News Capsule: Trade bodies urge government intervention over desi chana import issue

13-Mar-2026 05:47 PM

News Capsule: Trade bodies urge government intervention over desi chana import issue

★ Trade organisations have drawn the government’s attention to an issue related to the import of desi chana (chickpeas) in the country. Over the past one and a half months, importers have reportedly received letters/notices from the Customs Department asking them to deposit 70 percent import duty on desi chana imports.

★ According to sources, the notices state that desi chana was imported under an incorrect HS (Harmonised System) code. The department claims that the action has been taken based on a circular and importers have been asked to pay the applicable duty accordingly.

★ Several trade bodies associated with pulses and agricultural commodities have requested the government to take note of the matter. Members of BSAF, IPGA, AFTA and CAIT have urged the government to intervene and bring clarity to the issue.

★ Sources said the matter has also been raised before the Secretary of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and the Ministry of Finance. In addition, members associated with the Pulses & Beans Association, CAIT and BSAF, including Pradeep Jindal, and Sunil Baldev of AFTA have informed Delhi MP Praveen Khandelwal and requested him to take appropriate steps.

★ It is reported that MP Praveen Khandelwal has assured representatives that the issue will soon be taken up with the concerned ministries and efforts will be made to resolve it.

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What the notification states

★ The notice states that the importer filed several Bills of Entry declaring the goods imported from Australia as “Whole Chick Peas (desi chickpeas)” under CTH 07132020 and availed exemption from customs duty.

★ However, upon examination it was found that the imported goods do not fall under the category of “Bengal gram (desi chana)” and therefore should be classified under CTH 07132090 (Other). The exemption of zero basic customs duty mentioned in the notification applies only to Bengal gram (desi chana) and not to all types of chickpeas.

★ According to the correct classification, the imports are subject to BCD 10 percent, AIDC 50 percent, SWS 10 percent and applicable IGST. The notice states that due to incorrect classification, the government received lower customs duty.

★ However, the trading community believes that the stand taken by the Customs Department is not appropriate.