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 FOREIGN TRADE POLICY [1st April, 2015 – 31st March, 2020] Government of India Ministry of Commerce and Industry Department of Commerce

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 ............................................................................................... 13

LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND TRADE FACILITATION ......... 13

A. LEGAL FRAMEWORK ............................................................... 13

1.00 Legal Basis of Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) .............. 13

1.01 Duration of FTP ................................................................... 13

1.02 Amendment to FTP ............................................................ 13

1.03 Hand Book of Procedures (HBP) and

Appendices & Aayat Niryat Forms (AANF): ........... 13

1.04 Specific provision to prevail over the general ....... 14

1.05 Transitional Arrangements ............................................. 14

B. TRADE FACILITATION &

EASE OF DOING BUSINESS ..................................................... 15

1.06 Objective ................................................................................. 15

1.07 DGFT as a facilitator of exports/imports ................. 15

1.08 Niryat Bandhu - Hand Holding Scheme

for new export / import entrepreneurs ................. 15

1.09 Citizen’s Charter .................................................................. 16

1.10 Online Complaint Registration and

Monitoring System ............................................................. 16

1.11 Issue of e-IEC

(Electronic-Importer Exporter Code) ....................... 16

1.12 e-BRC ........................................................................................ 17

1.13 MoU with State Governments for sharing of

e-BRC data .............................................................................. 17

1.14 Exporter Importer Profile ............................................... 18

1.15 Reduction in mandatory documents

required for Export and Import ................................... 18

1.16 Facility of online filing of applications ...................... 18

1.17 Online Inter-ministerial consultation ....................... 19 2 

1.18 Facility to upload documents by

Chartered Accountant / Company Secretary /

Cost Accountant .................................................................. 19

1.19 Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) ............................ 20

1.20 Message Exchange with Community partners ...... 20

(a) Message Exchange with Customs ................................ 20

(b) Message Exchange with

eBiz (https://www.ebiz.gov.in) ................................... 20

(c) Message Exchange with Banks ..................................... 21

(d) Message Exchange with EPCs ....................................... 21

1.21 Encouraging development of Third Party API ...... 21

1.22 Forthcoming e-Governance Initiatives ..................... 21

1.23 Free passage of Export consignment ........................ 22

1.24 No seizure of export related Stock ............................ 22

1.25 24 X 7 Customs clearance ............................................... 22

1.26 Single Window in Customs ............................................. 23

1.27 Self-Assessment of Customs Duty ............................... 23

1.28 Authorised Economic Operator (AEO)

Programme ............................................................................ 23

1.29 Prior filing facility for Shipping Bills ........................ 24

1.30 Cutting down delay in filing of

Export General Manifest (EGM) for

duty drawback ..................................................................... 25

1.31 Facility of Common Bond /

LUT against authorizations issued under

different EP Schemes ........................................................ 25

1.32 Exemption from Service Tax on Services

received abroad ................................................................... 25

1.33 Export of perishable agricultural Products ............ 25

1.34 Time Release Study (TRS) .............................................. 26

1.35 Towns of Export Excellence (TEE) ............................. 26

1.36 Director General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S), Kolkata as the provider of trade data .......................................................... 27

CHAPTER 2 ............................................................................................... 28

GENERAL PROVISIONS REGARDING IMPORTS AND EXPORTS ................................................................................................ 28

2.00 Objective ................................................................................. 28

2.01 Exports and Imports – ‘Free’, unless regulated 28

2.02 Indian Trade Classification

(Harmonised System) [ITC (HS)] of

Exports and Imports ......................................................... 28

2.03 Compliance of Imports with Domestic Laws ........ 29

2.04 Authority to specify Procedures .................................. 29

Importer-Exporter Code / e-IEC .............................................. 30

2.05 Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) ..................................... 30

2.06 Mandatory documents for export/

import of goods from/into India ................................. 32

2.07 Principles of Restrictions ................................................ 33

2.08 Export/Import of Restricted goods/Services ....... 34

2.09 Export of SCOMET Items ................................................. 34

2.10 Actual User Condition ..................................................... 34

2.11 Terms and Conditions of an Authorisation ......... 35

2.12 Application Fee .................................................................... 35

2.13 Clearance of Goods from Customs

against Authorization ....................................................... 35

2.14 Authorisation - not a Right............................................ 35

2.15 Penal action and placing of an entity in

Denied Entity List (DEL) ................................................ 36

Prohibitions (Country and Product Specific): ................. 37

2.16 Prohibition on Import and Export of

‘Arms and related material’ from / to Iraq .......... 37

2.17 Prohibition on Direct or Indirect Import

and Export from / to Democratic People’s 4

Republic of Korea ............................................................... 37

2.18 Prohibition on Direct or Indirect Import

and Export from/ to Iran ................................................ 38

2.19 Prohibition on Import of Charcoal from Somalia 38

Import / Export Through State Trading Enterprises: 39

2.20 State Trading Enterprises (STEs) ............................... 39

Trade with Specific Countries: .................................................. 39

2.21 Trade with neighbouring Countries ........................ 39

2.22 Transit Facility ..................................................................... 40

2.23 Trade with Russia under

Debt-Repayment Agreement ....................................... 40

Import of Specific Categories of Goods: ............................... 40

2.24 Import of Samples .............................................................. 40

2.25 Import of Gifts ...................................................................... 40

2.26 Passenger Baggage ............................................................. 40

2.27 Re – import of goods repaired abroad ...................... 41

2.28 Import of goods used in projects abroad ................ 41

2.29 Import of Prototypes ......................................................... 41

2.30 Import through courier service ................................... 42

Import Policy for Second Hand Goods : ............................... 42

2.31 Second Hand Goods .......................................................... 42

Import Policy for Metallic Waste and Scraps : ................ 43

2. 32 Import of Metallic waste and Scrap .......................... 43

2.33 Removal of Scrap/waste from SEZ ............................. 44

Other Provisions Related to Imports:................................... 44

2.34 Import under Lease Financing ................................... 44

2.35 Execution of Legal Undertaking (LUT) /

Bank Guarantee (BG) ........................................................ 44

2.36 Private/Public Bonded Warehouses for

Imports ................................................................................... 44

2.37 Special provision for Hides Skins and

semi-finished goods ........................................................... 45 5

2.38 Sale on High Seas ................................................................ 45

Exports: ................................................................................................... 45

2.39 Free Exports .......................................................................... 45

2.40 Exemption / Remission of Service Tax

in DTA on goods & services exported ....................... 46

2.41 Benefits for Supporting Manufacturers.................... 46

2.42 Third Party Exports .......................................................... 46

Exports of Specific Categories ................................................... 46

2.43 Export of Samples .............................................................. 46

2.44 Export of Gifts ....................................................................... 47

2.45 Export of Passenger Baggage ...................................... 47

2.46 Import for export ................................................................ 47

2.47 Export through Courier Service ................................... 49

2.48 Export of Replacement Goods .................................... 49

2.49 Export of Repaired Goods ............................................... 49

2.50 Export of Spares ................................................................. 49

2.51 Private Bonded Warehouses for Exports .............. 50

Payments and Receipts on Imports / Exports ................. 50

2.52 Denomination of Export Contracts ............................. 50

2.53 Export to Iran – Realisations in

Indian Rupees to be eligible for FTP

benefits / incentives .......................................................... 51

2.54 Non-Realisation of Export Proceeds ......................... 51

Export Promotion Councils ......................................................... 52

2.55 Recognition of Export Promotion Councils

(EPCs) to function as Registering Authority

for issue of RCMC. ............................................................... 52

2.56 Registration-cum-Membership Certificate

(RCMC) .................................................................................... 52

Policy Interpretation and Relaxations: ............................... 53

2.57 Interpretation of Policy ................................................... 53

2.58 Exemption from Policy/ Procedures ....................... 53 6

2.59 Personal Hearing by DGFT for

Grievance Redressal .......................................................... 54

2.60 Regularization of EO default and

settlement of Customs duty and interest

through Settlement Commission ............................. 55

Self Certification of Originating Goods ................................ 55

2.61 Approved Exporter Scheme for

Self Certification of Certificate of Origin. ................ 55

CHAPTER 3 ............................................................................................... 57

EXPORTS FROM INDIA SCHEMES ............................................. 57

3.00 Objective ................................................................................. 57

3.01 Exports from India Schemes .......................................... 57

3.02 Nature of Rewards ............................................................. 57

Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) .......... 58

3.03 Objective ................................................................................. 58

3.04 Entitlement under MEIS .................................................. 58

3.05 Export of goods through courier or

foreign post offices using e-Commerce .................... 58

3.06 Ineligible categories under MEIS .............................. 59

Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS) ........................ 60

3.07 Objective ................................................................................. 60

3.08 Eligibility................................................................................. 60

3.09 Ineligible categories under SEIS .................................. 61

3.10 Entitlement under SEIS .................................................... 63

3.11 Remittances through Credit Card and

other instruments for MEIS and SEIS ........................ 63

3.12 Effective date of schemes (MEIS and SEIS) ............. 63

3.13 Special Provisions............................................................... 63

Common Provisions for Exports from India Schemes (MEIS and SEIS) .................................................................................. 64

3.14 Transitional Arrangement .............................................. 64

3.15 CENVAT/ Drawback .......................................................... 64 7

3.16 Import under lease financing ........................................ 64

3.17 Transfer of export performance .................................. 65

3.18 Facility of payment of custom duties

in case of E.O. defaults and fee through

duty credit scrips ................................................................ 65

3.19 Risk Management System ............................................... 65

3.20 Status Holder ........................................................................ 66

3.21 Status Category .................................................................... 67

3.22 Grant of double weightage ............................................. 67

3.23 Other conditions for grant of status ........................... 68

3.24 Privileges of Status Holders ......................................... 68

CHAPTER 4 ............................................................................................... 71

DUTY EXEMPTION / REMISSION SCHEMES ....................... 71

4.00 Objective ................................................................................. 71

4.01 Schemes .................................................................................. 71

4.02 Applicability of Policy & Procedures ......................... 71

4.03 Advance Authorisation ..................................................... 72

4.04 Advance Authorisation for Spices ............................... 72

4.05 Eligible Applicant / Export / Supply .......................... 72

4.06 Advance Authorisation for

Annual Requirement ......................................................... 73

4.07 Eligibility Condition to obtain

Advance Authorisation for

Annual Requirement ......................................................... 73

4.08 Value Addition ...................................................................... 74

4.09 Minimum Value Addition ................................................ 74

4.10 Import of Mandatory Spares ......................................... 75

4.11 Ineligible categories of import on

Self Declaration basis ........................................................ 75

4.12 Accounting of Input ........................................................... 76

4.13 Pre-import condition in certain cases ....................... 77

4.14 Details of Duties exempted ............................................ 77 8

4.15 Admissibility of Drawback ............................................. 78

4.16 Actual User Condition for

Advance Authorisation .................................................... 78

4.17 Validity Period for Import .............................................. 79

4.18 Importability / Exportability of items

that are Prohibited/Restricted/ STE ......................... 79

4.19 Free of Cost Supply by Foreign Buyer ....................... 80

4.20 Domestic Sourcing of Inputs ......................................... 80

4.21 Currency for Realisation of Export Proceeds......... 81

4.22 Export Obligation ............................................................... 82

4.23 Export Obligation Period (EOP) Extension

for units under BIFR/ Rehabilitation. ....................... 83

4.24 Re-import of exported goods under

Duty Exemption / Remission Scheme ....................... 83

DUTY FREE IMPORT AUTHORISATION SCHEME

(DFIA) ....................................................................................................... 83

4.25 DFIA Scheme ......................................................................... 83

4.26 Duties Exempted and Admissibility of

Cenvat and Drawback ....................................................... 84

4.27 Eligibility ................................................................................ 84

4.28 Minimum Value Addition ................................................ 85

4.29 Validity & Transferability of DFIA .............................. 85

4.30 Sensitive Items under

Duty Free Import Authorisation .................................. 86

SCHEMES FOR EXPORTERS OF

GEMS AND JEWELLERY .................................................................. 87

4.31 Import of Input .................................................................... 87

4.32 Items of Export .................................................................... 87

4.33 Schemes .................................................................................. 88

4.34 Advance Procurement/ Replenishment of

Precious Metals from Nominated Agencies ............ 88

4.35 Replenishment Authorisation for Gems ................... 88 9

4.36 Replenishment Authorisation for Consumables .. 89

4.37 Advance Authorisation for Precious Metals. .......... 89

4.38 Value Addition ...................................................................... 90

4.39 Wastage Norms.................................................................... 91

4.40 DFIA not available .............................................................. 91

4.41 Nominated Agencies ......................................................... 91

4.42 Import of Diamonds for Certification /

Grading & Re- export ........................................................ 92

4.43 Export of Cut & Polished Diamonds

for Certification/ Grading & Re-import .................... 92

4.44 Export of Cut & Polished Diamonds with

Re-import Facility at Zero Duty ................................... 92

4.45 Export against Supply by Foreign Buyer ................. 93

4.46 Export Promotion Tours/

Export of Branded Jewellery ......................................... 93

4.47 Personal Carriage of Export / Import Parcels ....... 94

4.48 Export by Post ...................................................................... 94

4.49 Private / Public Bonded Warehouse ......................... 94

4.50 Diamond & Jewellery Dollar Accounts ...................... 94

4.51 Export of cut & polished precious and

semi-precious stones for treatment and

re-import ................................................................................ 96

4.52 Re-import of rejected Jewellery ................................... 96

4.53 Export and import on consignment basis ............... 96

CHAPTER 5 ............................................................................................... 97

EXPORT PROMOTION CAPITAL GOODS (EPCG)

SCHEME ................................................................................................... 97

5.00 Objective ................................................................................. 97

5.01 EPCG Scheme ........................................................................ 97

5.02 Coverage ................................................................................. 99

5.03 Actual User Condition ..................................................... 100

5.04 Export Obligation (EO) ................................................... 100 10

5.05 Provision for units under BIFR /Rehabilitation . 101

5.06 LUT/Bond/BG in case of Agro units ........................ 102

5.07 Indigenous Sourcing of Capital Goods and

benefits to Domestic Supplier ..................................... 102

5.08 Calculation of Export Obligation ................................ 102

5.09 Incentive for early EO fulfilment ............................... 102

5.10 Reduced EO for Green Technology Products ...... 103

5.11 Reduced EO for North East Region and

Jammu & Kashmir ............................................................ 103

5.12 Post Export EPCG Duty Credit Scrip(s) ................... 103

CHAPTER 6 ............................................................................................. 105

EXPORT ORIENTED UNITS (EOUs), ELECTRONICS HARDWARE TECHNOLOGY PARKS (EHTPs), SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY PARKS (STPs) AND BIO-TECHNOLOGY PARKS (BTPs) ................................................... 105

6.00 Introduction and Objective .......................................... 105

6.01 Export and Import of Goods ........................................ 105

6.02 Secondhand Capital goods ........................................... 108

6.03 Leasing of Capital Goods ............................................... 108

6.04 Net Foreign Exchange Earnings ................................. 109

6.05 Letter of Permission / Letter of Intent and

Legal Undertaking ............................................................ 110

6.06 Investment Criteria .......................................................... 111

6.07 Applications & Approvals ............................................. 111

6.08 DTA Sale of Finished Products / Rejects /

Waste/ Scrap / Remnants and By-products ....... 111

6.09 Other Supplies .................................................................... 115

6.10 Export through others .................................................... 117

6.11 Entitlement for Supplies from the DTA .................. 117

6.12 Other Entitlements .......................................................... 119

6.13 Inter Unit Transfer ........................................................... 120

6.14 Sub – Contracting .............................................................. 121 11

6.15 Sale of Unutilized Material ........................................... 123

6.16 Reconditioning / Repair and Re - engineering ... 124

6.17 Replacement / Repair of Imported /

Indigenous Goods ............................................................. 124

6.18 Exit from EOU Scheme ................................................... 125

6.19 Conversion ........................................................................... 127

6.20 Monitoring of NFE ............................................................ 128

6.21 Export through Exhibitions /

Export Promotion Tours /

Showrooms Abroad / Duty Free Shops .................. 128

6.22 Personal Carriage of Import /

Export Parcels including through

Foreign Bound Passengers ........................................... 128

6.23 Export / Import by Post / Courier ............................ 129

6.24 Administration of EOUs / Powers of DC ................ 129

6.25 Revival of Sick Units ........................................................ 129

6.26 Approval of EHTP / STP ................................................ 129

6.27 Approval of BTP ................................................................ 129

6.28 Warehousing Facilities ................................................... 130

CHAPTER 7 ............................................................................................. 131

DEEMED EXPORTS .......................................................................... 131

7.00 Objective ............................................................................... 131

7.01 Deemed Exports ................................................................ 131

7.02 Categories of Supply ........................................................ 131

7.03 Benefits for Deemed Exports ...................................... 134

7.04 Benefits to the Supplier /Recipient .......................... 134

7.05 Conditions for refund of terminal excise duty .... 135

7.06 Conditions for refund of deemed export

drawback .............................................................................. 135

7.07 Common conditions for deemed export

benefits .................................................................................. 136

7.08 Benefits on specified supplies..................................... 136 12

7.09 Liability of Interest .......................................................... 137

7.10 Risk Management and Internal Audit

mechanism ............................................................................ 137

7.11 Penal Action ......................................................................... 138

CHAPTER 8 ............................................................................................. 139

QUALITY COMPLAINTS AND TRADE DISPUTES ............ 139

8.00 Objective ............................................................................... 139

8.01 Quality Complaints/ Trade disputes ........................ 139

8.02 Obligation on the part of importer/ exporter ..... 140

8.03 Provisions in FT (D&R) Act &

FT (Regulation) Rules for necessary

action against erring exporters/ importers ......... 140

8.04 Mechanism for handling of Complaints/

Disputes ................................................................................ 141

8.05 Proceedings under CQCTD ........................................... 142

8.06 Procedures to deal with complaints and

trade disputes ................................................................... 142

8.07 Corrective Measures ....................................................... 143

8.08 Nodal Officer ....................................................................... 143

CHAPTER 9 ............................................................................................. 144

DEFINITIONS ...................................................................................... 144

GLOSSARY (ACRONYMS) ............................................................. 154

Acronym Explanation .................................................................. 154 13

CHAPTER 1

LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND TRADE FACILITATION

A. LEGAL FRAMEWORK

1.00 Legal Basis of Foreign Trade Policy (FTP)

The Foreign Trade Policy, 2015-20, is notified by Central Government, in exercise of powers conferred under Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 (No. 22 of 1992) [FT (D&R) Act], as amended.

1.01 Duration of FTP

The Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2015-2020, incorporating provisions relating to export and import of goods and services, shall come into force with effect from the date of notification and shall remain in force up to 31st March, 2020, unless otherwise specified. All exports and imports made upto the date of notification shall, accordingly, be governed by the relevant FTP, unless otherwise specified.

1.02 Amendment to FTP

Central Government, in exercise of powers conferred by Section 5 of FT (D&R) Act, 1992, as amended from time to time, reserves the right to make any amendment to the FTP, by means of notification, in public interest.

1.03 Hand Book of Procedures (HBP) and Appendices & Aayat Niryat Forms (AANF):

Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) may, by means of a Public Notice, notify Hand Book of Procedures, including Appendices and Aayat Niryat Forms or amendment thereto, if any, laying down the procedure to be followed by an exporter or importer or by any Licensing/Regional 14

Authority or by any other authority for purposes of implementing provisions of FT (D&R) Act, the Rules and the Orders made there under and provisions of FTP.

1.04 Specific provision to prevail over the general

Where a specific provision is spelt out in the FTP/Hand Book of Procedures (HBP), the same shall prevail over the general provision.

1.05 Transitional Arrangements

(a) Any License / Authorisation / Certificate / Scrip / any instrument bestowing financial or fiscal benefit issued before commencement of FTP 2015-20 shall continue to be valid for the purpose and duration for which such License/Authorisation/ Certificate / Scrip / any instrument bestowing financial or fiscal benefit Authorisation was issued, unless otherwise stipulated.

(b) In case an export or import that is permitted freely under FTP is subsequently subjected to any restriction or regulation, such export or import will ordinarily be permitted, notwithstanding such restriction or regulation, unless otherwise stipulated. This is subject to the condition that the shipment of export or import is made within the original validity period of an irrevocable commercial letter of credit, established before the date of imposition of such restriction and it shall be restricted to the balance value and quantity available and time period of such irrevocable letter of credit. For operationalising such irrevocable letter of credit, the applicant shall have to register the Letter of Credit with jurisdictional Regional Authority (RA) against computerized receipt, within 15 days of the imposition of any such restriction or regulation. 15

B. TRADE FACILITATION & EASE OF DOING BUSINESS

1.06 Objective

Trade facilitation is a priority of the Government for cutting down the transaction cost and time, thereby rendering Indian exports more competitive. The various provisions of FTP and measures taken by the Government in the direction of trade facilitation are consolidated under this chapter for the benefit of stakeholders of import and export trade.

1.07 DGFT as a facilitator of exports/imports

DGFT has a commitment to function as a facilitator of exports and imports. Focus is on good governance, which depends on efficient, transparent and accountable delivery systems. In order to facilitate international trade, DGFT consults various Export Promotion Councils as well as Trade and Industry bodies from time to time.

1.08 Niryat Bandhu - Hand Holding Scheme for new export / import entrepreneurs

(a) DGFT is implementing the Niryat Bandhu Scheme for mentoring new and potential exporter on the intricacies of foreign trade through counselling, training and outreach programmes.

(b) Considering the strategic significance of small and medium scale enterprises in the manufacturing sector and in employment generation, ‘MSME clusters’ have been identified, based on the export potential of the product and the density of industries in the cluster, for focussed interventions to boost exports.

(c) Outreach activities shall be organized in a structured way with the help of Export Promotion Councils as 16 ‘industry partners’ and other willing ‘knowledge partners’ in academia and research community to achieve the objective of Niryat Bandhu Scheme. Further, in order to ensure optimum utilization of resources, efforts would be made to associate all the stakeholders, including Customs, ECGC, Banks and concerned Ministries.

1.09 Citizen’s Charter

DGFT has in place a Citizen’s Charter, giving time schedules for providing various services to clients.

1.10 Online Complaint Registration and Monitoring System

An EDI Help Desk is available to assist the exporters in filing online applications on the DGFT portal and resolving other EDI related issues. For assistance an email may be sent at [email protected] or Toll Free number 1800111550 can be used. Help Desk facility is also operational at the 4 DGFT Zonal Offices (details at http://dgft.gov.in). An Online Complaint registration and monitoring system allows users to register complaint and receive status/ reply online (details are at http://dgft.gov.in).

1.11 Issue of e-IEC (Electronic-Importer Exporter Code)

(a) Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is mandatory for export/import from/to India as detailed in paragraph 2.05 of this Policy. DGFT has recently introduced the facility of issuing Importer Exporter Code in electronic form (e-IEC). For issuance of e-IEC an application can be made online on DGFT website (http//:dgft.gov.in). Applicants can upload the documents and pay the required fee through Net banking.

(b) Processing of such applications by Regional Authority (RAs) of DGFT would be done online and a digitally signed e-IEC would normally be issued/ e-mailed to the applicant within 2 working days.

(c) In case the application is incomplete or otherwise ineligible, the same shall be rejected and a Rejection letter/email (with reasons for rejection) would be sent to the applicant.

(d) Application for issue of e-IEC can also be made from eBiz platform (https://www.ebiz.gov.in).

1.12 e-BRC

One prominent initiative in recent times has been the e-BRC (Electronic Bank Realisation Certificate) project and its successful implementation by DGFT. It has enabled DGFT to capture details of realisation of export proceeds directly from the Banks through secured electronic mode. This has facilitated the implementation of various export promotion schemes without any physical interface with the stake holders. So far more than one crore e-BRCs have been captured by this system.

1.13 MoU with State Governments for sharing of e-BRC data

MoU has been signed with state governments for sharing of e-BRC data to facilitate refund of VAT by the state governments to exporters. MoU has also been signed with Enforcement Directorate.

1.14 Exporter Importer Profile

An electronic procedure has been created to upload various documents in exporter importer profile. Once uploaded, there will be no need to submit these documents / copies of these documents to Regional Authority repeatedly with each application. It intends to reduce the transaction cost and time and is a step towards paperless processing of different applications in DGFT.

1.15 Reduction in mandatory documents required for Export and Import

The number of mandatory documents required for exports and imports of goods from/into India have been reduced to three each, as prescribed under paragraph 2.06 of FTP.

1.16 Facility of online filing of applications

All the Regional Authorities (RA) of DGFT and extension counters have been networked with high speed internet. The applications are received and processed electronically. DGFT under the EDI initiatives has provided the facility of on line filing of applications to obtain Importer Exporter Code and various authorizations /scrips. DGFT is one of the first digital signature enabled organisation of the Government of India (GOI), which has introduced a higher level of Encrypted 2048 bit digital signature. There is a web interface for online filing of application after accessing DGFT website (http://dgft.gov.in). The application can be filed by exporter/CHA sitting at home or office in 24X7 environment. Application fee can also be paid online from linked banks. Efforts are being made to allow payment by debit/credit cards as well. The applications are signed with a digital signature and submitted electronically to the concerned Regional Authority of DGFT, which are then processed on computer by the Regional Authority and authorisations/scrips are issued. Online filing has minimized the physical interface.

1.17 Online Inter-ministerial consultation

Presently, the exporters are required to file applications online on the website of DGFT under the Icon E-COM and are required to submit the duly signed and stamped printout of the online application along with all the necessary documents viz. technical specifications, literature etc. Now, a facility is being provided to upload copies of all the required documents including technical specifications, literature etc in PDF/JPG/JPEG/GIF format in the online filing system in respect of (a) Fixation of norms under Advance Authorisation by Norms Committees (b) Export of Restricted Items (c) Import of Restricted Items (d) SCOMET Items. The exporters would not be required to submit the hard copy of application except architectural drawings, machine drawings etc which may be difficult to scan and upload. The processing of the applications will also be done online.

1.18 Facility to upload documents by Chartered Accountant / Company Secretary / Cost Accountant

In order to move towards paperless processing, an electronic procedure is being developed to upload digitally signed documents by Chartered Accountant / Company Secretary / Cost Accountant. To start with, this facility would be created for Export From India Schemes under Chapter 3. Such documents like Annexure Attached to ANF 3B, ANF 3C and ANF 3D, which are at present signed by these signatories, can be facilitated by this procedure. Exporter shall link digitally uploaded annexure with his online applications after creation of such facility. These facilities may be extended in phased manner to upload documents pertaining to other schemes like Advance Authorisation, DFIA and EPCG.

1.19 Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

DGFT has put in place a robust EDI system for the purpose of export facilitation and good governance. DGFT has set up a secured EDI message exchange system for various documentation related activities including import and export authorizations established with other administrative departments, namely, Customs, Banks and EPCs. This has reduced the physical interface of exporters and importers with the Government Departments and is a significant measure in the direction of reduction of transaction cost. The endeavour of DGFT has been to enlarge the scope of EDI to achieve higher level of integration with partner departments.

1.20 Message Exchange with Community partners

Customs, Banks, Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) are major community partners of DGFT for message exchange. An effective message exchange system is in place with various community partners which is as follows:

(a) Message Exchange with Customs

(i) Importer Exporter Code Number.

(ii) Authorisations/Scrips for DFIA, AA, EPCG.

(iii) Shipping Bills for Duty Free Import Authorisation (DFIA), Advance Authorisation (AA), Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG), Reward Scrips.

(b) Message Exchange with eBiz (https://www.ebiz.gov.in)

(i) Application for Importer Exporter Code Number 21

(ii) Application for e-IEC.

(c) Message Exchange with Banks

(i) Application Fee

(ii) electronic Bank Realisation Certificate (e-BRC) data

(d) Message Exchange with EPCs

Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) data.

1.21 Encouraging development of Third Party API

DGFT will encourage development of third party software for integration with its system to offer users multiple options for interfacing with the DGFT.

1.22 Forthcoming e-Governance Initiatives

DGFT is currently working on the following EDI initiatives:

(i) Message exchange for transmission of export reward scrips from DGFT to Customs.

(ii) Message exchange for transmission of Bills of Entry (import details) from Customs to DGFT.

(iii) Online issuance of Export Obligation Discharge Certificate (EODC).

(iv) Message exchange with Ministry of Corporate Affairs for CIN & DIN information.

(v) Message exchange with CBDT for PAN.

(vi) Acceptance of payment through debit / credit card for payment of application fee under FTP.

(vii) Open API for submission of e-IEC application.

(viii) Mobile Applications for FTP. 22

1.23 Free passage of Export consignment

Consignments of items meant for exports shall not be withheld/ delayed for any reason by any agency of Central/ State Government. In case of any doubt, authorities concerned may ask for an undertaking from exporter and release such consignment.

1.24 No seizure of export related Stock

No seizure shall be made by any agency so as to disrupt manufacturing activity and delivery schedule of exports. In exceptional cases, concerned agency may seize the stock on the basis of prima facie evidence of serious irregularity. However, such seizure should be lifted within 7 days unless the irregularities are substantiated.

1.25 24 X 7 Customs clearance

(a) The facility of 24 X 7 Customs clearance for specified import viz. Goods covered by ‘facilitated’ Bills of Entry and specified exports viz. Factory stuffed containers and goods exported under free Shipping Bills has been made available, at the 18 sea ports at : Chennai, Cochin, Ennore, Gopalpur, JNPT, Kakinada, Kandla, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Mangalore, Marmagoa, Mundra, Okha, Paradeep, Pipavav, Sikka, Tuticorin, Vishakapatnam.

(b) The facility of 24 X 7 Customs clearance for specified imports viz. Goods covered by ‘facilitated’ Bills of Entry and all exports viz. Goods covered by all Shipping Bills has also been made available at the 17 air cargo complexes at: Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Cochin, Calicut, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nashik, Thiruvananthapuram, Vishakhapatnam.

1.26 Single Window in Customs

(a) To facilitate trade, the importer and exporter would lodge their clearance documents at a single point only. Required permission if any, from other regulatory agencies would be obtained online without the trader having to approach these agencies. This would reduce interface with Governmental agencies, dwell time and cost of doing business.

(b) Single Window provides a common platform to trade to meet requirements of all regulatory agencies (such as Animal Quarantine, Plant Quarantine, Drug Controller, Textile Committee, etc) involved in exim trade through message exchange. Single Window Scheme is basically a network of cooperating facilities bound by trust and set of agreed interface specifications in which trade has seamless access to regulatory services delivered through electronic means. Benefits of Single Window Scheme include reduced cost of doing business, enhances transparency, integration of regulatory requirements at one common platform reduces duplicity and cost of compliance, optimal utilization of manpower.

1.27 Self-Assessment of Customs Duty

Self-Assessment of Customs duty by importers or exporters was introduced vide Finance Act, 2011. The system is trust based. The objective is to expedite release of imported / export goods. The system operates on an electronic Risk Management System (RMS).

1.28 Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme

Based upon WCO’s SAFE Framework of Standards (FoS), ‘Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme’ has been developed by Indian Customs to enable business involved in the international trade to reap the following benefits:

(i) Secure supply chain from point of export to import;

(ii) Ability to demonstrate compliance with security standards when contracting to supply overseas importers / exporters;

(iii) Enhanced border clearance privileges in Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) partner countries;

(iv) Minimal disruption to flow of cargo after a security related disruption;

(v) Reduction in dwell time and related costs; and

(vi) Customs advise / assistance if trade faces unexpected issues with Customs of countries with which India have MRA.

The AEO programmes have been implemented by other Customs administrations that give AEO status holders preferential Customs treatment in terms of reduced examination, faster clearances and other benefits. Thus, the AEO programme is expected to result in Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA) with these Customs administrations. MRAs would ensure export goods get due Customs facilitation at the point of entry in the foreign country. Apart from securing supply chain, the benefits include reduction in dwell time and consequent cost of doing business. Indian Customs has signed MRA with Hong Kong Customs to recognise respective AEO Programmes to enable trade to get benefits on reciprocal basis. Indian Customs is also engaged in finalising MRA with other counties such as South Korea, Taiwan, USA etc.

1.29 Prior filing facility for Shipping Bills

To facilitate processing of shipping bills before actual shipment, prior online filing facility for shipping bills has been provided by the Customs - 7 days for air shipments & ICDs and 14 days for shipments by sea.

1.30 Cutting down delay in filing of Export General Manifest (EGM) for duty drawback

To facilitate quicker filing of EGMs and quicker rectification of EGM errors, there is a mechanism of monthly monitoring of EGMs by Chief Commissioners of Customs to ensure that facilitation does not lag on this account (Instruction No. 603/01/2011-DBK dated 31.07.2013).

1.31 Facility of Common Bond / LUT against authorizations issued under different EP Schemes

CBEC Circular 11(A)/2011-Cus dated 25.02.2011 has provided the financial year-wise facility of executing common Bond/LUT against Advance Authorization (AA)/Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Authorisation which is usable across all EDI ports/locations.

1.32 Exemption from Service Tax on Services received abroad

For all goods and services exported from India, services received / rendered abroad, where ever possible, shall be exempted from service tax.

1.33 Export of perishable agricultural Products

To reduce transaction and handling costs, a single window system to facilitate export of perishable agricultural produce has been introduced. The system will involve creation of multi-functional nodal agencies to be accredited by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), New Delhi. The detailed procedure has been notified at Appendix 1C to Appendices & ANFs.

1.34 Time Release Study (TRS)

Central Board of Excise and Customs has decided to undertake ‘Time Release Study’ (TRS) as per WCO guidelines at major Customs locations on six monthly basis. WCO Time Release Study (TRS) is a unique tool and method for measuring the actual performance of Customs. The underlying objectives of Time Release Study are:

(i) Identifying bottlenecks in the international supply chain / or constraints affecting Customs release.

(ii) Establishing baseline trade facilitation performance measurement.

1.35 Towns of Export Excellence (TEE)

(a) Objective: Development and growth of export production centres. A number of towns have emerged as dynamic industrial clusters contributing handsomely to India’s exports. It is necessary to grant recognition to these industrial clusters with a view to maximize their potential and enable them to move up the value chain and also to tap new markets.

(b) Selected towns producing goods of Rs. 750 Crore or more may be notified as TEE based on potential for growth in exports. However for TEE in Handloom, Handicraft, Agriculture and Fisheries sector, threshold limit would be Rs.150 Crore. The following facilities will be provided to such TEE’s:

(i) Recognized associations of units will be provided financial assistance under MAI scheme, on priority basis, for export promotion projects for marketing, capacity building and technological services.

(ii) Common Service Providers in these areas shall be entitled for EPCG scheme.

(c) Notified Towns (TEEs) are listed in Appendix 1 B of Appendices & ANFs.

1.36 Director General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S), Kolkata as the provider of trade data

DGCI&S is an ISO certified organization under the administrative control of DGFT and it is the provider of trade data which is a source of guidance and direction for export & import trade and which help the exporters and importers formulate their trade strategy. Foreign trade data is disseminated by DGCI&S through (i) Monthly & Quarterly publications in CD form and (ii) Generation of data from the Foreign Trade database as per user’s request. The DGCI&S has a Priced Information System (PIS) for disseminating data except for purely Central and State Governments and United Nations bodies. DGCI&S has put in place a Data Suppression Policy. The aim of this policy is to maintain confidentiality of importer’s and exporter’s commercially sensitive business data. Transaction level data would not be made publicly available to protect privacy. DGCI&S trade data shall be made available at aggregate level with a minimum possible time lag on commercial criteria. DGCI&S can be visited at http://dgciskol.nic.in.

CHAPTER 2

GENERAL PROVISIONS REGARDING IMPORTS AND EXPORTS

2.00 Objective

The general provisions governing import and export of goods and services are dealt with in this chapter.

2.01 Exports and Imports – ‘Free’, unless regulated

(a) Exports and Imports shall be ‘Free’ except when regulated by way of ‘prohibition’, ‘restriction’ or ‘exclusive trading through State Trading Enterprises (STEs)’ as laid down in Indian Trade Classification (Harmonised System) [ITC (HS)] of Exports and Imports. The list of ‘Prohibited’, ‘Restricted’ and ‘STE’ items can be viewed by clicking on ‘Downloads’ at http://dgft.gov.in.

(b) Further, there are some items which are ‘free’ for import/export, but subject to conditions stipulated in other Acts or in law for the time being in force.

2.02 Indian Trade Classification (Harmonised System) [ITC (HS)] of Exports and Imports

(a) ITC (HS) is a compilation of codes for all merchandise / goods for export/ import. Goods are classified based on their group or sub-group at 2/4/6/8 digits.

(b) ITC (HS) is aligned at 6 digit level with international Harmonized System goods nomenclature maintained by World Customs Organization (http://www. wcoomd.org). However, India maintains national Harmonized System of goods at 8 digit level which may be viewed by clicking on ‘Downloads’ at http://dgft.gov.in.

(c) The import/export policies for all goods are indicated against each item in ITC (HS). Schedule 1 of ITC (HS) lays down the Import Policy regime while Schedule 2 of ITC (HS) details the Export Policy regime.

(d) Except where it is clearly specified, Schedule 1 of ITC (HS), Import Policy is for new goods and not for the Second Hand goods. For Second Hand goods, the Import Policy regime is given in Para 2.31 in this FTP.

2.03 Compliance of Imports with Domestic Laws

(a) Domestic Laws/ Rules/ Orders/ Regulations / Technical specifications/ environmental/ safety and health norms applicable to domestically produced goods shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to imports, unless specifically exempted.

(b) However, goods to be utilized/ consumed in manufacture of export products, as notified by DGFT, may be exempted from domestic standards/quality specifications.

2.04 Authority to specify Procedures

DGFT may specify procedure to be followed by an exporter or importer or by any licensing/Regional Authority (RA) or by any other authority for purposes of implementing provisions of FT (D&R) Act, the Rules and the Orders made there under and FTP. Such procedure, or amendments, if any, shall be published by means of a Public Notice.

Importer-Exporter Code / e-IEC

2.05 Importer-Exporter Code (IEC)

(I) An IEC is a 10-digit number allotted to a person that is mandatory for undertaking any export/import activities. Now the facility for IEC in electronic form or e-IEC has also been operationalised.

(a) Application for IEC/e-IEC:

Application for obtaining IEC can be filed manually and submitting the form in the office of Regional Authority (RA) of DGFT. Alternatively, an application for e-IEC may be filed online in ANF 2A, in accordance with Para 2.08 of Handbook of Procedure on payment of application fee of Rs. 500/-, to be paid online through net banking or credit/debit card (to be operationalised shortly). Documents/ details required to be uploaded/ submitted along with the application form are listed in the Application Form (ANF 2A).

(b) When an e-IEC is approved by the competent authority, applicant is informed through e-mail that a computer generated e-IEC is available on the DGFT website. By clicking on “Application Status” after having filled and submitted the requisite details in “Online IEC Application” webpage, applicant can view and print his e-IEC.

(c) Briefly, following are the requisite details /documents (scanned copies) to be submitted/ uploaded along with the application for IEC:

(i) Details of the entity seeking the IEC:

(1) PAN of the business entity in whose name Import/Export would be done (Applicant individual in case of Proprietorship firms).

(2) Address Proof of the applicant entity.

(3) LLPIN /CIN/ Registration Certification Number (whichever is applicable).

(4) Bank account details of the entity. Cancelled Cheque bearing entity’s pre-printed name or Bank certificate in prescribed format ANF2A(I).

(ii) Details of the Proprietor/ Partners/ Directors/ Secretary or Chief Executive of the Society/ Managing Trustee of the entity:

(1) PAN (for all categories)

(2) DIN/DPIN (in case of Company /LLP firm)

(iii) Details of the signatory applicant:

(1) Identity proof

(2) PAN

(3) Digital photograph

(d) In case the applicant has digital signature, the application can also be submitted online and no physical application or document is required. In case the applicant does not possess digital signature, a print out of the application filed online duly signed by the applicant has to be submitted to the concerned jurisdictional RA, in person or by post.

(e) Detailed guidelines for applying for e-IEC are available at <http://dgft.gov.in/exim/2000/ iec_anf/ iecanf.htm>.

(II) No Export/Import without IEC:

(i) No export or import shall be made by any person without obtaining an IEC number unless specifically exempted.

(ii) Exempt categories and corresponding permanent IEC numbers are given in Para 2.07 of Handbook of Procedures.

(III) Only one IEC against one Permanent Account Number (PAN)

Only one IEC is permitted against on Permanent Account Number (PAN). If any PAN card holder has more than one IEC, the extra IECs shall be disabled.

2.06 Mandatory documents for export/import of goods from/into India

(a) Mandatory documents required for export of goods from India:

1. Bill of Lading/Airway Bill

2. Commercial Invoice cum Packing List*

3. Shipping Bill/Bill of Export

(b) Mandatory documents required for import of goods into India

1. Bill of Lading/Airway Bill

2. Commercial Invoice cum Packing List*

3. Bill of Entry 33

[Note: *(i) As per CBEC Circular No. 01/15-Customs dated 12/01/2015. (ii) Separate Commercial Invoice and Packing List would also be accepted.]

(c) For export or import of specific goods or category of goods, which are subject to any restrictions/policy conditions or require NOC or product specific compliances under any statute, the regulatory authority concerned may notify additional documents for purposes of export or import.

(d) In specific cases of export or import, the regulatory authority concerned may electronically or in writing seek additional documents or information, as deemed necessary to ensure legal compliance.

(e) The above stipulations are effective from 1st April, 2015.

2.07 Principles of Restrictions

DGFT may, through a Notification, impose restrictions on export and import, necessary for: -

(a) Protection of public morals;

(b) Protection of human, animal or plant life or health;

(c) Protection of patents, trademarks and copyrights, and the prevention of deceptive practices;

(d) Prevention of use of prison labour;

(e) Protection of national treasures of artistic, historic or archaeological value;

(f) Conservation of exhaustible natural resources;

(g) Protection of trade of fissionable material or material from which they are derived;

(h) Prevention of traffic in arms, ammunition and implements of war.

2.08 Export/Import of Restricted goods/Services

Any goods /service, the export or import of which is ‘Restricted’ may be exported or imported only in accordance with an Authorisation / Permission or in accordance with the procedure prescribed in a Notification / Public Notice issued in this regard.

2.09 Export of SCOMET Items

Export of Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies (SCOMET), as indicated in Appendix-3 of Schedule 2 of ITC(HS) Classification of Export & Import Items, shall be governed by the specific provisions of (i) Chapter IV A of the FT(D&R) Act, 1992 as amended from time to time (ii) Sl. No. 4 & 5 of Table A and Appendix-3 of Schedule 2 of ITC(HS) Classification of Export & Import Items (iii) Para 2.16, Para 2.17, Para 2.18 of FTP and (iv) Para 2.73-2.82 of Hand Book of Procedures, in addition to the other provisions of FTP and Handbook of Procedures governing export authorizations.

2.10 Actual User Condition

Goods which are importable freely without any ‘Restriction’ may be imported by any person. However, if such imports require an Authorisation, actual user alone may import such good(s) unless actual user condition is specifically dispensed with by DGFT.

2.11 Terms and Conditions of an Authorisation

Every Authorisation shall, inter alia, include such terms and conditions as may be specified by RA along with the following:

(a) Description, quantity and value of goods;

(b) Actual User condition (as defined in Chapter 9);

(c) Export Obligation;

(d) Minimum Value addition to be achieved;

(e) Minimum export/import price;

(f) Bank guarantee/ Legal undertaking / Bond with Customs Authority/RA (as in para 2. 35 of FTP).

(g) Validity period of import/export as specified in Handbook of Procedures.

2.12 Application Fee

Application for IEC/ Authorisation / License / Scrips must be accompanied by application fees as indicated in the Appendix 2K of Appendices and Aayat Niryat Forms.

2.13 Clearance of Goods from Customs against Authorization

Goods already imported / shipped / arrived, in advance, but not cleared from Customs may also be cleared against an Authorisation issued subsequently. This facility will however be not available to “restricted” items or items traded through STEs.

2.14 Authorisation - not a Right

No person can claim an Authorisation as a right and DGFT or RA shall have power to refuse to grant or renew the same in accordance with provisions of FT (D&R) Act, Rules made there under and FTP.

2.15 Penal action and placing of an entity in Denied Entity List (DEL)

(a) If an Authorisation holder violates any condition of such Authorisation or fails to fulfill export obligation, or fails to deposit the requisite amount within the period specified in demand notice issued by Department of Revenue and /or DGFT, he shall be liable for action in accordance with FT (D&R) Act, the Rules and Orders made there under, FTP and any other law for time being in force.

(b) With a view to raising ethical standards and for ease of doing business, DGFT has provided for self certification system under various schemes. In such cases, applicants shall undertake self certification with sufficient care and caution in filling up information/particulars. Any information / particulars subsequently found untrue/ incorrect will be liable for action under FTDR Act, 1992 and Rules therein in addition to penal action under any other Act/Order.

(c) A firm may be placed under Denied Entity List (DEL), by the concerned RA, under the provision of Rule 7 of Foreign Trade (Regulation) Rules, 1993. On issuance of such an order, for reasons to be recorded in writing, a firm may be refused grant or renewal of a license, certificate, scrip or any instrument bestowing financial or fiscal benefits. If a firm is placed under DEL all new licences, scrips, certificates, instruments, etc will be blocked from printing / issue / renewal.

(d) DEL orders may be placed in abeyance, for reasons to be recorded in writing by the concerned RA. DEL order can be placed in abeyance, for a period not more than 60 days at a time.

(e) A firm's name can be removed from DEL, by the concerned RA for reasons to be recorded in writing, if the firm completes Export Obligation/ pays penalty/ fulfills requirement of Demand Notice(s) issued by the RA/submits documents required by the RA.

Prohibitions (Country and Product Specific):

2.16 Prohibition on Import and Export of ‘Arms and related material’ from / to Iraq

Notwithstanding the policy on Arms and related materials in Chapter 93 of ITC(HS), the import/export of Arms and related material from/to Iraq is ‘Prohibited’. However, export of Arms and related material to Government of Iraq shall be permitted subject to ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the Department of Defence Production.

2.17 Prohibition on Direct or Indirect Import and Export from / to Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

Direct or indirect export and import of following items, whether or not originating in Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), to / from, DPRK is ‘Prohibited’:

All items, materials, equipment, goods and technology including as set out in lists in documents INFCIRC/254/Rev.11/Part 1 and INFCIRC/254/ Rev.8/Part 2 (IAEA documents), S/2012/947, S/2009/364 and S/2006/853 (UN Security Council documents) and Annex III to UN Security Council resolution 2094 (2013) which could contribute to DPRK’s nuclear-related, ballistic missile-related or other weapons of mass destruction-related programmes; Luxury goods, including but not limited to the items specified in Annex IV to UN Security Council resolution 2094 (2013).

2.18 Prohibition on Direct or Indirect Import and Export from/ to Iran

(a) Direct or indirect export and import of all items, materials, equipment, goods and technology which could contribute to Iran’s enrichment-related, reprocessing or heavy water related activities, or to development of nuclear weapon delivery systems, as mentioned below, whether or not originating in Iran, to/from Iran is ‘Prohibited’:

(i) Items listed in INFCIRC/254/Rev.9/Part 1 and INFCIRC/254/Rev.7/Part 2 (IAEA Documents).

(ii) Items listed in S/2006/263 (UN Security Council document).

(b) All the UN Security Council Resolutions/Documents and IAEA Documents referred to above are available on the UN Security Council website (www.un.org/Docs/sc) and IAEA website (www.iaea.org).

2.19 Prohibition on Import of Charcoal from Somalia

Direct or indirect import of charcoal is prohibited from Somalia, irrespective of whether or not such charcoal has originated in Somalia [United Nations Security Council Resolution 2036 (2012)]. Importers of charcoal shall submit a declaration to Customs that the consignment has not originated in Somalia.

Import / Export Through State Trading Enterprises:

2.20 State Trading Enterprises (STEs)

(a) State Trading Enterprises (STEs) are governmental and non-governmental enterprises, including marketing boards, which deal with goods for export and / or import. Any good, import or export of which is governed through exclusive or special privilege granted to State Trading Enterprises (STE), may be imported or exported by the concerned STE as per conditions specified in ITC (HS). The list of STEs notified by DGFT is in Appendix 2J.

(b) Such STE (s) shall make any such purchases or sales involving imports or exports solely in accordance with commercial considerations, including price, quality, availability, marketability, transportation and other conditions of purchase or sale in a non discriminatory manner and shall afford enterprises of other countries adequate opportunity, in accordance with customary business practices, to compete for participation in such purchases or sales.

(c) DGFT may, however, grant an authorization to any other person to import or export any of the goods notified for exclusive trading through STEs.

Trade with Specific Countries:

2.21 Trade with neighbouring Countries

DGFT may issue instructions or frame schemes as may be required to promote trade and strengthen economic ties with neighbouring countries.

2.22 Transit Facility

Transit of goods through India from/ or to countries adjacent to India shall be regulated in accordance with bilateral treaties between India and those countries and will be subject to such restrictions as may be specified by DGFT in accordance with International Conventions.

2.23 Trade with Russia under Debt-Repayment Agreement

In case of trade with Russia under Debt Repayment Agreement, DGFT may issue instructions or frame schemes as may be required, and anything contained in FTP, in so far as it is inconsistent with such instructions or schemes, shall not apply.

Import of Specific Categories of Goods:

2.24 Import of Samples

Import of samples shall be governed by para 2.65 of Handbook of Procedures.

2.25 Import of Gifts

Import of gifts shall be ‘free’ where such goods are otherwise freely importable under ITC (HS). In other cases, such imports shall be permitted against an authorisation issued by DGFT.

2.26 Passenger Baggage

(a) Bona-fide household goods and personal effects may be imported as part of passenger baggage as per limits, terms and conditions thereof in Baggage Rules notified by Ministry of Finance.

(b) Samples of such items that are otherwise freely importable under FTP may also be imported as part of passenger baggage without an Authorisation.

(c) Exporters coming from abroad are also allowed to import drawings, patterns, labels, price tags, buttons, belts, trimming and embellishments required for export, as part of their passenger baggage without an Authorisation.

2.27 Re – import of goods repaired abroad

Capital goods, equipments, components, parts and accessories, whether imported or indigenous, except those restricted under ITC (HS) may be sent abroad for repairs, testing, quality improvement or upgradation or standardization of technology and re-imported without an Authorisation.

2.28 Import of goods used in projects abroad

Project contractors after completion of projects abroad, may import without an Authorisation, goods including capital goods used in the project, provided they have been used for at least one year.

2.29 Import of Prototypes

Import of new / second hand prototypes / second hand samples may be allowed on payment of duty without an Authorisation to an Actual User (industrial) engaged in production of or having industrial licence / letter of intent for research in item for which prototype is sought for product development or research, as the case may be, upon a self- declaration to that effect, to satisfaction of customs authorities.

2.30 Import through courier service

Imports through a registered courier service are permitted as per Notifications issued by DoR. However, importability / exportability of such items shall be regulated in accordance with this FTP/ ITC(HS).

Import Policy for Second Hand Goods :

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