The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has introduced a minimum import price of ₹34,000 per metric tonne on clear float glass. This strategic move aims to curb cheap imports and bolster domestic manufacturers.

  • Minimum Import Price (MIP) set at ₹34,000 per metric tonne for clear float glass.
  • Import status changed from 'Free' to 'Restricted' for 4mm to 12mm thickness.
  • Policy valid for one year from the date of notification.
  • Major beneficiaries include Saint-Gobain and Asahi India.

New Delhi: In a significant move to safeguard the domestic glass manufacturing sector, India has imposed a minimum import price (MIP) of ₹34,000 per metric tonne on clear float glass. The decision, announced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), is designed to mitigate the impact of low-priced imports that have been undercutting local producers.

Policy Shift and Specifications

According to the official notification dated August 18, 2026, the import policy for clear float glass ranging from 4 mm to 12 mm in thickness (under ITC HS codes 70051090 and 70052990) has been shifted from 'Free' to 'Restricted.' Under this new regime, only shipments with a CIF value of ₹34,000 per tonne or higher will be permitted into the Indian market.

Read Also:Josh Kushner and Bob Iger Spotlight Lakers Purchase

Impact on Market Leaders

BozokMedia analysis shows that this intervention will provide a substantial competitive advantage to domestic giants such as Saint-Gobain and Asahi India. By establishing a price floor, the government is effectively neutralizing the threat of predatory pricing from international exporters who were flooding the market with sub-threshold priced goods.

The introduction of a price floor acts as a vital shield for domestic players, ensuring that local capacity is not stifled by artificial price depressions caused by cheap imports.

Exemptions and Compliance

The regulation is not universal. Certain entities, including Advance Authorisation holders, Export Oriented Units (EOUs), and units operating within Special Economic Zones (SEZs), are exempt from this restriction. However, a strict condition applies: any material imported under these exemptions must not be subsequently sold into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA).

Historical Context of Glass Imports

For years, the Indian glass market has been a battleground between high-quality domestic production and high-volume, low-cost imports. As the construction and automotive sectors in India continue to expand, the demand for float glass has surged. This policy change reflects a broader trend of India adopting protective measures to ensure that industrial growth translates into local manufacturing strength rather than just increased import dependency.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long will this minimum import price remain in effect?
The MIP will remain in force for a period of one year from the date the notification was published.

2. Does this policy ban all imports of float glass?
No, it does not ban imports; it simply mandates a minimum price threshold to ensure fair competition.