DGFT Amends Export Policy for Prepared Culture Media

DGFT Amends Export Policy for Prepared Culture Media under ITC(HS) Code 38210000

Notification No. 44/2026-27 | Dated: 12 October 2026

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has amended the export policy applicable to Prepared Culture Media classified under ITC(HS) Code 38210000.

The amendment has been issued under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, read with the relevant provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023, as amended from time to time.

1. Product Covered by the Amendment

The revised policy applies to the following product:

• ITC(HS) Code: 38210000
• Product description: Prepared culture media for the development or maintenance of microorganisms, including viruses and similar organisms, and plant, human or animal cells.
• Export policy: Free, subject to the conditions specified in the revised policy.

2. Revised Export Policy Conditions

Exports of Prepared Culture Media continue to be permitted under the Free category. However, where the importing country requires a Shipment Clearance Certificate and a Health Certificate, exporters may follow the procedure specified in the notification.

A. Shipment Clearance Certificate

A consignment-specific Shipment Clearance Certificate is to be issued by CAPEXIL (Chemicals and Allied Products Export Promotion Council).

The certificate will contain relevant shipment and exporter particulars, including:

• Name and address of the exporter.
• Address of the registered plant and IEC number of the exporter.
• Plant Approval Number.
• Description and quantity of the export product.
• Invoice number and date.
• Port of loading and destination.

B. Health Certificate After Shipment

After the consignment has been shipped, the exporter is required to provide a consignment-specific Health Certificate to the buyer.

The certificate will include relevant particulars such as the product’s HS Code, packaging, origin, destination, vessel name, date of departure and applicable health requirements.

C. Issuing Authorities for the Health Certificate

Where the importing country requires or mandates the certificate, it will be issued jointly by:

• CAPEXIL; and
• The Regional Animal Quarantine Officer under the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.

3. Effective Date

The revised export policy takes effect immediately from the date of the notification, 12 October 2026.

4. Practical Implications for Exporters

The amendment provides a framework for issuing shipment-related and health documentation where such documents are required by the importing country.

Exporters dealing in Prepared Culture Media should:

1. Verify the import-country requirements before dispatching goods.
2. Coordinate with CAPEXIL for the Shipment Clearance Certificate.
3. Maintain accurate exporter, plant, invoice and consignment details.
4. Arrange the Health Certificate after shipment wherever required.
5. Ensure compliance with all applicable destination-country health and documentation requirements.

Conclusion

DGFT Notification No. 44/2026-27 clarifies the procedure for obtaining Shipment Clearance and Health Certificates for exports of Prepared Culture Media under ITC(HS) Code 38210000. The export policy remains Free, subject to the conditions applicable where the importing country requires the specified certificates.

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