Understanding Export Bans: A Guide for Indian Exporters on Restricted Items and International Compliance

Do you know that chewing gum is banned in Singapore? As exporters, we always want to expand geographies and our product portfolios. However, in our pursuit for higher growth, knowingly or unknowingly, we sometimes make grave mistakes that can be detrimental not only at the Individual level but can also cause grave harm to fellow exporters, and the image of the country also gets impacted. The general perception of importers becomes negative due to quality issues. The recent ban by Singapore and Hong Kong on importing and selling spices from leading manufacturers of India is a glaring example of a small mistake that can harm the exporting community.  It was alleged by the foreign government that the spices manufactured by certain companies from India contained carcinogenic pesticide -ethylene oxide.  So, let’s see some of the products that need extra care by exporters when they are exporting their brands or even unbranded bulk commodities/products.  #Pornography material is also banned in many Middle East countries.

1. Wildlife and Endangered Species

• Examples: Live animals, ivory, rhino horn, tiger skins, and other products derived from endangered species.
• Reasons: India adheres to international agreements such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to protect endangered species and prevent illegal wildlife trade.

2. Certain Agricultural Products

• Examples: Rice, specific pulses, and certain fruits and vegetables.
• Reasons: To ensure domestic food security and stabilize local market prices. Additionally, some importing countries may impose bans due to phytosanitary concerns (presence of pests or diseases). Poppy seeds from India are banned in Saudi Arabia. Mexico banned imports of Indian rice a few years back due to #khapra beetle. Similarly Mango, Tarro Plant (Arbi- except root and seed), brinjal, snake gourd, and bitter gourd, also faced restrictions from the EU due to Phytosanitary regulations.

3. Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals

1.     Examples: Narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and certain chemicals. All kinds of Narcotic drugs (Hashish, Cocaine, Heroin, Poppy Seeds, Hallucination Pills, etc are banned in most Middle, etc  countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc

Reasons: Compliance with international narcotics control regulations and to prevent misuse. Some countries may also ban certain pharmaceuticals due to safety concerns or differences in regulatory standards. Some Ayush products, like  Chyawanprash, do not pass the regulations of importing countries because of several herbs and spices that are not approved by importing countries.

4. Antiques and Artifacts

• Examples: Antiques, art treasures, and archaeological artifacts.
• Reasons: To preserve cultural heritage and prevent the illicit trade of culturally significant items. These items are protected under national and international heritage laws. Similarly, if you are a jewelry exporter to Europe, remember that the use of chemicals such as lead, cadmium, nickel, AZO dyes, and Chromium VI is restricted by the EU and is regulated through several Directives and Regulations. The use of lead and its compounds in jewelry is restricted by REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) regulation

5. Certain Textiles and Apparel

• Examples: Products containing specific harmful chemicals or non-compliant with international safety standards.
• Reasons: Some countries have strict regulations regarding the safety of textiles, carpets, floor coverings, and apparel, including limits on the use of certain dyes and chemicals that could pose health risks. For example, Azo dyes may contain any of more than 20 carcinogenic amines, known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. These carcinogens have been banned in China, Japan, Vietnam, and the European Union

6. Electronic Waste

• Examples: Used electronic goods, e-waste.
• Reasons: Environmental protection and compliance with international agreements like the Basel Convention, which controls the transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal.

7. Hazardous Substances

• Examples: Asbestos, certain hazardous chemicals, and radioactive materials.
• Reasons: To protect public health and the environment. Many countries have strict regulations on the import of hazardous substances to avoid potential health risks and environmental contamination.

8. Specific Foods and Beverages

• Examples: Certain food additives, ingredients, or processed foods not meeting local standards.
• Reasons: Countries have varying food safety standards and regulations. Items banned might not meet the importing country's health and safety standards or dietary regulations. For example, mustard oil from India is banned in many countries as it has erucic acid that has been linked to potential health risks when consumed in large quantities. Similarly, Indian #Ghee is also banned for import in many countries. #Samosa is banned in Somalia due to religious reasons.

9 . SCOMET ITEMS

SCOMET items have dual use and need special permission from the government authorities.

10 . Cosmetics products :

Many Indian brands are exporting their products to European markets. However, we need to remember that ingredients like Formaldehyde, Triclosan, Hydroquinone(if higher than 1 % ), Lead, paraben, Petroleum Distillates, Selenium Sulfide, and Quaternium-15 are banned in cosmetics /personal care products in Europe. So, if you are a cosmetics exporter, make sure to be compliant with your product ingredients.

Conclusion:

As we see above, most Countries keep a strict watch on their imports. The reasons may include international regulations, environmental concerns, protection of domestic industries, and public health/ safety. For Indian exporters, it is crucial to stay updated on the regulations of the target export markets. Regulatory bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in the European Union, and other national regulatory agencies have specific standards and bans. To avoid potential legal issues and financial losses, Indian exporters must thoroughly research and comply with both Indian export regulations and the import regulations of the target countries. Engaging with export promotion councils, and using resources like the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), FIEO, in India can help exporters stay informed about current regulations and best practices. Finally, make sure to do your proper market research before entering any new markets for exports.