New Delhi: India has amended its apple import policy and prohibited the import of apples with a CIF import price of less than or equal to Rs 50 per kilogram.

The new policy is a change from the previous "free" import policy. However, this prohibition will not apply to imports from Bhutan.

In the 2021-22 financial year, India imported fresh apples worth $385.1 million, with Turkey, Italy, Iran, and Chile being the top sources.

In February FY23 alone, India imported apples worth $260.37 million. The move assumes significance as it will help boost the prices of domestic apples, which were being depressed by the import of apples, particularly from Iran.

The government had earlier removed port restrictions on apple imports in 2018 and allowed inbound shipments through various ports and airports in the country, including Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Cochin, Delhi land port, and airport, and land borders. However, with the new policy, the import of apples below a certain price will be prohibited.

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