Five DGFT updates from 18 to 25 August 2026 that deserve a commercial check

Read the notice against a live decision

A regulatory alert becomes useful only when it changes an action, deadline, cost or evidence requirement. Start with four questions: which legal entity is affected, which product or authorisation is in scope, when the change applies, and which official or professional confirmation is still needed.

This radar does not combine the five notices into one market conclusion. It separates them because the wheat exporter, glass importer, status applicant, authorisation holder and PSIA have different records and different next actions.

• Record the notice number and issue date
• Match the exact ITC (HS) code, authorisation or portal process
• Identify the shipment, application or quote that may change
• Keep an official PDF and a dated internal decision note

Evidence: Directorate General of Foreign Trade

Wheat and wheat flour: specified export lines moved to Free

Notifications 34/2026-27 and 35/2026-27, both dated 24 August 2026, revise the export policy for specified wheat and wheat-flour lines from Prohibited to Free with immediate effect. Notification 34 covers ITC (HS) 11010000 for wheat or meslin flour and the listed related products. Notification 35 covers 10011900 and 10019910 for the specified wheat descriptions.

Free policy status is a route-opening fact, not a finished export plan. A seller still needs to confirm the exact product code, destination requirements, contract specification, inspection or phytosanitary needs, pack, payment and shipment economics before quoting a buyer.

• Millers and exporters: freeze the exact product and ITC (HS) code
• Commercial teams: refresh only quotes that match the notified lines
• Operations teams: check all other destination and shipment requirements

Evidence: Directorate General of Foreign Trade · Directorate General of Foreign Trade

One Star Export House: the continuity rule is more flexible

Notification 33/2026-27 amends paragraph 1.25(d) of FTP 2023. For One Star Export House status outside the gems and jewellery sector, export performance in any two of the three preceding financial years can now be sufficient, subject to the other provisions of paragraph 1.25.

Companies that missed the prior continuity condition should re-run their eligibility screen instead of assuming they qualify. The amount, eligible export performance, application evidence and every remaining condition still need review against the current FTP and portal process.

Evidence: Directorate General of Foreign Trade

AA and EPCG extensions: one approved step is now automated

Trade Notice 21/2026-27 explains that when the PRC or EPCG Committee approves an export-obligation extension, the exporter no longer needs to file a separate extension application with the concerned Regional Authority. After the committee decision, the system issues a fee request; successful payment creates and approves the extension file and generates the letter.

This removes a duplicate application step. It does not remove the need to apply to the relevant committee, pay the prescribed fee, monitor the portal record or verify that the revised expiry date reaches the authorisation record and ICEGATE.

Evidence: Directorate General of Foreign Trade

Clear float glass: code, thickness and CIF value now control the route

Notification 29/2026-27 changes the import policy for specified clear float glass of 4 mm to 12 mm under ITC (HS) 70051090 and 70052990 from Free to Restricted. The notice states that import remains Free where the CIF value is INR 34,000 or above per metric tonne, and that the minimum import price condition applies for one year from publication.

The notification also states that the condition does not apply to Advance Authorisation holders, EOUs and SEZ units when the imported inputs are not sold into the Domestic Tariff Area. Before contracting, an importer should confirm classification, thickness, valuation, intended use, exemption evidence and licence implications with its responsible customs adviser.

Evidence: Directorate General of Foreign Trade

PSIC processing: inspection-day evidence is now the operational focus

Trade Notice 22/2026-27 changes the DGFT PSIA and PSIC system. It states that a PSIC can be generated and issued only on the inspection date, adds system-held inspector signatures and stamps, makes inspector and instrument selection system-driven, and increases permitted photo and video attachment capacity.

For shipments that require pre-shipment inspection, the importer, exporter and PSIA should agree the inspection date, authorised inspector, registered instruments and complete media capture before the inspection begins. A late certificate workflow is no longer a safe operating assumption.

Evidence: Directorate General of Foreign Trade

Turn the notice into a one-page company action note

For each relevant notice, write one line for the affected product or authorisation, one line for what changed, one line for the effective date, and one line for the evidence owner. Then decide whether a quote, application, shipment plan or provider instruction must change.

Sartha's regulatory impact note is designed for that gap. It does not replace the official text or specialist advice. It connects the notice to one company decision and shows what must be confirmed next.