2.1

Exports and Imports – ‘Free’, unless regulated

(a) Exports and Imports shall be ‘Free’, except when regulated. Such regulation would be as per FTP and/or ITC (HS).

(b) ITC (HS) contains the item wise export and import policy regimes. The ITC (HS) is aligned with international Harmonized System goods nomenclature maintained by World Customs Organization (http://www.wcoomd.org).

(c) Schedule 1 of ITC (HS) gives the Import Policy Regime and Schedule 2 of ITC (HS) gives the Export Policy Regime.

(d) Except where it is clearly specified in 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 in Para 2.17 on this FTP.

2.1.1

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

Despite the policy for ‘Arms and related material’ as is given in Chapter 93 of ITC (HS), the import / export of arms and related material from / to Iraq shall be ‘Prohibited’.

2.1.2

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’:

i. 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;

ii. Luxury goods, including but not limited to the items specified in Annex IV to UN Security Council resolution 2094 (2013).

(Above PARA  2.1.2  has been substituted vide NOTIFICATION NO. 14/2013, DT. 31/05/2013)

[OLD - 2.1.2

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 S/2006/814, S/2006/815 (including S/2009/205), S/2009/364 and S/2006/853 (United Nations Security Council Documents) INFCIRC/254/Rev.9/Part1a and INFCIRC/254/Rev.7/Part 2a (IAEA documents) which could contribute to DPRK’s nuclear-related, ballistic missile-related or other weapons of mass destruction-related programmes. ]

2.1.3

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).

2.1.4

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.

2.2

Compliance of Imports with Domestic Laws

In line with the National Treatment proviso of World Trade Organization (http://www.wto.org), 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.

2.3

Interpretation of Policy

(a) The decision of DGFT shall be final and binding on all matters relating to interpretation of Policy, or provision in HBP v1, HBP v2 or classification of any item for import / export policy in the ITC (HS).

(b) A Policy Interpretation Committee (PIC) may be constituted to aid and advice DGFT.

2.4

Procedure

DGFT may, specify procedure to be followed by an exporter or importer or by any licensing / regional 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 FTP. Such procedures, or amendments if any, shall be published by means of a Public Notice.

2.5

Exemption from Policy/ Procedure

DGFT may pass such orders or grant such relaxation or relief, as he may deem fit and proper, on grounds of genuine hardship and adverse impact on trade. DGFT may, in public interest, exempt any person or class or category of persons from any provision of FTP or any procedure and may, while granting such exemption, impose such conditions as he may deem fit. Such request may be considered only after consulting committees as under:
 

2.6

Principles of Restriction

DGFT may, through a notification, adopt and enforce any measure 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.

2.7

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/ License or in accordance to the procedure prescribed in a notification / public notice issued in this regard.

2.8

Terms and Conditions of an Authorisation

Every Authorisation shall contain such terms and conditions as may be specified by RA which may include:

(a) Description, quantity and value of goods;

(b) Actual User condition;

(c) Export Obligation;

(d) Minimum Value addition to be achieved;

(e) Minimum export/import price;

(f) Validity period as specified in HBP v1.

2.9

Authorisation -not a Right

No person may 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.

2.10

Penalty

If an Authorisation holder violates any condition of such Authorisation or fails to fulfil export obligation, 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.

2.11

State Trading

Any goods, import or export of which is governed through exclusive or special privileges granted to State Trading Enterprises (STE(s)), may be imported or exported by STE(s) as per conditions specified in ITC (HS). DGFT may, however, grant an Authorisation to any other person to import or export any of these goods. 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.

2.12

Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) Number

(a) No export or import shall be made by any person without an IEC number unless specifically exempted. An IEC number shall be granted on application by competent authority in accordance with procedure specified in HBP v1.

(b) Exempt Categories and Permanent IEC numbers are given in Para 2.8 of HBP v1.

2.13

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.

2.14

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.

2.15

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.

2.16

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.

2.17

Second Hand Goods

For Second Hand goods, the Import Policy Regime is given as under:

(Above para 2.17 has been revised vide NOTIFICATION NO. 35/2012, DT. 28/02/2013)

[OLD-

]
 

2.17A

Removal of Scrap / Waste from SEZ

A SEZ unit/Developer/ Co-developer may be allowed to dispose off in DTA, any waste or scrap, including any form of metallic waste and scrap, generated during manufacturing or processing activity, without an authorization, on payment of applicable Customs Duty. [DELETED - provided these are freely importable.]

(In above para 2.17A the phrase "provided these are freely importable" stand deleted vide NTF. NO. 28/2013, DT. 24/07/2013)

2.18

Import of Samples

Import of samples shall be governed by Chapter 2 of HBP v1.

2.19

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.

2.20

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.

2.21

Import on Export Basis

Freely exportable new or second hand capital goods, equipments, components, parts and accessories, containers meant for packing of goods for exports, jigs, fixtures, dies and moulds may be imported for export without an Authorisation on execution of LUT / BG with Customs Authorities.

2.22

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.

2.23

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.

2.24

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.

2.25

Import under Lease Financing

No specific permission of RA is required for lease financed capital goods.

2.26

Clearance of Goods from Customs

Good already imported / shipped / arrived, in advance, but not cleared from Customs may also be cleared against an Authorisation issued subsequently.

2.27

Execution of BG /LUT

(a) Wherever any duty free import is allowed or where otherwise specifically stated, importer shall execute prescribed LUT/BG/Bond with Customs Authority before clearance of goods.

(b) In case of indigenous sourcing, Authorisation holder shall furnish LUT/BG/Bond to RA concerned before sourcing material from indigenous supplier/nominated agency as prescribed in Chapter 2 of HBP v1.

2.28

Private/Public Bonded Warehouses for Imports

(a) Private / Public bonded warehouses may be set up in DTA as per terms and conditions of notification issued by DoR. 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) If such goods are not cleared for home consumption within a period of one year or such extended period as the custom authorities may permit, importer of such goods shall re-export the goods.

2.29

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.

2.30

Export of Samples

Export of Samples and Free of charge goods shall be governed by provisions given in Chapter 2 of HBP v1.

2.31

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.

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

2.32

Export of Gifts

Goods, including edible items, of value not exceeding Rs.500000/- 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.

2.33

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.

2.34

Third Party Exports

Third party exports, as defined in Chapter 9 shall be allowed under FTP.

2.35

Export of Imported Goods

(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 restricted for import or export in ITC (HS).

(b) Exports of such goods imported against payment in freely convertible currency would be permitted against payment in freely convertible currency except to countries as notified by DGFT from time to time. Export of such goods will be permitted against payment in Indian rupees to the notified countries subject to at least 15% value addition.

(Countries eligible to avail benefits of above Para 2.35 (b) of Foreign Trade Policy, 2009-2014 have to be notified vide NOTIFICATION NO. 17/2013, DT. 10/06/2013. Iran is being notified now as eligible.)

(Above (b) has been amended vide NOTIFICATION NO. 16/2013, DT. 06/06/2013)

[OLD -
(b) Exports of such goods imported against payment in freely convertible currency would be permitted against payment in freely convertible currency. ]

2.36

Export of Imported Goods under Bond Procedures

Goods, including those mentioned as ‘Restricted’ for import (except ‘Prohibited’ items) may be imported under Customs Bond for export in freely convertible currency without an Authorisation provided that item is freely exportable without any conditionality / requirement of Authorisation / Licence / permission as may be required under Schedule 2 – Export Policy of the ITC (HS).

2.36A

Hides, Skins and semi finished leather may be imported in the Public Bonded warehouse for the purpose of DTA sale and the unsold items thereof can be re-exported from such bonded warehouses at 50% of the applicable export duty. However, this facility shall not be allowed for import under Private Bonded warehouse.

2.37

Export of Replacement Goods

Goods or parts thereof on being exported and found defective/ damaged or otherwise unfit for use may be replaced free of charge by the exporter and such goods shall be allowed clearance by Customs authorities, provided that replacement goods are not mentioned as restricted items for exports in ITC (HS).

2.38

Export of Repaired Goods

Goods or parts, except restricted under ITC (HS) thereof, on being exported and found defective, damaged or otherwise unfit for use may be imported for repair and subsequent re-export. Such goods shall be allowed clearance without an Authorisation and in accordance with customs notification. 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.

(In above para last sentence has been added vide NTF. NO. 24/2013, DT. 19/06/2013)

2.39

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 DoR.

(b) Such warehouses shall be entitled to procure goods from domestic manufacturers without payment of duty. Supplies made by a domestic supplier to such notified warehouses shall be treated as physical exports provided payments are made in free foreign exchange.

2.40

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 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 the 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. 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.

2.40A

Export to Iran – Realisations in Indian Rupees

Export proceeds against specific exports to Iran realized in Indian rupees are permitted to avail exports benefits/ incentives under the Foreign Trade Policy, 2009-14, at par with export proceeds realized in freely convertible currency.

2.41

Realisation of Export Proceeds

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 action in accordance with provisions of FT (D&R) Act, Rules and Orders made there under and FTP.

2.42

Free movement of export goods

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.

2.42.1

No seizure of Stock

No seizure of stock 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 basis of prima facie evidence. However, such seizure should be lifted within 7 days.

2.43

Export Promotion Councils (EPC)

Basic objective of Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) is to promote and develop Indian exports. Each Council is responsible for promotion of a particular group of products, projects and services as given in HBP v1.

2.44

Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC)

Any person, applying for:

(a) An Authorisation to import / export, (except items) listed as ‘Restricted’ items in ITC (HS) or

(b) Any other benefit or concession under FTP shall be required to furnish RCMC granted by competent authority in accordance with procedure specified in HBP v1 unless specifically exempted under FTP. Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES) issued by Spices Board shall be treated as Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) for the purposes under this Policy.

2.45

Trade Facilitation through EDI Initiatives

A secure EDI Message Exchange system for various documents i.e. Authorisations, Shipping Bills, IEC, Application Fee, RCMCs has been established with trade partners i.e. Customs, Banks and Export Promotion Councils. These documents are no longer required to be physically filed with DGFT or transmitted physically to the concerned partners. Therefore, it has reduced the transaction cost for the exporters. It is the endeavour of DGFT to enlarge the scope and domain of EDI exchange continuously.

2.45.1

DGCI &S Commercial Trade Data

DGCI&S has put in place a Data Suppression Policy. Transaction level data would not be made publically available to protect privacy. DGCI&S trade data shall be made available at aggregate level with a minimum possible time lag in a query based structured format on commercial criteria.

2.45.2

Fiscal Incentives to promote EDI Initiatives adoption

To encourage usage of ‘on-line’ filing of applications for authorizations/IEC, incentives are provided to applicants through a reduced application fee as detailed in the Hand Book of Procedures.

2.46

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 Central Board of Excise and Customs to decide such cases also with effect from 01.04.2005.

2.47

Easing of Documentation Requirement

DGFT has provided ‘on-line’ facility for filing applications to obtain various authorizations / IECode. The authorizations are issued and transmitted electronically to Customs for clearance so as to reduce the required documentation. DGFT has also become India’s first digital signature enabled department in Government of India, which has introduced a higher level of Encrypted 2048 bit Digital Signature for enhanced security in communications with essential features like authentication, Privacy, non-repudiation and integrity in the virtual world.

2.48

Exemption / Remission of Service Tax in DTA

For all goods and services which are exported from units in DTA and units in EOU / EHTP / STP / BTP exemption / remission of service tax levied and related to exports, shall be allowed, as per prescribed procedure in Chapter 4 of HBP v1.

2.48.1

Exemption from Service Tax in SEZ

Units in SEZ shall be exempted from service tax.

2.48.2

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.

GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL

2.49

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 clean, transparent and accountable delivery systems.

2.49.1

Citizen’s Charter

DGFT has in place a Citizen’s Charter, giving time schedules for providing services to clients, and details of grievance committees at different levels.

2.49.2

Personal Hearing by DGFT

a) Paragraph 2.5 of FTP contains the provision for relaxation of Policy and Procedures on grounds of genuine hardship and adverse impact on trade. DGFT may consider such request after consulting respective Norms Committee, EPCG Committee and Policy Relaxation Committee (PRC).

b) As a last resort to redress grievances of Importers/Exporters, DGFT may provide an opportunity for Personal Hearing (PH). For such PH, a specific request has to be made to DG if following conditions are satisfied:

i. 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, and

ii. a request for review before the said Committee or Authority has been filed,

iii. such Committee or Authority has considered the request for a review, and

iv. the exporter/ importer continues to be aggrieved.

c) The decision conveyed in pursuance to the personal hearing shall be final and binding.

d) 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 F.T.(D&R) Act, 1992, as amended from time to time”.

(Above para 2.49.2 has been substituted vide NOTIFICATION NO. 08/2013, DT. 22/04/2013)

[OLD - 2.49.2

Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC)

(a) In order to facilitate speedy redressal of grievances of trade and industry, a new grievance redressal mechanism has been put in place in the form of GRC by a Government Resolution.

(c) The Government is committed to resolving all outstanding problems and disputes pertaining to past policy periods through GRC set up on 27.10.2004, for condoning delays, regularizing breaches by exporters in bonafide cases, resolving disputes over entitlements, granting extensions for utilization of Authorisations. ]

2.50

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 procedures have been notified at Appendix 40 to HBP v1.

2.51

Niryat Bandhu

A novel ‘Niryat Bandhu’ scheme for mentoring first generation entrepreneurs has been conceptualised. The Officer (Niryat Bandhu) would primarily mentor interested individuals in the arena of international business. Such hand-holding by officers of DGFT would help the new exporters/importers by leveraging the knowledge base of officers and by providing timely and appropriate guidance.

2.52

e-BRC

Bank Realization Certificates (BRCs), evidencing receipt of export proceeds would be transmitted electronically from the respective banks to the DGFT. This will bring down transaction cost to the exporters as they will not be required to obtain physical copies of BRCs from the banks and then submit such physical copy to DGFT.