India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade has extended the Minimum Import Price on virgin multi-layer paperboard by six months, through March 31, 2027. The MIP stays at Rs 67,220 per metric tonne on a CIF basis, according to a report from The Pulp and Paper Times that cited an announcement dated October 1, 2026.
The extension covers HS codes 48059100, 48059200, 48059300, 48109200 and 48109900 under Chapter 48. It continues earlier notifications dated August 22, 2025, March 31, 2026 and April 30, 2026.
What Does the Paperboard Minimum Import Price Extension Mean?
A minimum import price sets a floor below which the covered goods cannot be imported. By holding the floor at Rs 67,220 per tonne, the government keeps low-priced overseas paperboard from undercutting domestic mills on the covered codes.
The rationale, as reported, is to “protect the domestic industry from the influx of low-priced imports” and to combat dumping that has compressed domestic manufacturers’ profits and market position. The policy aims to stabilise pricing, lift capacity utilisation at local mills and encourage future investment.
Why Does the MIP Matter for Indian Paper and Packaging Makers?
Virgin multi-layer paperboard feeds folding cartons and other packaging for food, pharma and consumer goods. Domestic mills benefit from a predictable price floor, while converters that relied on cheaper imports face a floor on their sourcing cost for the covered codes.
The source did not provide the previous MIP level or data on how the measure has affected mill performance, so the size of the benefit cannot be quantified here.
Market Reaction and Industry Response
No industry body statement, mill commentary or stock reaction to the extension was found in the source material. Industrial Front did not locate a DGFT notification text independently, so the figures above rest on the trade-press report.
What Happens Next?
The MIP now runs to March 31, 2027, so the next decision point is early next year. Watch for domestic mills’ capacity-utilisation commentary in quarterly results and for converter feedback on carton input costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new MIP on virgin multi-layer paperboard?
The MIP is Rs 67,220 per metric tonne on a CIF basis. The report describes it as an extension of the existing price floor rather than a new level.
Until when is the minimum import price valid?
DGFT extended it for six months, through March 31, 2027.
Which products does the MIP cover?
It covers virgin multi-layer paperboard under HS codes 48059100, 48059200, 48059300, 48109200 and 48109900.
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