Updated on June 19, 2025 02:53:20 PM
To import a horse for sports use in India, importers are required to get clearance from equestrian federation of India (EFI). The EFI is a government operated institute that authorizes the import of horses for sportsmen. However importers are also required to get import authorisation from the director general of foreign affairs as import of animals for any purpose is restricted in India for various ecological reasons. By implementing import restrictions, the DGFT seeks to strike a balance between promoting international trade and safeguarding India's economic interests and domestic industries. Having said that, importers can still import items from the restricted schedule list after a prior import authorisation from DFGT and other regulatory authorities.
Table of Content
The restrictions on imports of live animals are imposed for various reasons, including.
These are the following conditions that needed to be met to import horses in India.
The horses must be accompanied with a valid passport in order to be imported in India, in case the country of origin does not issue a passport then it must be accompanied with a complete history sheet with an identification certificate authorized by the veterinarian of the country.
The govt fee for import authorisation from the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) is around INR 500 Rs, however fee can vary depending upon various factors such as quality and turnover.
Note: The aformentioned Fees is exclusive of GST.
Provide all the related documents and related details regarding items that you want to import.
Once all the documentation is provided our exports will file an application for the same with respective authorities for your import authorisation of said restricted item.
After the verification of documentation by the concerning authorities the approval for import of restricted items will be granted.
It would take around 3-5 working days to get import authorization once the verification and documentation is completed with the DGFT.
In India, the import of certain items is strictly prohibited as per the Customs Act. This prohibition aims to protect the country's interests and prevent the entry of harmful or illegal goods. The list of prohibited items includes substances that pose a threat to public health, national security, or the environment. Additionally, the government may impose temporary bans on the import of specific products for various reasons, such as to protect domestic industries or to address trade disputes.
If an importer wishes to bring in items that are banned under customs, they must obtain import authorization from the relevant governing bodies. This process involves submitting a detailed application and providing justification for the import. The authorities will evaluate the application and grant permission only if they are satisfied that the import is necessary and does not pose any risks.
Here are some key points to consider regarding the import of banned items in India:
Conclusion
Importing restricted items in India requires meticulous attention to legal compliance. To ensure a smooth and compliant import process, importers are strongly advised to consult with customs brokers or legal professionals. Here's why:
At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.
Frequently Asked Questions
The govt fee for import authorisation is around 500 INR, however it can be as high as 1 lakh rupees depending upon import requirements and quantity.
The Directorate general of foreign trade issues import authorisation certificate for import of restricted items in India, having said that applicants may also be required to obtain NOC from various other govt entities depending upon the nature of their import. In case of importing horses for sports, applicants need to get Noc from EFI.
You can get your import authorisation in just few simple steps:
Yes, as per the guidelines of DGFT it is mandatory to obtain import authorisation for all the restricted items in India.
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