Amendment in Import and Export Policy of electronic cigarettes - Customs - PUBLIC NOTICE No. 45/2019

OFFICE OF THE PRINCIPAL COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS CUSTOM HOUSE : PORT AREA: VISAKHAPATNAM - 530 035 F.No.P3/06/2017-(AM) Pt. III Date: 07.10.2019 PUBLIC NOTICE No. 45/2019 Subject:- Amendment in Import and Export Policy of electronic cigarettes - reg. Attention of all the Importers, Trade and Stake holders is drawn to the Board's Circular 35/2009 dated 01.10.2019 and DGFT Notifications 20/2015-2020 dated 26.09.2019 and 22/2015- 20 dated 30.09.2019. 2. Considering the adverse health impact of e-Cigarettes /ENDS and in order to prevent the initiation of nicotine through e-Cigarettes by non-smokers and youth, with special attention to vulnerable groups, the directorate General of Foreign Trade, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce Industry has issued the aforesaid Notifications to ensure that Import and Export of e-Cigarettes or any parts pr components there of such as refill pods, atomizers, cartridges etc. including all forms of electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS). Heat not burn products, e-hookah and the like devices, by whatever name and shape, size or form it may have, but does not include any product licensed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 under ITC HS Code: 8543 is prohibited in accordance with the Prohibition of electronic Cigarettes (Prohibition, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale Distribution, Storage, and Advertisement) Ordinance, 2019. 3. In view of the above, all stakeholders may note the aforesaid notifications to prevent any such imports. Action to be taken in terms of decisions taken in this Public Notice should be considered as Standing Order for the purpose of officers and staff. (Dr. D. K. Srinivas) Pr. Commissioner of Customs