The Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (DoC), on September 24, 2026, issued an order relaxing certain restrictions under the Tobacco Board Act, 1975 in the public interest. The relaxation applies to the State of Andhra Pradesh and concerns the disposal of excess flue cured virginia (FCV) tobacco of registered growers and unauthorised FCV tobacco of unregistered growers.
The Central Government has relaxed the operation of Section 10(1) read with Section 14A(1) of the Tobacco Board Act, 1975, under the powers conferred by Section 30(1) of the Act. The relaxation permits the specified excess and unauthorised FCV tobacco to be sold through the auction platforms authorised by the Tobacco Board in Andhra Pradesh.
The relaxation applies to auctions conducted during the 2025–2026 crop season and has been issued specifically in view of the public-interest considerations relating to disposal of the specified tobacco stocks.
[Notification No. S.O. 5262(E)]
