India extends ban on import of milk, milk products from China

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification that the extension of the ban is for a period of one year with effect from December 24, 2010, until further orders.

Last year on June 24, the government had extended the ban for a period of six months. Imports of milk and milk products from China have been prohibited since September, 2008.

The items prohibited for import into India from the neighbouring country would include chocolate and chocolate products, candies, confectioneries and food preparations with milk as an ingredient.

Though the DGFT has not cited any reason for the ban, it is understood it was over fears of Chinese milk containing melamine, a deadly chemical, sources said.