DGFT removes port restrictions on leather exports
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has taken a big step to boost India’s leather industry. In a recent notification, DGFT removed port restrictions and testing requirements for the export of finished leather, wet blue leather, El tanned leather, and crust leather.
This move is expected to reduce compliance costs and help exporters ship goods faster, especially from smaller ports and inland container depots.
What exactly has changed?
As per DGFT Public Notice No. 19/2025 dated 21.05.2025, the following changes have been made:
- Export of leather items like:
- Finished leather
- Wet blue leather
- El tanned leather
- Crust leather
- No requirement for mandatory testing by CLRI (Central Leather Research Institute) before export.
- This amendment is made to Para 2.54(d)(v) of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP) of FTP 2023.
🔗 Official Notice – DGFT Public Notice No. 19/2025
Why this matters for Indian leather exporters
This update simplifies the leather export process in multiple ways:
| Old Rule | New Rule (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Export allowed only from 7 notified ports | Export allowed from any EDI port in India |
| CLRI testing certificate required | No mandatory CLRI testing |
| Extra time and cost for compliance and logistics | Reduced logistics time and documentation |
Legal & procedural background
Earlier, exporters of leather items had to ship only via select ports such as:
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- Mumbai
- Jalandhar
- Kanpur
- Agra
- Ranipet
They also needed a mandatory quality certificate from CLRI, Chennai. This was time-consuming and created bottlenecks, especially for MSMEs.
The recent amendment to Para 2.54(d)(v) of the FTP 2023 Handbook removes these outdated restrictions, aligning trade procedures with ease-of-doing-business goals.
Expert view: A boost for MSMEs
According to leather trade experts, this change will be particularly beneficial for small and medium exporters. Here’s why:
- Smaller exporters can now ship from nearby ICDs or ports, reducing transport costs
- No need to wait for CLRI test reports
- Faster customs clearance with EDI-enabled ports
💡 Pro Tip: Keep your digital shipping documents updated and ensure your IEC code is active to benefit from this relaxed compliance route.
How to export leather now – updated steps
- Identify your leather item’s HS code under Chapter 41.
- Ensure it qualifies as finished, wet blue, El tanned, or crust leather.
- Prepare digital shipping documents and submit through any EDI port.
- No need to obtain CLRI certification.
- File your shipping bill and move forward with regular customs clearance.
Summary for Google Snippet
DGFT has removed port restrictions and CLRI testing requirements for exporting finished, wet blue, El tanned, and crust leather. Export is now allowed from any EDI port under FTP 2023, easing compliance for MSMEs and leather exporters across India.
FAQs
Q1. Do I still need CLRI testing for leather exports?
No. As per DGFT Public Notice No. 19/2025, CLRI testing is no longer mandatory.
Q2. Can I export leather from an ICD in a Tier-2 city?
Yes. If it is an EDI-enabled port or ICD, you can export without restrictions.
Q3. Will customs object to leather export without CLRI certification?
No, provided you follow the updated guidelines under FTP 2023.
Final Note
This update reflects India’s ongoing push to make exports simpler and globally competitive. If you’re into leather exports, now is the time to rework your logistics strategy.