New Delhi, April 11 -- The government announced on Wednesday a prohibition on imports of certain types of screws priced below Rs 129 per kilogram, a strategic move aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities.

According to the notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the import policy for these specific screws has been changed from "free" to "prohibited," though imports will remain unrestricted for products with a CIF (cost, insurance, freight) value of Rs 129 or above per kilogram.

The ban encompasses several categories of fasteners including coach screws, machine screws, wood screws, hook screws, and self-tapping screws.

This measure is expected to provide protection to local manufacturers...