The Government of Tripura has formally advised local traders to strictly follow newly enforced port restrictions issued by the central government concerning imports from Bangladesh. The move follows a notification by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) dated May 17, 2025, which curtails the import of certain goods—particularly readymade garments and processed food items—through designated land ports.
During a crucial meeting convened at the Agartala Integrated Check Post (ICP) on Monday, Sailesh Kumar Yadav, Director of the State Industries and Commerce Department, briefed importers and exporters from Agartala, Dharmanagar, and Sonamura. He emphasized the importance of aligning with the DGFT’s guidelines to ensure smooth trade processes and avoid regulatory disruptions.
The central government’s decision is seen as a reciprocal action following recent import restrictions imposed by Bangladesh on various Indian products. While the newly announced curbs apply to land ports across Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Assam, and West Bengal, they do not impact goods transiting through India to Nepal and Bhutan.
Speaking on behalf of the trade community, Rajat Paul, General Secretary of the Tripura Chamber of Trade and Business, welcomed the decision, highlighting that “national interests must be prioritized.” He acknowledged that the changes are likely to impact Bangladeshi exporters who rely heavily on Indian land ports for cross-border trade.
This development is expected to affect the volume and logistical flow of goods between India and Bangladesh. Local traders, particularly those who have traditionally leveraged Tripura’s land connectivity for easy and economical import routes, may need to recalibrate their strategies to align with the new regulations.
The state government is actively working with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition and mitigate any disruptions resulting from these policy changes.
