India is set to examine Chinese textiles for the presence of Azo dyes

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) made this update, adding the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, South Korea, and Japan while excluding China.

India has revised its list of countries exempt from testing textiles for the presence of azo dyes, resulting in the removal of China from the list. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) made this update, adding the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, South Korea, and Japan while excluding China.

In a public notice, the DGFT stated, “The list of countries exempted from testing for the presence of azo dyes in textiles and textile articles is updated.”

During the fiscal year 2023, India imported textiles and textile products worth $ 925 million and apparel worth $ 240 million from China.

Azo dyes are known to pose health hazards, so this decision is beneficial from a health standpoint. However, it does create a non-tariff barrier, increasing importers’ costs and causing delays.

The representative further speculated that Beijing is likely to utilise its trade agreements with partners such as Japan and South Korea, as well as those within the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership like Australia, to facilitate the export of its textiles and products, as these countries remain exempt from testing.