2.52

Import of Restricted items required by Hotels, Restaurants, Travel Agents, Tour Operators and other Specified Categories

Items mentioned as restricted for imports in ITC (HS) required by hotels, restaurants, travel agents and tour operators may be allowed against an Authorisation, based on recommendation of Director General, Tourism, Government of India.

(a) Hotels, including tourist hotels, recognised by Director General of Tourism, Government of India or a State Government shall be entitled to import Authorisation upto a value of 25% of foreign exchange earned by them from foreign tourists during preceding licensing year, for import of essential goods related to hotel and tourism industry.

(b) Travel agents, tour operators, restaurants, and tourist transport operators and other units for tourism, like adventure/ wildlife and convention units, recognized by Director General of Tourism, Government of India, shall be entitled to import authorisation up to a value of 10% of foreign exchange earned by them during preceding licensing year, for import of essential goods which are restricted for imports related to travel and tourism industry, including office and other equipment required for their own professional use.

(c) Import entitlement under paragraphs 2.52 (a) and 2.52 (b) of any one licensing year can be carried forward, either in full or in part, and added to import entitlement of two succeeding licensing years.

(d) Such imported goods may be transferred after 2 years with permission of DGFT. No permission for transfer will be required in case the imported goods are re-exported. However, re-export shall be subject to all conditionality, or requirement of licence, or permission, as may be required under Schedule II of ITC (HS).

(e) An application for grant of an Authorisation under paragraphs 2.52 (a) and 2.52 (b) may be made in ANF 2 M to DGFT through Director of Tourism, Government of India who will forward application to RA concerned along with their recommendations.