4.94

Guidelines/ Monitoring for import of precious metal by the Nominated Agencies

The guidelines on import of precious metal by the nominated agencies and monitoring are as under:

(a) Deleted.

(b) Following guidelines for monitoring the import of precious metal and its distribution and / or own use by the Nominated Agencies will be followed, (other than the Banks nominated by RBI for this purpose):

(i) Every Nominated Agency is required to maintain records of imports of precious metal (both quantity and value) and its distribution for the purpose of exports of value added product as well as for the purpose of domestic consumption as per the format given in Appendix 4-M of Hand Book of Procedures. Nominated Agencies will also have to follow the guidelines/ rules/procedures /directions as prescribed by RBI and DGFT. Failure to comply will render Nominated Agency Certificate liable to be cancelled in addition to action under FT (DR) Act 1992, as amended, after affording opportunity of personal hearing.

(ii) Monitoring by Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council:

Monitoring in respect of Nominated Agencies MMTC Ltd, Handicraft and Handlooms Exports Corporation Ltd, The State Trading Corporation Ltd, PEC Ltd, STCL Ltd, MSTC Ltd, Diamond India Limited will be by Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (G&J EPC). Nominated Agencies shall file half yearly return as per format given in Appendix 4-M of Hand Book of Procedures, to the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), Mumbai within 15 days of every completed half year. In turn, G&J EPC shall compile the half yearly return and the figures submitted by the Nominated Agency and check the performance of the Nominated Agency. Thereafter, GJEPC shall forward the compiled half yearly returns along with its observation on performance of Nominated Agency to DGFT headquarters within one month of every completed half year. In case of delay in filing or non-submission of half yearly return within 15 days of every completed half year, GJEPC shall seek comments of defaulting Nominated Agencies. GJEPC will also forward the particulars of defaulting Nominated Agency to DGFT headquarters for taking appropriate action against defaulting Nominated Agency.

(iii) Monitoring by Regional Authorities of DGFT:

Regional Authority which has issued Nominated Agency Certificate shall monitor performance of such Certificate holders based on the half yearly returns to be filed by such agencies to the concerned Regional Authority. The Nominated Agency shall file half yearly return to Regional Authority in the month of October (for the period April to September) / April (for the period October to March) as per the format given in Appendix 4-M of Hand Book of Procedures. Regional Authority shall consolidate and verify these returns. Regional Authority will also inform DGFT which agency has not filed the return and to also take appropriate action within 30 days for suspension / cancellation of the Nominated Agency Certificate.

(c) DGFT headquarters can also review the performance of Nominated Agencies, whenever necessary.