Textiles and textile articles originating from specific countries like China, EU, Serbia, Poland and Denmark are exempted from testing of samples for presence of Azo Dyes, according to notification from Director General of Foreign Trade, India. Azo Dye is mainly used for colouring fabric. Use of this dye in textiles and textile articles are banned in these countries.

As for imports from other countries, at least 25 percent of samples are drawn for testing instead of 100 percent. According to the notification, Customs will ensure while drawing the samples that majority samples are drawn from consignments originating from countries where there is no legal prohibition on the use of harmful hazardous dyes.

The test report will be valid for a period of six months in cases where the textile/textile articles of the same specification/quality are imported and the importer, supplier and the country of origin are the same.

The move could help importers in reducing transactions cost.