India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued new policy reforms aimed at simplifying leather exports, with a focus on reducing compliance burdens and boosting competitiveness. The changes, announced through Notification No. 15/2025-26 on May 26, 2026, remove long-standing procedural restrictions that applied to processed leather products.
All ports now open for leather exports
Under the revised policy, exporters can now ship Finished Leather, Wet Blue Leather, and EI Tanned Leather from any port or Inland Container Depot (ICD). Earlier, such exports were restricted to a limited number of notified ports, creating logistical hurdles for manufacturers—especially smaller exporters located away from designated hubs.
In a parallel move, the DGFT has also eliminated the mandatory requirement for testing and certification by the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI). This change applies to Finished Leather, Wet Blue Leather, Crust Leather, and EI Tanned Leather, removing a compliance layer that exporters say had become redundant.
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Reforms follow industry consultations
The procedural checks were originally introduced to distinguish high-value processed leather from raw hides and dutiable items. However, with export duties on these leather categories already removed and physical distinctions now well established, the DGFT has concluded that such measures are no longer necessary.
The policy shift follows extensive consultations with stakeholders, including the Council for Leather Exports and the CLRI. Industry voices have welcomed the move, noting it will lower transaction costs and enhance operational efficiency—particularly for MSME exporters who often face higher compliance overheads.
The changes are part of broader efforts to align India’s leather export ecosystem with global standards. By removing unnecessary controls while preserving customs transparency, the government aims to strengthen India’s position in the international leather value chain and promote ease of doing business for exporters across the board.