India bans apple imports, exempts Bhutan

India, on Monday, prohibited the import of apples where the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) import price is less than or equal to Rs 50 per kilogram. The government changes the import policy to “prohibited” from “free” earlier.

The amendment in the apple import policy will not be applicable to Bhutan, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification.

“Import of apples…is Prohibited' wherever the CIF Import Price is less than equal ot Rs 50/- per kilogram. Minimum Import Price conditions shall not be applicable for imports from Bhutan,” DGFT said.


In April-February FY23, India’s apple imports were $260.37 million, with Turkey, Italy, Iran and Chile being the top sources. In the full 2021-22, India imported fresh apples worth $385.1 million.

The move assumes significance as apple farmers in Kashmir had called for a ban on the import of Iranian apples and imported apples were depressing the prices of domestic apples, sources said.

The government, had in 2018, removed the port restrictions on apple imports by allowing their inbound shipments through ports and airports in Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai and Cochin, and land port and airport in Delhi. It had also permitted the imports through India’s land borders.