Instruction
01 Oct 2026
CBIC
Operative & In Force
Instruction No. 18/2026- Customs — Requirement of import permit for non-insecticidal use of insecticides.
Legal Citation
CBIC Instruction No. Instruction No. 18/2026- Customs, dt. 01-10-2026
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Executive Directive & Regulatory Background
This CBIC Instruction (No. 18/2026-Customs, dated 01-10-2026) clarifies and mandates the requirement of an import permit for substances listed in the Schedule to the Insecticides Act, 1968, when imported for non-insecticidal uses.
Key Statutory Takeaways & Compliance Mandates
01
This directive stems from the Insecticides Third Amendment Rules, 2026, notified by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare on 08-07-2026, which amended the Insecticides Rules, 1971.
02
Registration & Revocation Procedures
The Registration Committee, in its 474th meeting on 30-07-2026, affirmed the statutory nature of this requirement.
03
All importers of such substances
Including acrylonitrile, for non-insecticidal purposes must now obtain a specific import permit by applying in the stipulated form.
04
This instruction supersedes previous decisions and aims to ensure uniform compliance across all customs formations and stakeholders, making the import permit a statutory prerequisite for these specific goods.
Key Procedural Changes & Industry Impact
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Mandatory import permit for non-insecticidal use of scheduled insecticides.Importers must now obtain a specific import permit for substances listed in the Insecticides Act, 1968, even if their intended use is not as an insecticide. This adds a new regulatory hurdle and compliance step.
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Statutory requirement based on Insecticides Third Amendment Rules, 2026 (dated 08-07-2026).The requirement is legally binding and has the force of law, meaning non-compliance will lead to legal consequences, including potential seizure of goods or penalties. This also supersedes any prior conflicting decisions or interpretations.
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Inclusion of acrylonitrile under the import permit requirement.Specifically addresses and overturns previous exemptions or court orders regarding acrylonitrile, making it mandatory for importers of acrylonitrile for non-insecticidal uses to obtain the permit. This impacts industries using acrylonitrile as a raw material for non-pesticidal applications.
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New application form for import permits.Applicants must use the newly stipulated form for all future import permit applications, requiring familiarity with the updated procedure and documentation.