DGFT has issued latest guidelines for urea import

On Monday, the government announced that the import of urea for agricultural purposes will be permitted through India Potash Ltd (IPL), Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd (RCF), and National Fertilizers Ltd (NFL) for an additional year until March 31, 2025. These units are public sector undertakings that are engaged in the manufacturing of fertilizers and ammonia-based urea gas plants.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) notification stated that designated state trading enterprises (STE) or other entities authorized by the fertilizers department will be allowed to import urea for agricultural purposes on behalf of the government.

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According to the stated notification, “Import of urea (for agriculture purpose) on government account shall be allowed either by designated STEs itself or through any entity/entities [Fertilizer marketing entities] which is authorized by the Department of Fertilizers from time to time, for filing BEs at India ports,” DGFT said. India imported $1.81 billion of this fertilizer in April-January FY24.

Import of urea in the country is restricted and its import for direct agriculture use is made on a Government account through State Trading Enterprises. Urea is under statutory price control of the Government of India (GoI) and sold to the farmers at a uniform Maximum Retail Price [MRP].

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