Import Licensing Notes 37

PHOTOGRAPHIC OR CINEMATOGRAPHIC GOODS

1. Import of cinematograph films and other films shall be governed by the provisions of Public notice no. 64/1997-2002 dated 29.01.2002. The text of the Public notice is given below:

Subject: Policy for import of cinematograph films and other films (including film on video tape, compact video disc, laser video disc or digital video disc).

In exercise of powers conferred under Paragraph 4.11 of the Export and Import Policy 1997-2002, as notified in the Gazette of India extraordinary, Part-II Section 3, sub Section (ii) vide S.O. No. 283(E) dated 31.3.1997 and in supersession of Public Notice no. 4(PN)/97-02 dated 31.03.1997, as amended from time to time, the Director General of Foreign Trade hereby notifies the policy for import of cinematograph films and other films (including film on video tape, compact video disc, laser video disc or digital video disc)

(i) Import of cinematograph feature films and other films (including film on video tape, compact video disc, laser video disc or digital video disc) shall be allowed without a licence.

(ii) The importer of the film shall comply with the provisions of all applicable Indian laws governing the distribution and exhibition of films, including the requirement of obtaining a certificate of public exhibition prescribed under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.

(iii) Import of any unauthorized/pirated films shall be prohibited.

(iv) Import of foreign reprints of Indian films shall not be permitted without the prior permission in writing from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India.

(v) The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, on being satisfied that it is necessary or expedient in public interest to do so, may waive or relax the above requirements.