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Dated: 28.05.2025

DGFT Removes CLRI Testing and Port Restrictions for Leather Exports

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has issued Notification No. 15/2025-26 dated May 26, 2025, announcing the removal of port restrictions and mandatory testing by the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) for various leather categories. This is a significant step towards easing export procedures and improving logistics flexibility for exporters.

Key Highlights of Notification No. 15/2025-26

• Date of Issue: 26th May 2025
• Issued By: DGFT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry
• Legal Authority:
  • Section 3 and Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992
  • Paragraphs 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023

What’s Being Revoked

Effective immediately, the following provisions are rescinded:

1. Port Restrictions on export of:
   • Finished Leather
   • Wet Blue Leather
   • El Tanned Leather
2. Mandatory Testing and Certification by CLRI for:
   • Finished Leather
   • Wet Blue Leather
   • Crust Leather
   • El Tanned Leather

These changes overturn the requirements under Public Notice No. 23(RE-2013)/2009-14 dated 13th August 2013, which had imposed strict procedural barriers for leather exporters.

Impact on Exporters and Industry

• Operational Flexibility: Exporters are no longer bound to specific ports for dispatching leather goods.
• Cost Reduction: Savings on mandatory CLRI testing fees and faster clearances.
• Ease of Doing Business: Simplified compliance contributes to India’s broader policy on trade facilitation.
• Boost to MSMEs: Smaller exporters, often burdened by CLRI requirements and limited port access, will benefit significantly.

Policy Intent and Industry Reception

This notification is in line with the government’s commitment to streamline export logistics, enhance ‘Make in India’ competitiveness, and reduce regulatory overhead on traditional industries such as leather. The industry is expected to respond positively, as the move will help accelerate export timelines and reduce transactional bottlenecks, especially for value-added leather products.

Conclusion

DGFT’s Notification No. 15/2025-26 reflects a pro-export reform that enhances efficiency in leather goods trade. By eliminating outdated port restrictions and easing inspection norms, the notification ensures that Indian leather exports are better aligned with global market timelines and expectations.

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Source: DGFT

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