India to Continue license-free Potato Import from Bhutan for Another Year

India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), through a notification, allowed the import of potatoes from Bhutan without any licensing requirement until June 30, 2024.

"Import of potatoes from Bhutan is permitted freely, without any license, up to the 30th of June, 2024," a statement from DGFT read.

Imports of fresh or chilled potatoes from Bhutan to India stood at USD 1.02 million in 2022-23. Earlier, India had allowed potato imports from Bhutan without any import license for a year until June 30, 2023. The extension of the existing import policy provides clarity and eliminates the need for additional documentation.

Besides fostering bilateral trade relations between the two countries, the Indian government's decision to continue potato imports from Bhutan is aimed at continued supply in the Indian market.

Potatoes from Bhutan are exported to India via Samtse, Phuentshogling, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar border points, media reports said. Dorji Tashi, the CEO of the Food Corporation of Bhutan, said the country had exported 183 tonnes and 290 tonnes of potato from Samdrup Jongkhar and Phuentshogling auction yards.