Important Keywords: Instruction No. 07/2025 – Customs, Pakistan import ban 2025, CBIC trade restrictions, Para 2.20A FTP 2023, DGFT Pakistan trade ban, Finodha GST customs support,
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Instruction No. 07/2025 – Customs
F. No.401/17/2025-Cus.Ill
Government of India
Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue
(Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs)
*****
227A, North Block, New Delhi
Dated: 03.05.2025
Instruction No. 07/2025 – Customs: Prohibition on import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan – Insertion of Para 2.20A of Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023
To
All Principal Chief Commissioners/ Chief Commissioners of Customs/ Customs (Preventive)/Customs & Central Taxes.
All Principal Commissioners/Commissioners of Customs /Customs (Preventive).
All Pr. Director General/Director Generals under CBIC.
Subject: Prohibition on import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan – Insertion of Para 2.20A of Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023 – reg.
Madam/Sir,
Reference is invited to Notification no. 06/2025-26 dated 02.05.2025 issued by the DGFT under Section 3 read with Section 5 of Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, read with paragraph 1.02 end 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, as amended from time to time.
2. Vide the aforesaid Notification dated 02.05.2025, a new Para 2.20A has been inserted in Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 as follows with immediate effect: “Para 2.20A: Prohibition on Import from Pakistan Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders. This restriction is imposed in the interest of national security arid public policy. Any exception to this prohibition shall require prior approval of the Government of India.”
3. Thus, under Para 2.20A of FTP, 2023, direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan is Prohibited with immediate effects until further orders.
4. In view of the above, it is requested that necessary action may be taken to sensitize officers under your jurisdiction regarding the said matter.
5. The difficulties, if any, may be brought to the notice of the Board.
Hindi version follows.
Yours faithfully,
(Neeraj Goyal)
OSD (Cus-III)
Email: uscus.3-dor@gov.in
Tele: 011 23094012
📘 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Instruction No. 07/2025 – Customs
Q1: What does Instruction No. 07/2025 – Customs announce?
Answer:
Instruction No. 07/2025 – Customs notifies the immediate prohibition of direct or indirect import and transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan. This is pursuant to Para 2.20A inserted into the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 by DGFT Notification No. 06/2025-26 dated 02.05.2025.
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Q2: What is Para 2.20A in the Foreign Trade Policy 2023?
Answer:
Para 2.20A reads:
“Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect until further orders.”
It aims to protect national security and public policy interests.
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Q3: Is this ban permanent?
Answer:
No. The ban is in effect “until further orders.” It can be amended, extended, or revoked by the Government of India based on future diplomatic, trade, or security considerations.
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Q4: What types of goods are affected?
Answer:
🚫 All categories of goods—raw materials, semi-finished items, finished products—whether commercial, industrial, or consumer-use, are covered.
📦 No exemption exists by product category without specific approval from the Government of India.
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Q5: Does the ban include re-routed or transshipped goods?
Answer:
Yes. The ban includes indirect imports and goods in transit, even if routed through third countries. Any origin declared as Pakistan or re-exported from Pakistan falls under this restriction.
💡 Need clarification on product origin rules? Contact Finodha: https://finodha.in/gst-compliance/
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Q6: Is there a way to get exemptions under the ban?
Answer:
✅ Yes—but only under strict conditions. As per Para 2.20A, any exception requires prior written approval from the Government of India. Businesses must apply via proper channels and justify the exemption on legal and strategic grounds.
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Q7: How are customs and ports instructed to respond?
Answer:
Customs officers across India are instructed to:
📋 Halt clearance of any consignment linked to Pakistan
🚫 Refuse any transit or import documentation
📢 Sensitize field staff to enforce the ban strictly
Any discrepancies or violations must be reported to CBIC.
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Q8: How should traders and importers respond?
Answer:
✅ Immediately discontinue any ongoing or planned procurement from Pakistani suppliers
✅ Inform logistics providers and customers
✅ Avoid rerouting goods with Pakistani origin through alternate ports
✅ Seek compliance support to prevent regulatory action
Need route/partner restructuring? Finodha helps you navigate trade bans smartly: https://finodha.in/setup-business/
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Q9: What happens to goods already in transit from Pakistan?
Answer:
If such goods are en route or held at ports, they will be denied entry and may be subject to seizure or redirection. Importers must coordinate with customs authorities and may need to initiate cancellation or refund actions with suppliers.
📦 Finodha can assist with trade documentation corrections and re-export logistics: https://finodha.in/gst-return-filing/
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Q10: Can Finodha help with legal, customs, and policy compliance?
Answer:
Absolutely. Finodha provides:
🧾 Real-time updates on FTP and customs policies
🔐 DSCs for filing → https://finodha.in/online-dsc-digital-signature-certificate/
📈 Import/export restructuring guidance
📄 Trade documentation and GST audits → https://finodha.in/gst-compliance/
📤 Business setup for export redirection → https://finodha.in/setup-business/
✅ Conclusion:
Instruction No. 07/2025 – Customs marks a significant step in India’s foreign trade policy with Pakistan. All businesses must assess their supply chains and take corrective action immediately to avoid legal and logistical complications.
📢 For expert customs help, FTP guidance, or realignment of your import-export business — Finodha is your trusted compliance partner: https://www.finodha.in
Download PDF: Instruction No. 07/2025 – Customs
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