Published: 31 Aug 2026
DGFT Imposes Minimum Import Price on Clear Float Glass Imports Below ₹34,000 per MT
Regulatory Update | DGFT Notification No. 29/2026-27 | Dated 18 August 2026
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has introduced a Minimum Import Price (MIP) condition for specified Clear Float Glass imports into India, changing the import policy for covered products under ITC (HS) Codes 70051090 and 70052990.
Under DGFT Notification No. 29/2026-27 dated 18 August 2026, the import policy for specified Clear Float Glass of 4 mm to 12 mm thickness has been changed from “Free” to “Restricted.”
However, imports with a CIF value of ₹34,000 or more per Metric Tonne (MT) will continue to be permitted under the Free import policy. Imports below this threshold will require the applicable DGFT import authorisation.
The Minimum Import Price condition will apply for one year from the date of publication of the notification, subject to any subsequent review, amendment or extension by the Government.
Key Highlights
- DGFT has introduced a Minimum Import Price of ₹34,000 per MT for specified Clear Float Glass imports.
- The measure covers ITC (HS) Codes 70051090 and 70052990.
- The affected products are Clear Float Glass in the 4 mm to 12 mm thickness range, as specified in the notification.
- Imports with a CIF value of ₹34,000/MT or above remain Free.
- Imports below ₹34,000/MT are classified as Restricted and require import authorisation.
- Advance Authorisation holders, EOUs and SEZ units are exempt from the MIP condition, subject to the prescribed conditions.
- The measure is effective from 18 August 2026.
- The MIP condition will apply for one year from the date of publication.
What Has DGFT Changed?
DGFT has amended the import policy for specified Clear Float Glass under Chapter 70 of Schedule-I (Import Policy) of ITC (HS) 2022.
The change applies to the following tariff lines:
ITC (HS) 70051090 – Other, under non-wired glass having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer.
ITC (HS) 70052990 – Other, under other non-wired glass.
Previously, the applicable import policy for these products was “Free.” Following the amendment, both tariff lines are now classified as “Restricted,” subject to the Minimum Import Price condition.
This means that the treatment of an import now depends on its CIF value per Metric Tonne.
What Is the Minimum Import Price for Clear Float Glass?
₹34,000 per Metric Tonne on CIF basis
The revised policy can be understood as follows:
| CIF Import Value | Import Policy |
|---|---|
| ₹34,000/MT or above | Free |
| Below ₹34,000/MT | Restricted – Import Authorisation Required |
Therefore, the notification does not prohibit Clear Float Glass imports altogether.
Instead, it establishes a price threshold. Imports meeting the threshold can continue under the Free policy, while consignments below the threshold are subject to the Restricted policy.
Which Clear Float Glass Imports Are Covered?
The measure applies to specified Clear Float Glass falling under ITC (HS) Codes 70051090 and 70052990, covering the product description and thickness parameters specified in the DGFT notification.
Importers should therefore assess applicability based on more than the HS code alone.
Before importing, businesses should verify:
- Product description
- Glass type
- Thickness
- Applicable ITC (HS) code
- CIF value
- Quantity
- Country of origin
- Applicable exemption, if any
Accurate classification and valuation will be particularly important for shipments close to the ₹34,000/MT threshold.
Exemption for Advance Authorisation, EOU and SEZ Imports
DGFT has provided an important exemption from the Minimum Import Price condition.
The MIP condition does not apply to imports by:
- Advance Authorisation holders
- Export Oriented Units (EOUs)
- Units located in Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
However, the exemption is subject to the condition that the imported glass is not sold into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA).
Businesses claiming this exemption should therefore maintain appropriate records demonstrating that the imported material is used in accordance with the applicable export-oriented or authorised purpose and is not diverted into the DTA in violation of the prescribed conditions.
Why Is the Clear Float Glass MIP Important?
Clear Float Glass is widely used in construction, architecture, glazing and fabrication applications.
The introduction of a price-linked import restriction creates an additional compliance consideration for businesses importing the product into India.
The measure is particularly relevant for importers whose procurement prices are close to the prescribed threshold.
A relatively small difference in the CIF value per MT can determine whether an import remains under the Free policy or becomes Restricted and requires import authorisation.
Impact on Importers
Importers of covered Clear Float Glass should review their existing and planned transactions in light of the revised policy.
Businesses importing at or above ₹34,000/MT CIF can continue under the Free policy, subject to other applicable requirements.
For imports below the threshold, businesses will need to consider the applicable DGFT authorisation requirements before proceeding with the shipment.
The amendment may therefore affect:
- Import contracts
- Supplier negotiations
- Product pricing
- Landed-cost calculations
- Import documentation
- Shipment planning
- DGFT authorisation requirements
Importers should also ensure that their declared CIF value and supporting commercial documentation are consistent and properly documented.
Impact on Domestic Glass Manufacturers
The MIP provides a defined regulatory framework for imports of the specified Clear Float Glass products during the one-year period.
Domestic manufacturers may therefore benefit from greater regulatory control over lower-priced imports during the validity of the measure.
The actual market impact, however, will depend on import prices, domestic demand, supply conditions and subsequent policy developments.
Impact on Construction and Downstream Industries
Clear Float Glass is an important input for various construction and architectural applications.
Businesses involved in:
- Construction
- Architectural glazing
- Glass fabrication
- Building materials
- Windows and doors
- Other applications using Clear Float Glass
should assess whether the revised import policy could affect their sourcing arrangements or input costs.
Companies dependent on imported glass should particularly review suppliers whose quoted CIF prices are close to the ₹34,000/MT threshold.
How Long Will the MIP Remain Applicable?
The notification specifies that the Minimum Import Price condition will remain applicable for one year from the date of publication.
Since the notification was published on 18 August 2026, the measure is currently scheduled to remain applicable for one year from that date, unless the Government subsequently reviews, modifies, extends or otherwise changes the policy.
Importers should therefore monitor further DGFT notifications during the validity period.
What Should Clear Float Glass Importers Do Now?
Businesses importing the affected products should consider the following steps:
1. Verify the ITC (HS) Classification
Confirm whether the imported product falls under 70051090 or 70052990 and meets the product description specified in the notification.
2. Confirm Product Specifications
Verify the thickness and other product characteristics against the scope of the notification.
3. Calculate the CIF Value Per MT
Determine the CIF value on a per-Metric-Tonne basis and compare it against the ₹34,000/MT threshold.
4. Review Existing Contracts
Importers should review existing purchase orders and supply contracts to determine whether the agreed pricing could result in the shipment falling below the MIP.
5. Check Exemption Eligibility
Advance Authorisation holders, EOUs and SEZ units should assess whether their imports qualify for the exemption and ensure compliance with the DTA condition.
6. Assess Authorisation Requirements
Where the CIF value is below ₹34,000/MT, importers should assess and obtain the applicable DGFT authorisation before proceeding with the import.
7. Monitor Future DGFT Updates
Since the measure is currently applicable for one year, businesses should track any subsequent notification modifying, extending or withdrawing the MIP condition.
Is Clear Float Glass Import Banned in India?
No.
DGFT has not imposed a blanket ban on Clear Float Glass imports.
The notification introduces a Minimum Import Price mechanism under which:
- Imports at ₹34,000/MT or above remain Free; and
- Imports below ₹34,000/MT are Restricted and require the applicable import authorisation.
Specified Advance Authorisation, EOU and SEZ imports are exempt subject to the conditions prescribed by DGFT.
Conclusion
DGFT’s Notification No. 29/2026-27 dated 18 August 2026 introduces a significant change in the import policy for specified Clear Float Glass products.
The amendment changes the import policy for covered products under ITC (HS) Codes 70051090 and 70052990 from Free to Restricted, while allowing imports with a CIF value of ₹34,000 or more per Metric Tonne to continue under the Free policy.
For imports below this threshold, the applicable DGFT import authorisation will now be required.
The measure is particularly important for Clear Float Glass importers, construction businesses, glass fabricators, manufacturers and other downstream users. Businesses should review their product classification, CIF values, contracts and exemption eligibility to ensure that upcoming shipments comply with the revised requirements.
With the MIP condition effective from 18 August 2026, importers should incorporate the new threshold into their procurement and import planning and closely monitor subsequent DGFT policy developments.
How Omega QMS Can Help
At Omega QMS, we assist businesses with India’s evolving DGFT, customs, import-export and trade compliance requirements.
Our services can support businesses with:
- DGFT import authorisation
- ITC (HS) classification review
- Import policy assessment
- Minimum Import Price compliance
- CIF value and documentation review
- EOU and SEZ compliance
- Advance Authorisation compliance
- Customs and foreign trade policy advisory
If your business imports Clear Float Glass or other products affected by recent DGFT policy changes, our regulatory team can help assess the applicability of the notification and support the required compliance process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Minimum Import Price for Clear Float Glass?
The prescribed Minimum Import Price is ₹34,000 per Metric Tonne on a CIF basis for the specified products covered by the notification.
Which HS codes are covered by the Clear Float Glass MIP?
The measure applies to specified products under ITC (HS) Codes 70051090 and 70052990.
What happens if Clear Float Glass is imported below ₹34,000 per MT?
Imports below ₹34,000/MT CIF are subject to the Restricted import policy and require the applicable DGFT import authorisation.
Can Clear Float Glass still be imported freely?
Yes. Covered imports with a CIF value of ₹34,000/MT or above remain under the Free policy, subject to other applicable requirements.
Are EOUs and SEZ units exempt from the MIP?
Yes. Specified imports by EOUs, SEZ units and Advance Authorisation holders are exempt from the MIP condition, subject to the conditions prescribed by DGFT, including the applicable DTA restriction.
When did the Clear Float Glass MIP come into effect?
The measure became effective from 18 August 2026, the date of DGFT Notification No. 29/2026-27.
How long will the MIP apply?
The MIP condition applies for one year from the date of publication of the notification, unless subsequently modified, extended or otherwise changed by the Government.
Does the DGFT notification ban Clear Float Glass imports?
No. The notification introduces a price-linked import restriction. Imports meeting the ₹34,000/MT threshold remain Free, while imports below the threshold require the applicable authorisation.
Official Reference
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
Notification No. 29/2026-27
Date: 18 August 2026
File No.: 01/89/180/05/AM-26/PC-2(A)/e-46088
Authority: Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India
Subject: Amendment in the Import Policy and Policy Condition of Clear Float Glass (4 mm–12 mm), falling under ITC (HS) Codes 70051090 and 70052990, covered under Chapter 70 of Schedule-I (Import Policy) of ITC (HS) 2022.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, customs, trade or regulatory advice. Businesses should seek professional advice based on their specific products, transactions and circumstances.