The import policy of major paper products has been amended from 'free' to 'free subject to compulsory registration under Paper Import Monitoring System', the Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a notification to this effect on May 25.

The import policy details

• This order shall be applicable on a range of paper products, such as newsprint, handmade paper, wallpaper base, duplicating paper, coated paper, uncoated paper, Litho and offset paper, tissue paper, parchment paper, carbon paper, wallpaper, envelops, toilet paper, cartons, account books, labels, bobbins, etc.
• Paper products like currency paper, bank bond and cheque paper, security printing paper, etc have been excluded from this policy change.
• All imports arriving on or after 1 October 2022 shall be governed by this policy.
• A user-friendly interface has been created for the implementation of the Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS).
• Importer will be able to obtain an automatic registration number online by paying a registration fee of â‚¹ 500.
• The importer can apply for registration not earlier than the 75th day and not later than the 5th day before the expected date of arrival of the import consignment.
• The importer can apply for registration not earlier than the 75th day and not later than the 5th day before the expected date of arrival of the import consignment.
• Multiple bill of entries shall be allowed in the same registration number.
• Online facility of registration will be available from 15th July 2022.

The domestic paper industry has been raising issues of dumping of paper products in the domestic market by way of under-invoicing, entry of prohibited goods by mis-declaration, re-routing goods through other countries instead of trade agreements. A large proportion of paper products are imported under "Others" category Tariff Lines. The move will also go a long way in promoting Make-In-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat in this category.