India Reinstates 10% Import Duty on Chickpeas Effective April 1st

The Indian government has announced the reintroduction of a 10% import duty on chickpeas (chana), set to take effect from April 1st, 2025. This decision reverses the previous duty-free import policy that was implemented to stabilize domestic prices and increase availability. The move comes as India anticipates a stronger domestic chickpea harvest this year. The government’s decision aims to protect the interests of local farmers by ensuring fair market prices for their produce. According to official notifications, the reinstatement of the duty is deemed necessary in the “public interest.” While reimposing the customs duty on chana, the government has decided not to impose any agricultural infrastructure fund cess. The previous duty free import policy was put into place during 2024, due to poor domestic crops caused by unusual weather patterns. The decision is being reported to potentially effect import from countries such as Australia and Tanzania. Alongside the Chickpea import duty news, it is also being reported that the duty free import window for yellow peas has been extended.