India’s DGFT has amended Appendix 2B of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, which governs the list of agencies authorized to issue Preferential Certificates of Origin. This change affects which bodies can certify goods for preferential tariff treatment under India’s trade agreements. The amendment has direct implications for exporters seeking preferential market access under FTAs.
Topic Archives:Market Access
Amendment to Para 2.88 of Handbook of Procedures (India DGFT)
India’s DGFT issued Public Notice 16 (2026-27) amending Para 2.88 of the Handbook of Procedures, which governs export-import trade procedures. The specific amendment details procedural changes affecting trade documentation or licensing requirements under India’s Foreign Trade Policy.
India remains engaged with the U.S. on Section 301 proceedings and for finalisation of a framework agreement
India is actively engaging with the United States on ongoing Section 301 trade proceedings and working toward finalizing a bilateral framework trade agreement. The press release indicates continued negotiations between the two countries on these specific trade policy tracks. No final outcome has been announced yet.
G10 Senior Officials Meet at WTO MC14 to Discuss Agriculture Negotiations
G10 members met on the sidelines of WTO MC14 in Yaoundé on 27 March 2026, hosted by Switzerland, to discuss agricultural negotiations. Members reaffirmed willingness to engage constructively in agriculture talks while protecting their interests as net food importers. The meeting addressed compatibility with domestic agricultural policies.
Switzerland Federal Council Responds to US Section 301 Investigations
The Swiss Federal Council discussed US Section 301 investigations targeting Switzerland over alleged excess manufacturing capacity and insufficient forced labor import restrictions. Switzerland rejects the allegations and intends to submit its views in the relevant proceedings. The outcome could affect trade measures between the US and Switzerland.
Section 301 Investigation on Forced Labor Import Prohibitions
The Brazilian government issued an official note regarding a US Section 301 investigation related to forced labor import prohibitions. The content addresses trade measures that could affect Brazilian exports to the United States under forced labor-related import restrictions. This is a substantive trade policy matter involving bilateral US-Brazil trade relations.
Lifting of Temporary Import Suspension on Poultry Meat from Colombia
Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced the lifting of a temporary import suspension on poultry meat and related products from Colombia. This measure relates to SPS-based trade restrictions that had been in place, and their removal restores market access for Colombian poultry exports to Japan.
EU Includes India in Revised Draft List for Continued Export of Aquaculture Products to European Market from September 2026
The EU has included India in its revised draft list of countries permitted to continue exporting aquaculture products to the European market from September 2026. This development secures continued market access for Indian seafood and aquaculture exporters. The listing is subject to finalization of the EU’s revised approved third-country list.
India and Ethiopia Sign Bilateral Accession Protocol for Ethiopia’s WTO Membership in Geneva
India and Ethiopia signed a bilateral accession protocol in Geneva as part of Ethiopia’s WTO membership process. This represents a specific market access agreement concluded within the WTO accession framework. The signing advances Ethiopia’s path toward full WTO membership.
India and Oman Sign Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
India and Oman have concluded a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), establishing a new bilateral trade gateway. The agreement covers trade in goods and services with preferential arrangements between the two countries. This marks a significant bilateral trade policy development for India in the Gulf region.