bhutan.

The port restrictions come into effect immediately.

Notably, the move comes a month after Bangladesh’s interim regime in mid-April decided to close three land ports with India while suspending another citing lack of necessary infrastructure for operations.

Bangladesh last month halted its imports of yarn from India via land ports – a move which Bangladesh’s garment exporters termed as ‘suicidal’ and was heavily criticised by leading business chambers in that country.

The Bangladesh notification said the banned Indian goods include duplex board, newsprint, kraft paper, cigarette paper, fish, yarn, potatoes, powdered milk, tobacco, radio and TV parts, bicycle and motor parts, Formica sheets, ceramicware, sanitaryware, stainless steelware, marble slabs and tiles, and mixed fabrics.

In 2023, India exported over $2 billion worth of textile products to Bangladesh, including raw materials used in its garment industry.

The restriction of yarn imports from India has led Bangladesh to source from other countries like China and Vietnam.

Earlier in April, India revoked its transshipment facility to Bangladesh that allowed Dhaka to export goods to third countries via Indian land customs stations, ports, and airports.

Relations between the two neighbours have deteriorated markedly since the ouster of the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina on August 5 last year, in the aftermath of a so-called student movement. New Delhi’s equation with the army-backed Interim Government led by Mohd Yunus has been strained.

UNI RN