Indian import policy
As of 2026-11: a minimum import price of ₹67,220/t applies to multi-layer paperboard (HS 4810 lines), an anti-dumping probe on Indonesian paperboard is under way, and a décor-paper ADD hearing (China) was held in Nov 2026 (research file). DGFT's Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS) has required importer registration for many chapter-48 lines since 2022 — confirm whether it still applies to your HS code (ASSUMPTION). Pulp (4703) has no such measures to our knowledge. Sources: research/02-indian-imports.md; https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/business/2025/05/30/dcm19-biz-paper-imports.html; http://www.dgtr.gov.in/en.
Check the current DGFT, BIS and CBIC notifications before contracting.
Importing kraft paper, kraftliner & wood pulp 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 |
| Trusted trader status | CBIC | AEO-T1/T2/T3/LO |
Import trend
2.05 Mt, ~Rs 15,000 cr FY25 (IPMA citing Commerce Ministry); volume doubled since FY21; China 27% (+33%), ASEAN 20%; Comtrade ch.48 USD 3.1 bn CY2025
Where Indian buyers are
Gujarat — Morbi, Vapi, Ahmedabad. Kraft paper mills and corrugators
Uttar Pradesh — Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Noida. Kraft mills and box makers
Punjab / Haryana — Ludhiana, Yamunanagar. Paper mills and packaging converters
Tamil Nadu — Chennai, Sivakasi, Coimbatore. Printing, packaging and paper mills
Maharashtra — Mumbai, Pune, Bhiwandi. Corrugators, sack makers and FMCG packaging
Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum import price on paper in India?
Yes for multi-layer paperboard, which carries a minimum import price of ₹67,220 per tonne according to the research file. Check the DGFT notification for which HS lines it covers before importing.
Do paper imports need registration in India?
DGFT's Paper Import Monitoring System has required online registration for many chapter-48 imports since 2022. Confirm whether it still applies to your HS code.
Which countries supply kraftliner and pulp to India?
The USA, Sweden and Finland for virgin kraftliner and sack kraft; Brazil, the USA, Canada and Chile for pulp.
Why import virgin kraftliner when India makes recycled kraft?
Virgin fibre gives higher strength and moisture resistance per gram, which export cartons, heavy-duty boxes and cement sacks often need.
Import routes
Source kraft paper, kraftliner & wood pulp for India
Tell us specification, volume and delivery city in India.