Insertion of Para 2.50A in Handbook of Procedure, 2023

[To be published in the Gazette of India Extraordinary (Part-I, Section-I)] Government of India Ministry of Commerce & Industry Department of Commerce Directorate General of Foreign Trade Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi

Public Notice No. 21 /2026-27 Dated: 13th July 2026

Subject: Insertion of Para 2.50A in Handbook of Procedure, 2023-reg.

In exercise of powers conferred under paragraph 1.03 read with 2.04 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, as amended from time to time, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade hereby inserts Para 2.50A in the Handbook of Procedures, 2023 to prescribe the procedure for the determination of imports of goods produced using forced labour, as follows:

"Para 2.50A: Procedure for determination of use of forced labour in the production of imported goods

1. The Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) may, suo motu or upon receipt of any information or complaint supported by credible material, undertake an enquiry to ascertain whether any goods imported into India have been produced, wholly or in part, using forced labour.

2. For the purposes of such enquiry, the DGFT may seek such information, documents or clarifications from the importer(s), exporter(s), manufacturer(s) or any other person or authority, as may be considered necessary.

3. During the course of the enquiry, the DGFT may consult the relevant Ministries, Departments or agencies, or other stakeholders, as may be considered necessary.

4. The DGFT may also obtain information or technical inputs from any domestic or international organisation, governmental authority or expert body, wherever considered necessary for the purposes of the enquiry.

5. Upon completion of the enquiry, the DGFT shall prepare a report containing its findings regarding the use of forced labour in the production of the goods under enquiry and may make appropriate recommendations to the Central Government, including recommendations for prohibition of the import of such goods under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023."

6. Effect of this Public Notice:

The Procedure for the determination of imports of goods produced using forced labour is notified under Para 2.50A of HBP 2023.

(Lav Agarwal) Director General of Foreign Trade & Addl. Secretary to the Government of India Email: dgft@nic.in

[Issued from File No. K-31013/1/2026-DIR NAFTA-Part (4)]