In a recent move to regulate the quality of hardware imports, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has issued Notification No. 14/2025-26, dated May 24, 2025. The amendment pertains to the import policy conditions of cabinet hinges classified under Chapter 83 of the ITC (HS), 2022, Schedule I (Import Policy). The notification specifically targets products listed under HS Codes 83021010, 83021090, 83024200, and 83024900, which include various types of steel and other hinges as well as mountings and fittings suitable for furniture.
As per the revised policy, while the general import of these items remains under the “Free” category, cabinet hinges with a Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of less than ₹2280 per kilogram are now classified as “Restricted.” This means importers must seek specific authorization or licensing to import such low-value products into India. The restriction is likely introduced to curb the influx of substandard or underpriced hardware components that could undermine domestic manufacturing standards or disrupt fair competition in the market.
This notification, issued with the approval of the Minister of Commerce & Industry, reflects the government’s continued effort to maintain quality benchmarks in imported goods and promote higher-value, compliant hardware products. Stakeholders in the furniture and construction hardware sectors are advised to align their sourcing and procurement strategies in accordance with the new import conditions.