Chapter 2 - General Provisions Regarding Imports and Exports - Foreign Trade Policy, 2023

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 Policy regarding import /Exports of goods (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 (Harmonized System) [ITC (HS)] of Exports and Imports. The list of Prohibited , Restricted , and STE items can be viewed under Regulatory Updates at https://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 notified under First Schedule of the Customs Tariff Act,1975 which may be viewed under Regulatory Updates at http://dgft. gov.in and at https://www.cbic.gov.in (c) The import/export policies for all goods are indicated against each item as per its ITC (HS). Schedule 1 of ITC (HS) lays down the Import Policy regime while Schedule II of ITC(HS) lays down 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 Second Hand goods. For Second Hand goods, the Import Policy regime is given under Para 2.31 of 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 may be exempted by DGFT from domestic standards/ quality specifications. 5 [ (c) The list of Ministries/Departments whose notifications on mandatory QCOs, that arc exempted by the DGFT for goods to be utilised/consumed in manufacture of export products, are given in Appendix-2Y of FTP 2023 ] 4 [ 2.03A Importability of items under Advance Authorisation/EOU/SEZ without compliance to the mandatory Quality Control Orders (QCOs) Import of Inputs under Advance Authorisation/EOU/SEZ without compliance to the mandatory QCOs, shall be subjected to the following conditions: i) For Advance Authorisation: a) Import of inputs under the Advance authorisation without compliance to the mandatory QCOs shall be with pre-import condition. Such inputs shall be utilised in the manufacturing of the export product (making normal allowance for wastage) and shall be exported under the same authorisation. b) Exemption from mandatory QCOs shall be specifically endorsed in the Advance authorisation, upon the request of the authorisation holder. Imports under Authorisation without specific endorsement of exemption shall be made in accordance with mandatory QCOs. c) Any unutilised imports or the products manufactured with inputs imported without compliance to the mandatory QCOs, shall not be transferred to DTA, even after regularisation of default in fulfilment of export obligation. For the purpose of this para, unutilised imports means imported inputs (without compliance of mandatory QCOs) which have not been accounted for, as per SION/Ad-hoc Norms, in the product exported under the same authorisation. d) The unutilised imports shall be regularised as follows: (i) The unutilised material shall be destroyed in the presence of jurisdictional GST/Customs authorities who shall certify the destruction of the goods or same may be re-exported; (ii) In addition, such unutilised imports, irrespective of origin of goods, shall be liable to payment of effective duty on MFN basis along with interest on the exempted material, to Customs Authorities plus composition fee of an amount equivalent to 10% of the CIF value of unutilized imported inputs to DGFT. Proof thereof shall be submitted to the RA concerned before grant of EODC. (e) The exemption from QCO will be available for physical exports only and such exemption will not be allowed for deemed exports for Advance Authorisation Holders. (f) The facility of clubbing under para 4.36 of Handbook of Procedures (HBP), 2023 shall not be available. (g) 7 [ The Export Obligation period for such authorizations shall be as per 4.40 of Handbook of Procedures. However, EO period is restricted to 180 days from the date of clearance of import consignments in respect of QCO exemption for textile and chemical Products, notified by Ministry of Textiles and Department of Chemicals Petro-chemicals (DCPC) respectively. ] (h) Import of Inputs without compliance to the mandatory QCOs under DFIA scheme is not allowed. (i) This exemption is further subject to para 2.03 (c) of FTP. ii) For EOUs (i) Exemption from applicability of mandatory QCOs issued under the BIS Act, 2016, shall be provided to EOU on import of inputs which are required for export production. No DTA clearance of such inputs or goods manufactured made out of such inputs, are allowed. An undertaking to that effect will be submitted to the Customs authorities by the EOU at the time of importation and a copy of the same shall also be submitted to the Development Commissioner concerned. The exemption from QCO will be available for physical exports only and such exemption will not be allowed for deemed exports. This exemption is further subject to para 2.03 (c) of FTP. iii) For SEZ (i) Exemption from applicability of mandatory QCOs issued under the BIS Act, 2016, shall be provided to SEZ on import of inputs which are required for export production. No DTA clearance of such inputs or goods manufactured made out of such inputs, are allowed. An undertaking to that effect will be submitted to the concerned Development Commissioner of the SEZ by the SEZ Unit at the time of importation. The exemption from QCO will be available for physical exports only. This exemption is further subject to para 2.03 (c) of FTP ] 2.04 Authority to specify Procedures DGFT may, specify Procedures to be followed by an exporter or importer or by any licensing/Regional Authority (RA) or by any other authority for purposes of implementation of the provisions of FT (D R) Act, the Rules and the Orders made there under and the FTP. Such procedures, or amendments if any, shall be published by means of a Public Notice. 2.05 Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) An IEC is a 10-character alpha-numeric number allotted to an entity(firm/company/LLP etc.) and is mandatory for undertaking any export/import activities. With a view to maintain the unique identity of an entity, consequent upon introduction / implementation of GST, IEC shall be same as Permanent Account Number(PAN) and shall be separately issued by DGFT based on an online application. (a) No export or import of goods shall be made by any person without obtaining an IEC unless specifically exempted. For export of services or technology, IEC shall be necessary on the date of rendering services for availing benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy. (b) Exempt categories and corresponding permanent IECs are given in Para 2.07 of Handbook of Procedures. (c) Application process for IEC and updation in IEC is completely online and IEC can be generated by the applicant as per the procedure detailed in the Handbook of Procedures. (d) An IEC holder has to ensure that details in its IEC is updated electronically every year, during the April-June period. In cases where there are no changes in IEC details same also needs to be confirmed online. (e) An IEC shall be de-activated, if it is not updated within the prescribed period. An IEC so de-activated may be activated, on its successful updation. This would however be without prejudice to any other action taken for violation of any other provisions of the FTP. (f) An IEC may also be flagged for scrutiny. IEC holder(s) are required to ensure that any risks flagged by the system are timely addressed; failing which the IEC shall be de-activated. 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/ Lorry Receipt/ Railway Receipt/Postal Receipt 2. Commercial Invoice cum Packing List* 3. Shipping Bill/Bill of Export/ Postal Bill of Export (b) Mandatory documents required for import of goods into India 1. Bill of Lading/Airway Bill/Lorry Receipt/ Railway Receipt/Postal Receipt in form CN-22 or CN 23 as the case may be. 2. Commercial Invoice cum Packing List** 3. Bill of Entry [ Note : *(i) As per CBIC Circulars issued under the Customs Act, 1962 (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. 2.07 Principles of Restrictions DGFT may, through a Notification, impose Prohibition or Restriction : (a) on export of foodstuffs or other essential products for preventing or relieving critical shortages; (b) on imports and exports necessary for the application of standards or regulations for the classification, grading or marketing of commodities in international trade; (c) on imports of fisheries product, imported in any form, for enforcement of governmental measures to restrict production of the domestic product or for certain other purposes; (d) on import to safeguard country s external financial position and to ensure a level of reserves; (e) on imports to promote establishment of a particular industry; (f) for preventing sudden increases in imports from causing serious injury to domestic producers or to relieve producers who have suffered such injury; (g) for protection of public morals or to maintain public order; (h) for protection of human, animal or plant life or health; (i) relating to the importations or exportations of gold or silver; (j) necessary to secure compliance with laws and regulations including those relating to the protection of patents, trademarks and copyrights, and the prevention of deceptive practices; (k) relating to the products of prison labour; (l) for the protection of national treasures of artistic, historic or archaeological value; (m) for the conservation of exhaustible natural resources; (n) for ensuring essential quantities for the domestic processing industry; (o) essential to the acquisition or distribution of products in general or local short supply; (p) for the protection of country s essential security interests i. relating to fissionable materials or the materials from which they are derived; ii. relating to the traffic in arms, ammunition and implements of war; iii. taken in time of war or other emergency in international relations; or (q) in pursuance of country s obligations under the United Nations Charter for the maintenance of international peace and security 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 Procedures prescribed in a Notification / Public Notice issued in this regard. 2.09 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. 2.10 Terms and Conditions of an Authorisation Every Authorisation shall, inter alia, include either all or some of the following terms and conditions (as applicable in terms of the para under which the Authorisation has been issued), in addition to such other conditions as may be specified: (a) Description, quantity and value of goods; (b) Actual User condition (as defined in Chapter 11); (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. 2.11 Application Fee (a) Application for IEC/Authorisation/License/Scrips/ Registration must be accompanied by application fees as indicated in the Appendix 2K of Appendices and Aayat Niryat Forms. Fees must be paid online through any of the channels as notified under Appendix 2K, unless provided otherwise. (b) Application fee is nothing but the fee for processing of the application. Therefore, the fee once received will not be refunded except in the circumstances and in a manner laid down in Appendix 2K. 2.12 Clearance of Goods from Customs against Authorisation Goods already imported / shipped / arrived, in advance, but not cleared from Customs may also be cleared against an Authorisation issued subsequently. However, such goods already imported/shipped/arrived, in advance are first warehoused against Bill of Entry for Warehousing and then cleared for home consumption against an Authorisation issued subsequently. This facility will however be not available to Restricted items or items traded through STEs, unless specifically allowed by DGFT. 2.13 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. 2.14 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 FT (D R) 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 licence, authorisation, certificate, scrip or any instrument bestowing financial or fiscal benefits. If a firm is placed under DEL, all new licences, authorisations, 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/ fulfils requirement of Demand Notice(s) issued by the RA/submits documents required by the RA. 2.15 Firm/company under adjudication proceeding before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) Any firm/company coming under the adjudication proceeding before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) shall inform the concerned Regional Authority (RA) and NCLT of any outstanding export obligations/liabilities under any of the schemes under FTP. The total outstanding duty saved amount/dues along with interest, and any penalty imposed under FT (D R) Act, or any other dues, shall be counted as part of the dues to the government against the said firm/company. Prohibitions on Trade (Country, Organisations, Groups, Individuals etc. 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 Trade with the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant [ISIL, also known as Daesh], Al Nusrah Front [ANF] and other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al Qaida In compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 2199 [2015], trade in oil and refined oil products, modular refineries and related materials, besides items of cultural (including antiquities), scientific and religious importance is prohibited with the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant [ISIL], Al Nusrah Front [ANF] and other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated, directly or indirectly, with Al Qaida. 2.18 Prohibition on direct or indirect import and export from/to DPRK Direct or Indirect export and import of items, whether or not originating in Democratic People s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to/from DPRK is detailed in Appendix I of this Chapter. 2.19 Direct or Indirect Export/Import to/ from Iran (a) Direct or indirect export to Iran or import from Iran of any item, material, equipment, goods and technology mentioned in the following documents would be permitted subject to the provisions contained in Annex-B to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015): (i) Items listed in INFCIRC/254/Rev.14/Part1 and INFCIRC/254/Rev.11/Part 2 (IAEA Documents) as updated by the UNSC and IAEA from time to time. (ii) Items listed in S/2015/546 (UN Security Council document) as updated by the Security Council from time to time. (b) All the UN Security Council Resolutions/Documents and IAEA Documents referred to above are available on the UN Security Council website (https://www. un.org/security-council/) and IAEA website (https:// www.iaea.org/). 2.20 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: 2.21 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 Enterprise (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 authorisation to any other entity to import or export any of the goods notified for exclusive trading through STEs. Trade with Specific Countries: 2.22 Trade with Neighbouring Countries DGFT may issue instructions or frame schemes as may be required to promote and regulate trade and strengthen economic ties with neighbouring countries. 2.23 Transit Facility Transit of goods through India from/ or to countries adjacent to India shall be enabled and regulated in accordance with strategic and economic interests of India as well as the bilateral treaties between India and those countries. Such arrangements will be subject to conditions and restrictions as may be specified by DGFT in accordance with International Conventions/ Treaties/Agreements. 2.24 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: 2.25 Import of Samples No Authorisation shall be required for Import of bonafide technical and trade samples of items restricted in ITC(HS) except defence/security items, seeds, bees and new drugs. Import of samples shall be further governed by Para 2.62 of Handbook of Procedures. 2.26 Import of Gifts Import of goods, including those purchased from e-commerce portals, through post or courier, where Customs clearance is sought as gifts, is prohibited except for life saving drugs/ medicines and Rakhi (but not gifts related to Rakhi). Explanation: 1. Rakhi (but not gifts related to Rakhi) will be covered under Section 25(6) of Customs Act, 1962 that reads that no duty shall be collected if the amount of duty leviable is equal to or less than Rs. 100/- 2. Import of goods as gifts with payment of full applicable duties is allowed. 2.27 Import through 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 subject to Baggage Rules as notified by Customs from time to time. (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 Authorization subject to value limit as laid down in FTP or as per the relevant Customs notification(s) in this regard. (d) Any item(s) including Samples or Prototypes of items whose import policy is restricted or prohibited or is canalised through STEs are not permitted as part of passenger baggage except with a valid authorization/ permission issued by DGFT. 2.28 Re import of goods repaired abroad Capital goods, equipment, 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. 2.29 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. 2.30 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 license / 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 the satisfaction of Customs authorities. Import Policy for Second Hand Goods: 2.31 Second Hand Goods Sl.No. Categories of Second-Hand Goods Import Policy Conditions, if any I. Second Hand Capital Goods I(a) i. Desktop Computers; ii. Refurbished/re-conditioned spares of re-furbished parts of Personal Computers/ Laptops; iii. Air Conditioners; iv. Diesel generating sets Restricted Importable against Authorisation 6 [ 1(b) All electronics and IT Goods notified under the Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 as amended from time to time. Restricted (i) Importable against a restricted import authorization, subject to conditions laid down under Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 (as amended from time to time). (ii) Import of unregistered/non-compliant notified products as in Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 (as amended from time to time) is Prohibited ] I(c) Refurbished / re-conditioned spares of Capital Goods Free Subject to production of Chartered Engineer certificate to the effect that such spares have at least 80% residual life of original spare I(d) All other second-hand capital goods {other than (a) (b) (c) above} Free 1 [ I(e) Used IT Assets (laptops, desktops, monitors, printers) - Import from Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) Restricted However import policy will be free subject to the following conditions : 1. Used IT Assets may be moved from SEZ to DTA without a Licence for Restricted Imports for the purpose of further use in their DTA operations only; given that there is a minimum usage of 2 years in the SEZ area and that the goods are not older than 5 years from the date of manufacturing 2. In cases where a unit is closing down its operations in SEZ, and re-locating to the DTA, the import of Used IT Assets from SEZ into DTA is allowed without a Licence for Restricted Imports given that the goods are not older than 5 years from the date of manufacturing. However IT assets that have entered the SEZ area in second hand/used/old condition and have been used in the SEZ area for less than 2 years are not covered. 3. The relaxation for import from SEZ to DTA under condition 1 2 above, shall be applicable given that no exemption from any regulatory requirements (i.e., CRO, WPC, RoHS) was availed at the time of import of the Used IT Assets into the SEZ. 4. Import of any Used IT Assets which do not fulfill the above-mentioned criteria shall be subject to a licence for Restricted Import. ] II. Second Hand Goods other than capital goods Restricted Importable against Authorisation III. Second Hand Goods imported for the purpose of repair/refurbishing / reconditioning or re-engineering Free Subject to condition that waste generated during the repair / refurbishing of imported items is treated as per domestic Laws/ Rules/ Orders/ Regulations/ technical specifications/ Environmental / safety and health norms and the imported item is re-exported back as per the Customs Notification. Import Policy for Metallic Waste and Scraps: 2.32 Import of Metallic Waste and Scrap (a) Import of any form of metallic waste, scrap will be subject to the condition that it will not contain hazardous, toxic waste, radioactive contaminated waste/scrap containing radioactive material, any types of arms, ammunition, mines, shells, live or used cartridge or any other explosive material in any form either used or otherwise as detailed in Para 2.51 of Handbook of Procedures. (b) The types of metallic waste and scrap which can be imported freely, and the Procedures of import in the shredded form; un-shredded, compressed and loose form is laid down in Para 2.51 of Handbook of Procedures. 2.33 Removal of Scrap/Waste from SEZ A SEZ unit/Developer/ Co-developer may be allowed to dispose of in DTA any waste or scrap, including any form of metallic waste and scrap, generated during manufacturing or processing activity, without an Authorisation, on payment of applicable Customs Duty. Other Provisions Related to Imports: 2.34 Import under Lease Financing No specific permission of DGFT is required for import of lease financed Capital Goods. 2.35 Execution of Legal Undertaking (LUT) / Bank Guarantee (BG) (a) Wherever any duty-free import is allowed or where otherwise specifically stated, importer shall execute, Legal Undertaking (LUT) / Bank Guarantee (BG) / Bond with the Customs Authority, as prescribed, before clearance of goods. (b) In case of indigenous sourcing, Authorisation holder shall furnish LUT/BG/Bond to the RA concerned before sourcing material from indigenous supplier/ nominated agency as prescribed in Chapter 2 of Handbook of Procedures. 2.36 Private/Public Bonded Warehouses for Imports (a) Private/ Public bonded warehouses may be set up in DTA as per rules, regulations and notifications issued under the Customs Act, 1962. Any person may import goods except prohibited items, arms and ammunition, hazardous waste and chemicals and warehouse them in such bonded warehouses. (b) Such goods may be cleared for home consumption in accordance with provisions of FTP and against Authorisation, wherever required. Customs duty as applicable shall be paid at the time of clearance of such goods. (c) The clearance of the warehoused goods shall be as per the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. 2.37 Special provision for Hides Skins and semi-finished goods Hides, Skins and semi-finished leather may be imported in the Public/ Private Bonded warehouse for the purpose of DTA sale and the unsold items thereof can be reexported from such bonded warehouses on payment of the applicable rate of export duty. 2.38 Sale on High Seas Sale of goods on high seas for import into India may be made subject to FTP or any other law in force. 2.39 Merchanting Trade 2 [ Merchanting trade involving shipment of goods from one foreign country to another foreign country without touching Indian ports, or shipment of goods within one specific foreign country , involving an Indian intermediary is allowed subject to compliance with RBI guidelines, except for goods in the CITES, or under SCOMET. ] Exports: 2.40 Free Exports All goods may be exported without any restriction except to the extent that such exports are regulated by ITC(HS) or any other provision of FTP or any other law for the time being in force. DGFT may, however, specify through a Public Notice such terms and conditions according to which any goods, not included in ITC(HS), may be exported without an Authorisation. 2.41 Benefits for Supporting Manufacturers For any benefit to accrue to the supporting manufacturer (as defined in Para 11.59 of FTP), the names of both supporting manufacturer as well as the merchant exporter must figure in the concerned export documents, especially in Tax Invoice / Shipping Bill / Bill of Export/ Airway Bill. 2.42 Third Party Exports Third party exports (except Deemed Export) as defined in Chapter 11 shall be allowed under FTP. In such cases, export documents such as shipping bill shall indicate name of both manufacturing exporter/manufacturer and thirdparty exporter(s). e-Bank Realization Certificate (e-BRC) or export Realizations from RBI s EDPMS wherever available in DGFT IT Systems, Export Order and Invoice should be in the name of third-party exporter. Exports of Specific Categories: 2.43 Export of Samples (a) Exports of bonafide trade and technical samples of freely exportable item shall be allowed without any limit. (b) The procedure for Export of Samples and Free of charge goods shall be governed by provisions given in Para 2.63 of Handbook of Procedures. 2.44 Export of Gifts Goods including edible items, of value not exceeding Rs.5,00,000/- in a licensing year, may be exported as a gift. However, items mentioned as restricted for exports in ITC(HS) shall not be exported as a gift, without an Authorisation. 2.45 Export of Passenger Baggage (a) Bona-fide personal baggage may be exported either along with passenger or, if unaccompanied, within one year before or after passenger s departure from India. However, items mentioned as restricted in ITC(HS) shall require an Authorisation. Government of India officials proceeding abroad on official postings shall, however, be permitted to carry along with their personal baggage, food items (free, restricted or prohibited) strictly for their personal consumption. The Provisions of the Para shall be subject to Baggage Rules issued under Customs Act, 1962. (b) Samples of such items that are otherwise freely exportable under FTP may also be exported as part of passenger baggage without an Authorisation. 2.46 Import for Export I. (a) Goods imported, in accordance with FTP, may be exported in same or substantially the same form without an Authorisation provided that item to be imported or exported is not in the restricted for import or export in ITC(HS) Schedules. (b) Goods, including capital goods (both new and second hand), may be imported for export provided: (i) Importer clears goods under Customs Bond; (ii) Goods are freely exportable, i.e., are not Restricted or Prohibited or subject to exclusive trading through State Trading Enterprises or any conditionality or requirement as may be required under Schedule 2 of the Export Policy of the ITC (HS); (iii) Export is against freely convertible currency or as per para 2.52(d)(ii) of FTP. (c) Goods in (b) above will include Restricted goods for import (except Prohibited items). (d) Capital goods, which are freely importable and freely exportable, may be imported for export on execution of LUT/BG with the Customs Authority. (e) Notwithstanding the above, goods which are freely importable may be re-exported except items as in the Prohibited or SCOMET List of exports, in same or substantially same form even though such goods are under Restricted list for export, subject to the following conditions: (i) Goods are not of Indian Origin; (ii) Goods imported shall be kept in bonded warehouse under supervision of Customs; (iii) Goods to be exported have never been cleared for home consumption; (iv) Export of goods shall be subjected to Section 69 of Customs Act, 1962. II. (a) G oods imported against payment in freely convertible currency would be permitted for export only against payment in freely convertible currency, unless otherwise notified by DGFT. Goods imported under Para 2.52(d) (i) would be permitted for exports only against payments as per Para 2.52(d)(ii), unless otherwise notified by DGFT. (b) Export of such goods to the notified countries (presently only Iran) would be permitted against payment in Indian Rupees, subject to minimum 15% value addition. (c) However, re-export of food, medicine and medical equipment, namely, items covered under ITC(HS) Chapters 2 to 4, 7 to 11, 15 to 21, 23, 30 and items under headings 9018, 9019, 9020, 9021 9022 of Chapter-90 of ITC(HS) will not be subject to minimum value addition requirement for export to Iran. Exports of these items to Iran shall, however, be subject to all other conditions of FTP and ITC (HS), as applicable. Bird s eggs covered under ITC (HS) 0407 0408 and Rice covered under ITC (HS) 1006 are not covered under this dispensation, as at II (a) above. (d) Exports under this dispensation, as at I (e) and II (a), (b) and (c) above shall not be eligible for any export incentives. 2.47 Export of Replacement Goods Goods or parts thereof on being exported and found defective/damaged or otherwise unfit for use may be imported for replacement free of charge by the exporter in accordance with the relevant Customs Notification, and such goods shall be allowed for export by Customs authorities, provided that replacement goods are not under the restricted or SCOMET items for exports in ITC(HS). If the export item is Restricted or under SCOMET list, the exporter shall require an Authorisation for export of such replacement goods. 2.48 Export of Repaired Goods Goods or parts thereof, except restricted under ITC (HS), on being exported and found defective, damaged or otherwise unfit for use may be imported for repair and subsequent reexport. Such goods shall be allowed clearance without an Authorisation and in accordance with the relevant customs notification. To that extent the exporter shall return the benefits /incentive availed on the returned goods. If the item is restricted for import, the exporter shall require an import license. However, re-export of such defective parts/ spares by the Companies/firms and Original Equipment Manufacturers shall not be mandatory if they are imported exclusively for undertaking root cause analysis, testing and evaluation purpose. 2.49 Export of Spares Warranty spares (whether indigenous or imported) of plant, equipment, machinery, automobiles or any other goods [except those restricted under ITC (HS)] may be exported along with main equipment or subsequently but within contracted warranty period of such goods, subject to approval of RBI. 2.50 Re-export of imported Goods found defective and unsuitable for use Imported goods found defective after Customs clearance, or not found as per specifications or requirements may be re-exported back as per Customs Act, 1962. 2.51 Private Bonded Warehouses for Exports (a) Private bonded warehouses exclusively for exports may be set up in DTA as per terms and conditions of notifications issued by Department of Revenue. (b) Such warehouses shall be entitled to procure goods from domestic manufacturers for manufacturing and other operations in accordance with Section 65 of the Customs Act, 1962. Payments and Receipts on Imports / Exports: 2.52 Denomination of Export Contracts (a) All export contracts and invoices shall be denominated either in freely convertible currency or Indian rupees but export proceeds shall be realized in freely convertible currency. (b) However, export proceeds against specific exports may also be realized in rupees, provided it is through a freely convertible Vostro account of a non-resident bank situated in any country other than a member country of Asian Clearing Union (ACU) or Nepal or Bhutan. Additionally, rupee payment through Vostro account must be against payment in free foreign currency by buyer in his non-resident bank account. Free foreign exchange remitted by buyer to his non-resident bank (after deducting bank service charges) on account of this transaction would be taken as export realization under export promotion schemes of FTP. (c) Contracts (for which payments are received through Asian Clearing Union (ACU) shall be denominated in ACU Dollar. However, participants in the ACU may settle their transactions in ACU Dollar or in ACU Euro as per RBI Notifications. Central Government may relax provisions of this paragraph in appropriate cases. Export contracts and invoices can be denominated in Indian rupees against EXIM Bank/Government of India line of credit. (d) Invoicing, payment and settlement of exports and imports is also permissible in INR subject to compliances as under RBI s A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No.10 dated 11th July, 2022. Accordingly, settlement of trade transactions in INR shall take place through the Special Rupee Vostro Accounts opened by AD banks in India as permitted under Regulation 7(1) of Foreign Exchange Management (Deposit) Regulations, 2016, in accordance to the following procedures: (i) Indian importers undertaking imports through this mechanism shall make payment in INR which shall be credited into the Special Vostro account of the correspondent bank of the partner country, against the invoices for the supply of goods or services from the overseas seller /supplier. (ii) Indian exporters, undertaking exports of goods and services through this mechanism, shall be paid the export proceeds in INR from the balances in the designated Special Vostro account of the correspondent bank of the partner country. 2.53 Applicability of FTP Schemes for Export Realisations in Indian Rupees (i) Export proceeds realized in Indian Rupees against exports to Iran are permitted to avail exports benefits / incentives/ fulfilment of Export Obligations under the FTP, at par with export proceeds realized in freely convertible currency, subject to compliance of para 2.19 of the FTP. (ii) Export proceeds realized in Indian Rupees as per para 2.52(d)(ii) are permitted to avail exports benefits / incentives / fulfilment of Export Obligations under the FTP. 2.54 Non-Realisation of Export Proceeds (a) If an exporter fails to realize export proceeds within time specified by RBI, he shall, without prejudice to any liability or penalty under any law in force, be liable to return all benefits / incentives availed against such exports and action in accordance with provisions of FT (D R) Act, Rules and Orders made thereunder and the FTP. (b) In case an Exporter is unable to realize the export proceeds for reasons beyond his control (forcemajeure), he may approach RBI for writing off the unrealized amount as laid down in Para 2.72 of Handbook of Procedures. (c) The payment realized through insurance cover, would be eligible for benefits under FTP as per Procedures laid down in Para 2.71 of Handbook of Procedures. 2.55 Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) (i) Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) are policy instruments for Government to support exports. ECAs support exports by insurance, guarantee and also direct lending. Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) like Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Ltd. (ECGC) provides credit insurance support to exports and export credit lending. Covers issued by ECGC to exporters, protect against losses arising out of payment failures due to insolvency or default of the buyers or due to political risks. Exporters can diversify their markets in addition to protecting existing markets through such covers. ECGC also supports Medium and Long term (MLT) exports including project exports. Exim Bank is the other ECA in the business of lending for MLT exports and fronting the government s line of credit. (ii) ECGC indemnifies losses of exporters in export trade due to insolvency or default of the buyer. Additionally, losses due to political risk like war, sudden import restriction, promulgation of law or decree after the shipment has been affected are also covered. Some of the anti- dumping measures or non-tariff barriers introduced after a shipment has been made will come under the purview of the political risk. In such cases exporter s interest are protected by ECGC. Export Promotion Councils: 2.56 Recognition of EPCs to function as Registering Authority for issue of RCMC (a) Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) are organizations of exporters, set up with the objective to promote and develop Indian exports. Each Council is responsible for promotion of a particular group of products/ projects/services as given in Appendix 2T of ANF. (b) EPCs are also eligible to function as Registering Authorities to issue Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) to its members. The criteria for EPCs to be recognized as Registering Authorities for issue of RCMC to its members are detailed in Para 2.78 of the Handbook of Procedures. 2.57 Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) (a) Any person, applying for an Authorisation to import/ export under the FTP (except items listed as Restricted items in ITC (HS)) or applying for any other benefit or concession under FTP, shall be required to provide, the RCMC granted by competent authority in accordance with Procedures specified in Handbook of Procedures unless specifically exempted under FTP. (b) Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES) issued by Spices Board and Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Coir Coir products issued by the Coir Board shall be treated as Registration-CumMembership Certificate (RCMC) for the purposes under this Policy. 2.58 Interpretation of Policy (a) The decision of DGFT shall be final and binding on all matters relating to interpretation of Policy, or provision in Handbook of Procedures, Appendices and Aayat Niryat Forms or classification of any item for import / export in the ITC (HS). (b) A Policy Interpretation Committee (PIC) may be constituted to aid and advice DGFT. The composition of the PIC would be as follows: (i) DGFT: Chairman (ii) All Additional DGFTs in Headquarters: Members (iii) All Joint DGFTs in Headquarters looking after Policy matters: Members (iv) Joint DGFT (PRC/PIC): Member Secretary (v) Any other person / representative of the concerned Ministry / Department, to be co-opted by the Chairman. 2.59 Exemption from Policy/Procedures DGFT may in public interest pass such orders or grant such exemption, relaxation or relief, as he may deem fit and proper, on grounds of genuine hardship and adverse impact on trade to any person or class or category of persons from any provision of FTP or any Procedures. While granting such exemption, DGFT may impose such conditions as he may deem fit after consulting the Committees as under: Sl.No. Description Committee (a) Fixation/modification of product norms under all schemes Norms Committees (b) Nexus with Capital Goods (CG) and benefits under EPCG Schemes EPCG Committee (c) All other issues Policy Relaxation Committee (PRC) 2.60 Personal Hearing by DGFT for Grievance Redressal (a) Government is committed to easy and speedy redressal of grievances from Trade and Industry. Paragraph 2.59 of FTP provides for relaxation of Policy and Procedures on grounds of genuine hardship and adverse impact on trade. If an importer/exporter is aggrieved by any decision taken by Policy Relaxation Committee (PRC), or a decision/order by any authority in the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, a specific request for Personal Hearing (PH) along with the prescribed application fee as per Appendix-2K has to be made to DGFT. DGFT may consider request for relaxation after consulting concerned Norms Committee, EPCG Committee or Policy Relaxation Committee (PRC) and the decision conveyed in pursuance to the personal hearing shall be final and binding. (b) The opportunity for Personal Hearing will not apply to a decision/order made in any proceeding, including an adjudication proceeding, whether at the original stage or at the appellate stage, under the relevant provisions of FT (D R) Act, 1992, as amended from time to time. 2.61 Regularization of EO default and settlement of Customs duty and interest through Settlement Commission With a view to providing assistance to firms who have defaulted under FTP for reasons beyond their control as also facilitating merger, acquisition and rehabilitation of sick units, it has been decided to empower Settlement Commission in Department of Revenue to decide such cases also with effect from 01.04.2005. However, in cases where the matter is under the purview of the NCLT, Para 2.15 of the FTP shall apply. Self-Certification of Originating Goods: 2.62 Approved Exporter Scheme for Self-Certification of Certificate of Origin (i) Currently, Certificates of Origin under various Preferential Trade Agreements [PTA], Free Trade Agreements [FTAs], Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreements [CECA] and Comprehensive Economic Partnerships Agreements [CEPA] are issued by designated agencies as per Appendix 2B of Appendices and Aayat Niryat Forms. A new optional system of self-certification is being introduced with a view to reducing transaction cost. (ii) The Manufacturers who are also Status Holders shall be eligible for Approved Exporter Scheme. Approved Exporters will be entitled to self-certify their manufactured goods as originating from India with a view to qualifying for preferential treatment under different PTAs/FTAs/CECAs/CEPAs which are in operation. Self-certification will be permitted only for the goods that are manufactured as per the Industrial Entrepreneurs Memorandum (IEM) / Industrial License (IL) /Letter of Intent (LOI) issued to manufacturers. (iii) Status Holders will be recognized by DGFT as Approved Exporters for self-certification based on availability of required infrastructure, capacity and trained manpower as per the details in Para 2.94 of Handbook of Procedures read with Appendix 2F of Appendices Aayaat Niryat Forms. (iv) The details of the Scheme, along with the penalty provisions, are provided in Appendix 2F of Appendices and Aayaat Niryat Forms and will come into effect only when India incorporates the scheme into a specific agreement with its partner/s and the same is appropriately notified by DGFT. Further the entities to whom such self-certification will be extended bilaterally under FTA/PTA will be subject to the provisions and conditions of that FTA. 2.63 Certification of Origin of Goods EUGSP Exporters can self-certify the Statement on Origin of their goods, as per the self-certification scheme, Certification of Origin of Goods for European Union Generalised System of Preferences (EU-GSP), of the European Union (EU) under the Registered Exporter System (REX) as in Para 2.89(A)(c) of the Handbook of Procedures. Appendix I (Refer Para 2.18) Prohibition on direct or indirect import and export from/to Democratic People s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Prohibition on export: (A) The direct or indirect supply, sale, transfer or export of the following items to Democratic People s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is prohibited: - (i) any battle tanks, armoured combat vehicles, large calibre artillery systems, combat aircraft, attack helicopters, warships, missiles or missile systems as defined for the purpose of the United Nations Register on Conventional Arms, or related material including spare parts; (ii) all arms and related material, including small arms and light weapons and their related material; (iii) all items, materials, equipment, goods and technology as set out in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) documents, namely, 1. S/2006/853*; 2. S/2006/853/Corr.1; 3. Part B of S/2009/364; 4. Annex III of Resolution 2094 (2013); 5. S/2016/1069; 6. Annex A to INFCIRC/254/Rev.12/Part1 (IAEA document); 7. Annex to INFCIRC/254/Rev.9/Part2 (IAEA document); 8. S/2014/253; 9. S/2016/308; 10. Annex III of Resolution 2321 (2016); and 11. other items, materials, equipment, goods and technology, as determined by the Central Government, which could contribute to DPRK s nuclear related, ballistic missile-related or other weapons of mass destruction related programmes; (iv) luxury goods, including undenatured ethyl alcohol [HS Codes 2207 and 2208] and cigars, cheroots, cigarillos and cigarettes, of tobacco or of tobacco substitutes [HS Codes 2402] under Chapter 22 and 24, Schedule 2 ITC (HS) Export Policy 2018, but not limited to, the items specified in Annex IV of Resolution 2094 (2013), Annex IV of Resolution 2270 (2016) and Annex IV of Resolution 2321 (2016); (v) items as determined by the Central Government, except food or medicine, that could directly contribute to the development of the Democratic People s Republic of Korea s operational capabilities of its armed forces. This measure is subject to the exemptions set out in paragraph 8 (a) and (b) of Resolution 2270 (2016); Prohibition on import (B) The direct or indirect procurement or import from DPRK, of items, whether or not originating in DPRK, covered in sub-paragraphs (A)(i), (A)(ii),(A)(iii) and (A) (v) above is prohibited. Sectoral prohibitions (export) (C) The direct or indirect supply, sale, transfer or export of the following items to DPRK is prohibited: (i) new helicopters and new or used vessels, except as approved in advance by the Committee on a case-by-case basis; (ii) aviation fuel, including aviation gasoline, naptha-type jet fuel, kerosene type jet fuel, and kerosene-type rocket fuel. This measure is subject to the provisions of paragraph 31 of Resolution 2270 (2016) and paragraph 20 of Resolution of 2321 (2016); (iii) condensates and natural gas liquids; (iv) refined petroleum products. This measure is subject to the limits, exceptions and procedures set out in paragraph 5 of Resolution 2397 (2017); (v) crude oil. This measure is subject to the limits, exemptions and procedures set out in paragraph 4 of Resolution 2397 (2017); (vi) all industrial machinery [Chapter 84 and 85 of ITC(HS)], transportation vehicles [Chapter 86 to 89 of ITC(HS)], and iron, steel, and other metals [Chapter 72 to 83 of ITC(HS)]. This measure is subject to the exemptions set out in paragraph 7 of Resolution 2397 (2017); Sectoral prohibitions (import) (D) The direct or indirect procurement or import from DPRK, of the following items is prohibited: (i) coal, iron and iron ore. This measure is subject to the exemptions and procedures set out in paragraph 8 of Resolution 2371 (2017); (ii) gold, titanium ore, vanadium ore, and rare earth minerals; (iii) copper, nickel, silver and zinc; (iv) statues, unless the Committee approves on a case-by-case basis in advance; (v) seafood (including fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other aquatic invertebrates in all forms). This measure is subject to the exemptions, clarifications and procedures set out in paragraph 9 of Resolution 2371(2017) and paragraph 6 of Resolution 2397 (2017); (vi) lead and lead ore. This measure is subject to the exemptions and procedures set out in paragraph 10 of Resolution 2371 (2017); (vii) textiles (including but not limited to fabrics and partially or fully completed apparel products). This measure is subject to the exemptions and procedures set out in paragraph 16 of Resolution 2375 (2017); (viii) food and agricultural products [Chapters 12, 08, 07 of ITC(HS)], machinery [Chapter 84 of ITC(HS)], electrical equipment [Chapter 85 of ITC(HS)], earth and stone including magnesite and magnesia [Chapter 25 of ITC(HS)], wood [Chapter 44 of ITC(HS)], and vessels [Chapter 89 of ITC(HS)].These measures are subject to the procedures set out in paragraph 6 of Resolution 2397(2017). Explanation a) UNSC means the United Nations Security Council; b) IAEA means the International Atomic Energy Agency; c) Committee means the Committee of the UNSC set up in terms of paragraph 12 of Resolution 1718 (2006); d) Resolution, as the case may be, means the UNSC Resolutions under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations on Democratic People s Republic of Korea, namely, 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013),2094 (2013), 2270 (2016), 2231 (2016), 2356 (2017), 2371 (2017),2375 (2017) and 2397(2017). ************* NOTES:- 1. Inserted vide Notification No. 56/2023 dated 01-01-2024 2. Substituted vide Notification No. 62/2023 dated 29-02-2024 before it was read as, Merchanting trade involving shipment of goods from one foreign country to another foreign country without touching Indian ports, involving an Indian intermediary is allowed subject to compliance with RBI guidelines, except for goods/items in the CITES and SCOMET list. 3. Inserted vide Notification No. 69/2023 dated 07-03-2024 4. Inserted vide Notification No. 71/2023 dated 11-03-2024 5. Substituted vide Notification No. 71/2023 dated 11-03-2024 before it was read as, 3 [ (c) The list of Ministries/Departments whose notifications on mandatory QCOs, that are exempted by the DGFT for goods to be utilised/consumed in manufacture of export products, are given in Appendix-2Y of FTP 2023 . ] 6. Substituted vide Notification No. 13/2024-25 dated 20-05-2024 before it was read as, I(b) All electronics and IT Goods notified under the Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012 as amended from time to time Restricted (i) Importable against an authorization subject to conditions laid down under Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012 as amended from time to time. (ii) Import of unregistered/non-compliant notified products as in CRO, 2012 as amended from time to time is Prohibited 7. Substituted vide Notification No. 16/2024-25 dated 06-06-2024 before it was read as, (g) The Export Obligation period for such authorizations shall be as per para 4.40 of Handbook of Procedures. However, EO period is restricted to 180 days from the date of clearance of import consignment in respect of QCO exemption for textile products.