Indian import policy
As of 2026-11: Notification 31/2026-Customs (23 Sep 2026, effective 24 Sep) cut BCD on crude palm and crude soybean oil from 10% to 5% and on crude sunflower oil to nil; refined palm/soy to 27.5% and refined sunflower to 22.5% (trade-press reports of the notification; one report puts effective duty at ~11% for crude palm/soy). Duty is charged on tariff values revised fortnightly (e.g. Notification 86/2026-Customs (N.T.), 15 Oct 2026). FSSAI FICS clearance applies. Sources: https://worldtradescanner.com/Ntfn%2031-Cus-23.09.2026.htm; https://www.gktoday.in/india-cuts-import-duty-on-palm-and-soybean-oils/; https://globaltradealert.org/state-act/101199-india-changes-to-import-tariff-values-on-certain-products-15-october-2026.
Check the current DGFT, BIS and CBIC notifications before contracting.
Importing crude palm, soybean & sunflower oil into India: requirements
| Requirement | Authority | Document |
|---|---|---|
| Importer-Exporter Code; GST; ICEGATE | DGFT / GSTN / CBIC | IEC; GSTIN; ICEGATE DSC registration |
| Import policy classification | DGFT | ITC(HS) policy: Free/Restricted/Prohibited/STE; import authorisation if Restricted |
| Customs declaration & duty | CBIC / ICEGATE | Bill of Entry; BCD + AIDC + SWS(10% of BCD) + IGST |
| Import clearance NOC | FSSAI | FICS NOC after Bill of Entry; FSSAI Central licence |
| Trusted trader status | CBIC | AEO-T1/T2/T3/LO |
Import trend
DGFT 'Vegetable oil' FY25 17,333 -> FY26 19,488 (+12.4%); SEA oil-year 2024-25: ~16 Mt, Rs 1.61 lakh cr (~USD 18.3 bn), palm 7.58 Mt, soy 5.47 Mt
Where Indian buyers are
Gujarat — Gandhidham/Kandla, Mundra, Rajkot. Largest edible-oil port and refining cluster
Andhra Pradesh — Kakinada. East-coast refining hub
West Bengal — Haldia, Kolkata. East-India refiners and vanaspati
Maharashtra — Mumbai, Nagpur. Refiners and FMCG
Tamil Nadu — Chennai, Tuticorin. South-India refiners
Frequently asked questions
What is the import duty on crude palm oil in India?
From 24 September 2026, basic customs duty on crude palm and crude soybean oil is 5% and on crude sunflower oil nil, under Notification 31/2026-Customs as reported; refined oils carry 22.5–27.5%. Duty is calculated on government tariff values revised fortnightly.
What is a tariff value for edible oils?
CBIC fixes a notional value per tonne, usually revised every fortnight, on which customs duty is calculated instead of the invoice value.
Which countries supply edible oil to India?
Indonesia and Malaysia for palm oil, Argentina and Brazil for soybean oil, and Russia and Ukraine for sunflower oil.
Can a small importer bring edible oil in containers?
Yes, using flexitanks of about 20–24 kL in 20' containers, typically for mid-size refiners; most volume moves in bulk tankers.
What approvals are needed to import edible oil?
An IEC, an FSSAI Central licence and FSSAI clearance on FICS for each consignment. The oil must meet FSS standards after refining.
Import routes
Source crude palm, soybean & sunflower oil for India
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