Minimum Import Price on Soda Ash Extended Till Dec 2025: What You Must Know
The minimum import price on soda ash has been extended till 31st December 2025 by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). This move directly affects Indian importers, downstream industries, and traders involved in the soda ash supply chain.
Let’s simplify the key details, legal basis, and compliance impact for Indian businesses.
Why Has the Minimum Import Price (MIP) Been Extended?
DGFT’s Notification No. 24/2025-DGFT dated 28th June 2025 extends the existing MIP of USD 310 per metric tonne (CIF value) on soda ash imports classified under HS Code 28362000.
Purpose of MIP:
- To protect domestic soda ash manufacturers against cheap imports
- To ensure fair market competition
- To align with the Ministry of Finance’s anti-dumping duty findings (refer CBIC Notification No. 28/2023-Customs ADD)
Key Details at a Glance
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | Soda Ash (HS Code 28362000) |
| Minimum Import Price | USD 310 per metric tonne (CIF basis) |
| Validity | Till 31st December 2025 |
| Notification Reference | DGFT Notification No. 24/2025-DGFT |
| Customs Enforcement | As per Para 2.60 of Foreign Trade Policy 2023 |
Legal Basis and Policy Reference
The extension is legally enabled under Para 2.60 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, which empowers the DGFT to impose or extend MIP in public interest.
Note: Importers attempting to declare soda ash value below MIP may face penal consequences, seizure, and re-assessment by Customs under the Customs Act, 1962.
Also Refer:
Who Will Be Affected?
Importers
- Must ensure invoice values are not below MIP
- Customs clearance may be held up for under-invoiced shipments
Chemical & Glass Industries
- Domestic supply may remain stable
- Imports could be costlier, but price volatility is curbed
Domestic Soda Ash Manufacturers
- Get extended relief from unfair price undercutting
- Encourages Make in India and local capacity building
Compliance Tip from Experts
“Always verify your invoice and Bill of Entry declarations match the MIP. Undervaluation risks seizure, penalties under Section 111(m) of the Customs Act, and even prosecution in repeated cases.”
— Senior Customs Consultant, Chennai
What Importers Should Do Now
Here’s a quick checklist to stay compliant:
- ✅ Check invoice value against MIP before placing orders
- ✅ Get advance rulings if there’s valuation ambiguity
- ✅ Regularly track DGFT and CBIC updates
- ✅ Use professional customs brokers for documentation
- ✅ Store import-related communication for at least 5 years
DGFT’s Position on MIP Extension
The DGFT’s decision seems aligned with recent anti-dumping trends and industry feedback. In fact, this extension supports the earlier anti-dumping duty imposed on soda ash imports from Turkey, Russia, UAE, and the U.S.
This shows a consistent trade protection policy to prevent dumping and protect Indian producers.
FAQ: Soda Ash MIP Extension
Q1. Is this an anti-dumping duty?
No. This is a minimum import price, enforced by DGFT under FTP, not a customs duty. However, both measures aim to curb undervaluation.
Q2. Can I import below USD 310 if I get a discount?
No. Even with genuine discounts, you cannot declare an import value below the notified MIP.
Q3. Will this affect my GST input claims?
Not directly. But undervaluation issues at Customs may delay clearance and disrupt your ITC chain.
Summary
DGFT extends minimum import price (MIP) on soda ash at USD 310/MT till 31st December 2025. Aimed at protecting Indian manufacturers, importers must comply or risk penalties.
Final Thoughts
The extension of minimum import price on soda ash till Dec 2025 is more than just a trade policy update—it’s a clear signal for compliance and fair trade. For importers and industry players, this is the time to tighten documentation, revalidate contracts, and plan inventory smartly.
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