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India’s Import–
Export Policies
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HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Historically, export and import (exim) controls were first introduced in India in
1939 as a wartime measure under the Defence of India Act and Rules, 1939. This
was primarily with a view to regulate the available foreign exchange and limited
shipping facilities for the war and for limited civil purposes. After the war the
control was continued by an ordinance, and thereafter by the Imports and Exports
(Control) Act, 1947. This Act was initially meant to be in force for only three years,
but has been extended ever since.
After independence the import control did not undergo any structural ...