Foreign Trade Policy (Exim Policy) - Year 2006

Updated  Exim Policy Chapter 3 para 3.8.2 on dated 30 Oct 2008.

Foreign Trade Policy

PREAMBLE

CONTEXT

For India to become a major player in world trade, an all encompassing, comprehensive view needs to be taken for the overall development of the country’s foreign trade. While increase in exports is of vital importance, we have also to facilitate those imports which are required to stimulate our economy. Coherence and consistency among trade and other economic policies is important for maximizing the contribution of such policies to development. Thus, while incorporating the existing practice of enunciating an annual Exim Policy, it is necessary to go much beyond and take an integrated approach to the developmental requirements of India’s foreign trade. This is the context of the new Foreign Trade Policy.

OBJECTIVES

Trade is not an end in itself, but a means to economic growth and national development. The primary purpose is not the mere earning of foreign exchange, but the stimulation of greater economic activity. The Foreign Trade Policy is rooted in this belief and built around two major objectives. These are:

  1. To double our percentage share of global merchandise trade within the next five years; and
  2. To act as an effective instrument of economic growth by giving a thrust to employment generation.

STRATEGY

These objectives are proposed to be achieved by adopting, among others, the following strategies:

  1. Unshackling of controls and creating an atmosphere of trust and transparency to unleash the innate entrepreneurship of our businessmen, industrialists and traders.
  2. Simplifying procedures and bringing down transaction costs.
  3. Neutralizing incidence of all levies and duties on inputs used in export products, based on the fundamental principle that duties and levies should not be exported.
  4. Facilitating development of India as a global hub for manufacturing, trading and services.
  5. Identifying and nurturing special focus areas which would generate additional employment opportunities, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas, and developing a series of ‘Initiatives’ for each of these.
  6. Facilitating technological and infrastructural upgradation of all the sectors of the Indian economy, especially through import of capital goods and equipment, thereby increasing value addition and productivity, while attaining internationally accepted standards of quality.
  7. Avoiding inverted duty structures and ensuring that our domestic sectors are not disadvantaged in the Free Trade Agreements/Regional Trade Agreements/Preferential Trade Agreements that we enter into in order to enhance our exports.
  8. Upgrading our infrastructural network, both physical and virtual, related to the entire
    Foreign Trade chain, to international standards.
  9. Revitalising the Board of Trade by redefining its role, giving it due recognition and inducting experts on Trade Policy.
  10. Activating our Embassies as key players in our export strategy and linking our Commercial Wings abroad through an electronic platform for real time trade intelligence and enquiry dissemination.

PARTNERSHIP

The new Policy envisages merchant exporters and manufacturer exporters, business and industry as partners of Government in the achievement of its stated objectives and goals. Prolonged and unnecessary litigation vitiates the premise of partnership. In order to obviate the need for litigation and nurture a constructive and conducive atmosphere, a suitable Grievance Redressal Mechanism will be established which, it is hoped, would substantially reduce litigation and further a relationship of partnership.

The dynamics of a liberalized trading system sometimes results in injury caused to domestic industry on account of dumping. When this happens, effective measures to redress such injury will be taken.

ROADMAP

This Policy is essentially a roadmap for the development of India’s foreign trade. It contains the basic principles and points the direction in which we propose to go. By virtue of its very dynamics, a trade policy cannot be fully comprehensive in all its details. It would naturally require modification from time to time. We propose to do this through continuous updation, based on the inevitable changing dynamics of international trade. It is in partnership with business and industry that we propose to erect milestones on this roadmap.

(KAMAL NATH)
MINISTER FOR COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

NEW DELHI
31ST AUGUST, 2004

CHAPTER 1A: LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Preamble 1.1 The Preamble spells out the broad framework and is an integral part of the Foreign Trade Policy.
Duration 1.2 In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 5 of The Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation Act), 1992 (No.22 of 1992), the Central Government hereby notifies the Foreign Trade Policy for the period 2004-2009 incorporating the Export and Import Policy for the period 2002-2007, as modified. This Policy shall come into force with effect from 1st September 2004 and shall remain in force upto 31st March, 2009 unless as otherwise specified.
Amendments 1.3 The Central Government reserves the right in public interest to make any amendments to this Policy in exercise of the powers conferred by Section-5 of the Act. Such amendment shall be made by means of a Notification published in the Gazette of India.
Transitional 1.4 Any Notifications made or Public Notices issued or anything Arrangements done under the previous Export/ Import policies, and in force immediately before the commencement of this Policy shall, in so far as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Policy, continue to be in force and shall be deemed to have been made, issued or done under this Policy.
Authorisations, certificates and permissions issued before the commencement of this Policy shall continue to be valid for the purpose and duration for which such Authorisation, certificate or permission was issued, unless otherwise stipulated.
  1.5 In case an export or import that is permitted freely under this Policy is subsequently subjected to any restriction or regulation, such export or import will ordinarily be permitted notwithstanding such restriction or regulation, unless otherwise stipulated, provided that the shipment of the export or import is made within the original validity of an irrevocable letter of credit established before the date of imposition of such restriction.

 CHAPTER 1B: SPECIAL FOCUS INITIATIVES

Special Focus 1B.1 With a view to doubling our percentage share of global Initiatives trade within 5 years and expanding employment opportunities, especially in semi urban and rural areas, certain special focus initiatives have been identified for the agriculture, handlooms, handicraft, gems & jewellery, leather and Marine sectors.
Government of India shall make concerted efforts to promote exports in these sectors by specific sectoral strategies that shall be notified from time to time.
New Sectoral Initiatives to be announced   Further Sectoral Initiatives in other sectors will also be announced from time to time.

For the present, the thrust sectors indicated below shall be extended the following facilities:

  1.  Agriculture and Village Industry
    1. A new scheme called the Vishesh Krishi and Gram Udyog Yojana (Special Agricultural and Village Industry Scheme) for promoting export of fruits, Vegetables, Flowers, Minor Forest produce, Dairy, Poultry and their value added products and Gram Udyog products has been introduced (Para 3.8).
    2.  Funds shall be earmarked under ASIDE for development of Agri Export Zones (AEZ)
    3. Deleted.
    4. Deleted.
    5. Capital goods imported under EPCG shall be permitted to be installed anywhere in the AEZ.
    6. Import of restricted items, such as panels, shall be allowed under the various export promotion schemes.
    7. Import of inputs such as pesticides shall be permitted under the Advance Authorisation for agro exports.
    8. New towns of export excellence with a threshold limit of Rs 250 crore shall be notified.
  2. Handlooms
    1.  Specific funds would be earmarked under MAI/ MDA Scheme for promoting handloom exports.
    2. Duty free import entitlement of specified trimmings and embellishments shall be 5% of FOB value of exports during the previous financial year.
    3. Duty free import entitlement of hand knotted carpet samples shall be 1% of FOB value of exports during the previous financial year.
    4. Duty free import of old pieces of hand knotted carpets on consignment basis for re-export after repair shall be permitted.
    5. New towns of export excellence with a threshold limit of Rs 250 crore shall be notified.
    6. Government has decided to develop a trade mark for Handloom on lines similar to ‘Woolmark’ and
      ‘Silkmark’. This will enable handloom products to develop a niche market with a distinct identity.
  3. Handicrafts:
    1. New Handicraft SEZs shall be established which would procure products from the cottage sector and do the finishing for exports.
    2. Duty free import entitlement of trimmings and embellishments shall be 5% of the FOB value of exports during the previous financial year. The entitlement is broad banded, and shall extend also
      to merchant exporters tied up with supporting manufacturers.
    3. The Handicraft Export Promotion Council shall be authorized to import trimmings, embellishments and consumables on behalf of those exporters for whom directly importing may not be viable.
    4. Specific funds would be earmarked under MAI & MDA Schemes for promoting Handicraft exports.
    5. CVD is exempted on duty free import of trimmings, embellishments and consumables.
    6. New towns of export excellence with a reduced threshold limit of Rs 250 crore shall be notified.
  4. (iv) Gems & Jewellery
    1. Import of gold of 8k and above shall be allowed under the replenishment scheme subject to the import being accompanied by an Assay Certificate specifying the purity, weight and alloy content.
    2. Duty free import entitlement of consumables for metals other than Gold, Platinum shall be 2% of FOB value of exports during the previous financial year.
    3.  Duty free import entitlement of commercial samples shall be Rs 300,000.
    4. Duty free re-import entitlement for rejected jewellery shall be 2% of the FOB value of exports
    5. Cutting and polishing of gems and jewellery, shall be treated as manufacturing for the purposes of exemption under Section 10A of the Income Tax Act
  5. Leather and Footwear
    1. Duty free import entitlement of specified items shall be 5% of FOB value of exports during the preceding financial year.
    2. The duty free entitlement for the import of trimmings, embellishments and footwear components for footwear (leather as well as synthetic), gloves, travel bags and handbags shall be 3% of FOB value of exports of the previous financial year. The entitlement shall also cover packing material, such as printed and non printed shoeboxes, small cartons made of wood, tin or plastic materials for packing footwear.
    3. Machinery and equipment for Effluent Treatment Plants shall be exempt from basic customs duty.
    4. Re-export of unsuitable imported materials such as raw hides & skins and wet blue leathers is permitted.
    5. CVD is exempted on lining and interlining material notified at S.No 168 of Customs Notification No 21/2002 dated 01.03.2002.
    6. CVD is exempted on raw, tanned and dressed fur skins falling under Chapter 43 of ITC (HS).
Package for Marine  
    1. Duty free import of specified specialised inputs/ Sector chemicals and flavouring oils etc. to be allowed to the extent of 1% of FOB value of preceding financial years export.
    2. To allow import of monofilament long line system for tuna fishing at a concessional rate of duty.
    3. A self removal procedure for clearance of seafood waste to be applicable subject to prescribed wastage norms.
Optimum Development programme for Pragati Maidan 1B.2 In order to showcase our industrial and trade prowess to its  best advantage and leverage existing facilities to enhance the  quantity of space and service, Pragati Maidan will be transformed into a world-class complex with visitor friendliness ingress and egress system. The complex utilisation will be improved, increased and diversified. There shall be brand new, state-of-the-art, environmentally- controlled, air- conditioned exhibition areas, and Permanent Exhibition Marts. In addition, a large Convention Centre to accommodate ten thousand delegates will be developed, with multiple and flexible hall spaces, auditoria and meeting rooms with hi-tech equipment. A year-round Food and Beverage destination will be developed, with a large number of outlets covering all cuisines and pricing levels. There will be a multi- level park to accommodate over nine thousand vehicles within the envelope of Pragati Maidan.

CHAPTER-1C Board of Trade

Board of Trade 1C.1 The Board of Trade has been revamped and given a clear and dynamic role in advising government on relevant issues connected with Foreign Trade Policy. There would be a process of continuous interaction between the Board of Trade and Government in order to achieve the desired objective of boosting India’s exports.
Terms of Reference 1C.2

The Board of Trade would have the following terms of reference:

  1. To advise the Government on Policy measures for preparation and implementation of both short and long term plans for increasing exports in the light of emerging national and international economic scenarios;
  2. To review export performance of various sectors, identify constraints and suggest industry specific measures to optimize export earnings;
  3. To examine the existing institutional framework for imports & exports and suggest practical measures for further streamlining to achieve the desired objectives;
  4. To review the policy instruments and procedures
    for imports & exports and suggest steps to
    rationalize and channelise such schemes for optimum use;
  5. To examine issues which are considered relevant for promotion of India’s foreign trade, and to strengthen the international competitiveness of Indian goods and services; and
  6. To commission studies for furtherance of the above objectives.
Composition 1C.3 Government shall nominate an eminent person or expert on trade policy to be Chairman of the Board of Trade. Government shall also nominate 25 persons, of whom at least 10 will be experts in trade policy. In addition, Chairmen of recognized Export Promotion Councils and President or Secretary-Generals of National Chambers of Commerce will be ex-officio members.
Meetings 1C.4 The Board will meet at least once every quarter and make recommendations to Government on issues pertaining to its terms of reference.
Sub- committee 1C.5 The Board of Trade will have the power to set up sub-committees and to co-opt experts to these, to make recommendations on specific sectors and objectives.
Secretariat and Budget Head 1C.6 The Board of Trade will have a Secretariat and Budget Head and shall be serviced by the Department of Commerce.

CHAPTER-2 GENERAL PROVISIONS REGARDING IMPORTS AND EXPORTS

Exports and Imports free unless regulated 2.1 Exports and Imports shall be free, except in cases where they are regulated by the provisions of this Policy or any other law for the time being in force. The item wise export and import policy shall be, as specified in ITC(HS) published and notified by Director General of Foreign Trade, as amended from time to time.
Compliance with Laws 2.2 Every exporter or importer shall comply with the provisions of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, the Rules and Orders made thereunder, the provisions of this Policy and the terms and conditions of any Licence/certificate/ permission/Authorisation granted to him, as well as provisions of any other law for the time being in force. All imported goods shall also be subject to domestic Laws, Rules, Orders, Regulations, technical specifications, environmental and safety norms as applicable to domestically produced goods. No import or export of rough diamonds shall be permitted unless the shipment parcel is accompanied by Kimberley Process (KP) Certificate required under the procedure specified by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).
Interpretation of Policy 2.3 If any question or doubt arises in respect of the interpretation of any provision contained in this Policy, or regarding the classification of any item in the ITC(HS) or Handbook (Vol.1) or Handbook (Vol.2), or Schedule Of DEPB Rate the said question or doubt shall be referred to the Director General of Foreign Trade whose decision thereon shall be final and binding.

If any question or doubt arises whether a licence/ certificate/ permission has been issued in accordance with this Policy or if any question or doubt arises touching upon the scope and content of such documents, the same shall be referred to the Director General of Foreign Trade whose decision thereon shall be final and binding.
Procedure 2.4 The Director General of Foreign Trade may, in any case or class of cases, specify the procedure to be followed by an exporter or importer or by any licensing or any other competent authority for the purpose of implementing the provisions of the Act, the Rules and the Orders made thereunder and this Policy. Such procedures shall be included in the Handbook (Vol.1), Handbook (Vol.2), Schedule of DEPB Rate and in ITC(HS) and published by means of a Public Notice. Such procedures may, in like manner, be amended from time to time.

The Handbook (Vol.1) is a supplement to the Foreign Trade Policy and contains relevant procedures and other details. The procedure of availing benefits under various schemes of the Policy are given in the Handbook (Vol.1).
Exemption from Policy/Procedure 2.5 Any request for relaxation of the provisions of this Policy or of any procedure, on the ground that there is genuine hardship to the applicant or that a strict application of the Policy or the procedure is likely to have an adverse impact on trade, may be made to the Director General of Foreign Trade for such relief as may be necessary. The Director General of Foreign Trade may pass such orders or grant such relaxation or relief, as he may deem fit and proper.

The Director General of Foreign Trade may, in public interest, exempt any person or class or category of persons from any provision of this Policy 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 Norms Committee (NC) if the request is in respect of a provision of Chapter-4 (excluding any provision relating to Gem & Jewellery sector) and EPCG Committee if the request is in respect of a provision of Chapter-5 of the Policy/ Procedure. However, any such request in respect of a provision other than Chapter-4, Chapter-5 and Gem & Jewellery sector as given above may be considered only after consulting Policy Relaxation Committee.
Principles of Restriction 2.6 DGFT may, through a notification, adopt and enforce any measure necessary for :
  1. Protection of public morals.
  2. Protection of human, animal or plant life or health.
  3. Protection of patents, trademarks and copyrights and the prevention of deceptive practices.
  4. Prevention of use of prison labour.
  5. Protection of national treasures of artistic, historic or archaeological value.
  6. Conservation of exhaustible natural resources.
  7. Protection of trade of fissionable material or material from which they are derived; and
  8. Prevention of traffic in arms, ammunition and implements of war.
Restricted Goods 2.7 Any goods, the export or import of which is restricted under ITC(HS) may be exported or imported only in accordance with a licence/ certificate/ permission or a public notice issued in this behalf.
Terms and Conditions of a licence/ Certificate/ Permission 2.8 Every Licence/certificate/permission/Authorisation shall be valid for the period of validity specified in the Licence/ certificate/ permission and shall contain such terms and conditions as may be specified by the licensing authority which may include:
  1. The quantity, description and value of the goods;
  2. Actual User condition;
  3. Export obligation;
  4. The value addition to be achieved; and
  5. The minimum export price.
Authorisation / Licence / Certificate / Permission not a Right 2.9 No person may claim a licence/certificate/ permission as a right and the Director General of Foreign Trade or the regional authority shall have the power to refuse to grant or renew a Licence/certificate/permission/Authorisation in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the Rules made there under.
Penalty 2.10 If a Licence / certificate / permission / Authorisation holder violates any condition of the Licence/certificate/ permission or fails to fulfill the export obligation, he shall be liable for action in accordance with the Act, the Rules and Orders made there under, the Policy and any other law for the time being in force.
State Trading 2.11 Any goods, the import or export of which is governed through exclusive or special privileges granted to State Trading Enterprise(s), may be imported or exported by the State Trading Enterprise(s) as specified in the ITC(HS) Book subject to the conditions specified therein. The Director General of Foreign Trade may, however, grant a Licence/certificate/ permission/Authorisation to any other person to import or export any of these goods.

In respect of goods the import or export of which is governed through exclusive or special privileges granted to State Trading Enterprise(s), the State Trading Enterprise(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. These enterprises shall act in a non discriminatory manner and shall afford the enterprises of other countries adequate opportunity, in accordance with customary business practices, to compete for participation in such purchases or sales.
Importer-Exporter Code Number 2.12 No export or import shall be made by any person without an Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) number unless specifically exempted. An Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) number shall be granted on application by the competent authority in accordance with the procedure specified in the Handbook (Vol.1).
Trade with Neighbouring Countries 2.13 The Director General of Foreign Trade may issue, from time to time, such instructions or frame such schemes as may be required to promote trade and strengthen economic ties with neighbouring countries.
Transit Facility 2.14 Transit of goods through India from or to countries adjacent to India shall be regulated in accordance with the 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.
Trade with Russia under Debt-Repayment Agreement 2.15 In the case of trade with Russia under the Debt Repayment Agreement, the Director General of Foreign Trade may issue, from time to time, such instructions or frame such schemes as may be required, and anything contained in this Policy, in so far as it is inconsistent with such instructions or schemes, shall not apply.
Actual User Condition 2.16 Capital goods, raw materials, intermediates, components, consumables, spares, parts, accessories, instruments and other goods, which are importable without any restriction, may be imported by any person.

However, if such imports require a licence/ certificate/ permission, the actual user alone may import such goods unless the actual user condition is specifically dispensed with by the licensing authority.
Second Hand Goods 2.17 All second hand goods, except second hand capital goods, shall be restricted for imports and may be imported only in accordance with the provisions of this Policy, ITC(HS), Handbook (Vol.1), Public Notice or a Licence/certificate/ permission/Authorisation issued in this behalf.

Import of second hand capital goods, including refurbished/ re-conditioned spares shall be allowed freely. However, second hand personal computers/laptops, photocopier machines, air conditioners, diesel generating sets will only be allowed against a license issued in this behalf.

Import of re-manufactured goods shall be allowed only against a licence issued in this behalf.
Import of samples 2.18 Import of samples shall be governed by the provisions given in Handbook (Vol.1).
Import of Gifts 2.19 Import of gifts shall be permitted where such goods are otherwise freely importable under this Policy. In other cases, a Customs Clearance Permit (CCP) shall be required from the DGFT.
Passenger Baggage 2.20 Bonafide household goods and personal effects may be imported as part of passenger baggage as per the limits, terms and conditions thereof in the Baggage Rules notified by the Ministry of Finance.

Samples of such items that are otherwise freely importable under this Policy may also be imported as part of passenger baggage without a Licence/certificate/permission/ Authorisation.

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 a Licence/certificate/permission/ Authorisation.
Import on Export basis 2.21 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 a Licence/certificate/permission/ Authorisation on execution of Legal Undertaking/Bank Guarantee with the Customs Authorities provided that the item is freely exportable without any conditionality/requirement of Licence/ permission as may be required under ITC(HS) Schedule II.
Re-import of goods repaired abroad 2.22 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 a Licence/certificate/permission/ Authorisation.
Import of goods used in projects abroad 2.23 After completion of the projects abroad, project contractors may import, without a licence/ certificate/ permission, used goods including capital goods provided they have been used for at least one year.
Sale on High Seas 2.24 Sale of goods on high seas for import into India may be made subject to this Policy or any other law for the time being in force.
Import under Lease Financing 2.25 Permission of licensing authority is not required for import of new capital goods under lease financing.
Clearance of Goods from Customs 2.26 The goods already imported/shipped/arrived, in advance, but not cleared from Customs may also be cleared against the Licence/ certificate/ permission issued subsequently.
Execution of BG/ LUT 2.27 Wherever any duty free import is allowed or where otherwise specifically stated, the importer shall execute a Legal Undertaking (LUT)/Bank Guarantee (BG)/ Bond with the Customs Authority before clearance of goods through the Customs, in the manner as may be prescribed. In case of indigenous sourcing, the Licence/ certificate/ permission holder shall furnish LUT / BG / Bond to the licensing authority before sourcing the material from the indigenous supplier/nominated agency.
Exemption from Bank Guarantee 2.27.1 All the exporters who have an export turnover of at least Rupees 5 crore in the current or preceding licencing year and have a good track record of three years of exports will be exempted from furnishing a BG for any of the schemes under this Policy and may furnish a LUT in lieu of BG.
Private/ Public Bonded Warehouses for Imports 2.28 Private/Public bonded warehouses may be set up in the Domestic Tariff Area as per the terms and conditions of notification issued by Department of Revenue.

Any person may import goods except prohibited items, arms and ammunition, hazardous waste and chemicals and warehouse them in such private/public bonded warehouses.

Such goods may be cleared for home consumption in accordance with the provisions of this Policy and against Licence/certificate/ permission, wherever required. Customs duty as applicable shall be paid at the time of clearance of such goods.

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, the importer of such goods shall re-export the goods.
Free Exports 2.29 All goods may be exported without any restriction except to the extent such exports are regulated by ITC(HS) or any other provision of this Policy or any other law for the time being in force.

The Director General of Foreign Trade may, however, specify through a public notice such terms and conditions according to which any goods, not included in the ITC(HS), may be exported without a licence/ certificate/ permission.
Export of Samples 2.30 Export of samples and Free of charge goods shall be governed by the provisions given in Handbook (Vol.1).
Export of Passenger Baggage 2.31 Bonafide personal baggage may be exported either along with the passenger or, if unaccompanied, within one year before or after the passenger’s departure from India. However, items mentioned as Restricted in ITC(HS) shall require a Licence/ certificate/permission/Authorisation.
Export of Gifts 2.32 Goods, including edible items, of value not exceeding Rs.5,00,000/- 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 a Licence/certificate/ permission/Authorisation.
Export of Spares 2.33 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 the main equipment or subsequently but within the contracted warranty period of such goods subject to approval of RBI.
Third Party Exports 2.34 Third party exports, as defined in Chapter 9 shall be allowed under the Policy.
Export of Imported Goods 2.35 Goods imported, in accordance with this Policy, may be exported in the same or substantially the same form without a Licence/certificate/permission/Authorisation provided that the item to be imported or exported is not mentioned as restricted for import or export in the ITC(HS).

Exports of such goods imported against payment in freely convertible currency would be permitted against payment in freely convertible currency.
  2.36 Goods, including those mentioned as restricted item for import (except prohibited items) may be imported under Customs Bond for export in freely convertible currency without a licence/ certificate/ permission provided that the item is freely exportable without any conditionality/ requirement of Licence/permission as may be required under ITC (HS) Schedule II.
Export of Replacement Goods 2.37 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 the customs authorities provided that the replacement goods are not mentioned as restricted items for exports in ITC(HS).
Export of Repaired Goods 2.38 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 a licence/certificate/permission and in accordance with customs notification issued in this behalf.
Private Bonded Warehouses for Exports 2.39 Private bonded warehouses exclusively for exports may be set up in DTA as per the terms and conditions of the notifications issued by Department of Revenue.

Such warehouses shall be entitled to procure the goods from domestic manufacturers without payment of duty. The supplies made by a domestic supplier to the notified warehouses shall be treated as physical exports provided the payments for the same are made in free foreign exchange.
Denomination of Export Contracts 2.40 All export contracts and invoices shall be denominated either in freely convertible currency or Indian rupees but the export proceeds shall be realised in freely convertible currency.

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, the rupee payment through the Vostro account must be against payment in free foreign currency by the buyer in his non resident bank account. The free foreign exchange remitted by the buyer to his non resident bank (after deducting the bank service charges) on account of this transaction would be taken as the export realization under the export promotion schemes of this Policy.

Contracts for which payments are received through the Asian Clearing Union (ACU) shall be denominated in ACU Dollar. The Central Government may relax the 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.
Realisation of Export Proceeds 2.41 If an exporter fails to realise the export proceeds within the time specified by the Reserve Bank of India, he shall, without prejudice to any liability or penalty under any law for the time being in force, be liable to action in accordance with the provisions of the Act, the Rules and Orders made there under and the provisions of this Policy.
Free movement of export goods 2.42 Consignments of items meant for exports shall not be withheld/delayed for any reason by any agency of the Central/State Government. In case of any doubt, the authorities concerned may ask for an undertaking from the exporter.
No seizure of Stock
 2.42.1 No seizure of stock shall be made by any agency so as to disrupt the manufacturing activity and delivery schedule of export goods. In exceptional cases, the concerned agency may seize the stock on the basis of prima facie evidence. However, such seizure should be lifted within 7 days.
Export Promotion Councils 2.43 The basic objective of Export Promotion Councils is to promote and develop the exports of the country. Each Council is responsible for the promotion of a particular group of products, projects and services. The list of the councils, and their main functions are given in Handbook (Vol.1).
Registration -cum- Membership Certificate 2.44 Any person, applying for (i) a licence/ authorisation/ certificate/ permission to import/ export, [except items listed as restricted items in ITC(HS)] or (ii) any other benefit or concession under this policy shall be required to furnish Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) granted by the competent authority in accordance with the procedure specified in the Handbook (Vol.1) unless specifically exempted under the Policy.
  2.45 Deleted
Trade Facilitation through EDI Initiatives 2.45.1 It is endeavor of the Government to work towards greater simplification, standardization and harmonization of trade documents using international best practices. As a step in this direction DGFT shall move towards an automated environment for electronic filing, retrieval and authentication of documents based on agreed protocols and message exchange with other community partners including Customs and Banks.
DGCI&S Commercial Trade Data 2.45.2 To enable the users to make commercial decisions in a more professional manner, DGCI&S trade data shall be made available with a minimum time lag in a query based structured format on a commercial criteria.
Fiscal Incentives to promote EDI Initiatives adoption 2.45.3 With a view to promote the use of Information Technology, DGFT will provide fiscal incentives to the user community. The details are enumerated in the Handbook (Vol.I).
Regularization of EO default and settlement of customs duty and interest through Settlement Commission 2.46 With a view to providing assistance to firms who have defaulted under the Foreign Trade Policy for reasons beyond their control as also facilitating the merger, acquisition and rehabilitation of sick units, it has been decided to empower the Settlement Commission in the Central Board of Excise and Customs to decide such cases also with effect from 01.04.2005.
Easing Of Documentation Requirement 2.47 Pending the finalisation of Single Common Document (SCD)for international trade, the Government Departments dealing with exports and imports will honour the permission license/certificate issued by the other Government departments based on the verification of the export documents Like shipping bill, bank realization certificate, Packing list, bill of lading etc .and will not insist upon fresh submission of these documents.
Remission of Service Tax in DTA 2.48.1 For all goods and services which are exported from units in Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) and units in EOU/EHTP/STP/BTP remission of service tax levied shall be allowed.
Exemption from Service Tax in SEZ 2.48.2 Units in SEZ shall be exempted from service tax.

GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL

DGFT as a facilitator of exports/ imports 2.49 DGFT has a commitment to function as a facilitator of exports and imports. Our focus is on good governance, which depends on clean, transparent and accountable delivery systems.
Citizen’s Charter 2.49.1 DGFT has in place a Citizen’s Charter which lays down its commitment to serve importers and exporters. It also gives time schedules for providing services to clients, and details of grievance committees at different levels.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism 2.49.2 In order to facilitate speedy redressal of grievances of trade and industry, a new grievance redressal mechanism has been put in place by a Government Resolution.

The Government is committed to resolving all outstanding problems and disputes pertaining to the past policy periods through the Grievance Redressal Committee 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 Licences etc.
  2.49.3 Deleted

CHAPTER-3 PROMOTIONAL MEASURES

Assistance to States for Infrastructure Development of Exports (ASIDE) 3.1 The State Governments shall be encouraged to participate in promoting exports from their respective States. For this purpose, Department of Commerce has formulated a scheme called ASIDE.

Suitable provision has been made in the Annual Plan of the Department of Commerce for allocation of funds to the States on the twin criteria of gross exports and the rate of growth of exports.

The States shall utilise this amount for developing infrastructure such as roads connecting production centers with the ports, setting up of Inland Container Depots and Container Freight Stations, creation of new State level export promotion industrial parks/zones, augmenting common facilities in the existing zones, equity participation in infrastructure projects, development of minor ports and jetties, assistance in setting up of common effluent treatment facilities, stabilizing power supply and any other activity as may be notified by Department of Commerce from time to time.
Market Access Initiative (MAI) 3.2 The Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme is intended to provide financial assistance for medium term export promotion efforts with a sharp focus on a country and product.

The financial assistance is available for Export Promotion Councils, Industry and Trade Associations, Agencies of State Governments, Indian Commercial Missions abroad and other eligible entities as may be notified from time to time.

A whole range of activities can be funded under the MAI scheme. These include market studies, setting up of showroom/ warehouse, sales promotion campaigns, international departmental stores, publicity campaigns, participation in international trade fairs, brand promotion, registration charges for pharmaceuticals and testing charges for engineering products etc. Each of these export promotion activities can receive financial assistance from the Government ranging from 25% to 100% of the total cost depending upon the activity and the implementing agency, as indicated in the detailed guidelines. The full text of the guidelines can be seen at http://commerce.nic.in.
Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) 3.2.1 The Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme is intended to provide financial assistance for a range of export promotion activities implemented by export promotion councils, industry and trade associations on a regular basis every year.

As per the revised MDA guidelines, assistance under MDA is available for exporters with annual export turnover upto Rs 10 crores.

These include participation in Trade Fairs and Buyer Seller meets abroad or in India, export promotion seminars etc.

Further, assistance for participation in Trade Fairs abroad and travel grant is available to such exporters if they travel to countries in one of the four Focus Areas, such as, Latin America, Africa, CIS Region, ASEAN countries, Australia and New Zealand.

For participation in trade fairs etc., in other areas financial assistance without travel grant is available.
Meeting Legal expenses for Trade related matters 3.2.1.1 Financial assistance would be provided to deserving exporters on the recommendation of Export Promotion Councils for meeting the cost of legal expenses relating to trade related matters.
Towns of Export Excellence 3.3 A number of towns in specific geographical locations have emerged as dynamic industrial clusters contributing handsomely to India’s exports. It is necessary to grant recognition to these industrial clusters with a view to maximizing their potential and enabling them to move higher in the value chain and tap new markets.

Selected towns producing goods of Rs. 1000 crore or more will be notified as Towns of Exports Excellence on the basis of potential for growth in exports. However for the Towns of Export Excellence in the Handloom, Handicraft, Agriculture and Fisheries sector, the threshold limit would be Rs 250 crores.

Common service providers in these areas shall be entitled for the facility of the EPCG scheme.

The recognized associations of units will be able to access the funds under the Market Access Initiative scheme for creating focused technological services.

Further such areas will receive priority for assistance for rectifying identified critical infrastructure gaps from the ASIDE scheme.

The notified towns of export excellence are listed in Appendix 7.
Brand Promotion and Quality 3.4.1 The Central Government aims to encourage manufacturers and exporters to attain internationally accepted standards of quality for their products. The Central Government will extend support and assistance to Trade and Industry to launch a nationwide programme on quality awareness and to promote the concept of total quality management.
Test Houses 3.4.2 The Central Government will assist in the modernisation and upgradation of test houses and laboratories in order to bring them at par with international standards.
Quality Complaints/Disputes 3.4.3 The Regional Sub-Committee on Quality Complaints (RSCQC) set up at the Regional Offices of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade shall investigate quality complaints received from foreign buyers. The guidelines for settlement of quality complaints, in particular, and such other complaints, in general, are given in Appendix-16 of Handbook of Procedures (Vol. I).
Trade disputes affecting trade relations 3.4.4 If it comes to the notice of the Director General of Foreign Trade or he has reason to believe that an export or import has been made in a manner that
  1. is gravely prejudicial to the trade relations of India with any other country; and/or
  2. is gravely prejudicial to the interest of other persons engaged in exports or imports; and/or
  3. has brought disrepute to the country;

The Director General Foreign Trade may take action against the exporter or importer concerned in accordance with the provisions of the Act, the Rules and Orders made thereunder and this Policy.
  3.5 STAR EXPORT HOUSES
Star Export House 3.5.1 Merchant as well as Manufacturer Exporters, Service Providers, Export Oriented Units (EOUs) and Units located in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Agri Export Zone (AEZ’s), Electronic Hardware Technology Parks (EHTPs), Software Technology Parks (STPs) and Bio Technology Parks (BTPs) shall be eligible for applying for status as Star Export Houses.
Status Category 3.5.2 The applicant shall be categorized depending on his total FOB (FOR - for deemed exports) export performance during the current plus the previous three years:

Category Performance
(Rupees in Crores)
One Star Export House 15
Two Star Export House 100
Three Star Export House 500
Four Star Export House 1500
Five Star Export House 5000


  1. Exporters in the Small Scale Industry/Tiny Sector/ Cottage Sector, Units registered with KVICs/ KVIBs, Units located in North Eastern States, Sikkim and J&K, Units exporting handloom/ handicrafts/hand knotted or silk carpets, exporters exporting to countries in Latin America/CIS/sub- Saharan Africa as listed in Appendix-9, Units having ISO 9000 (series)/ ISO 14000 (series) /WHOGMP/ HACCP/SEI CMM level-II and above status granted by agencies listed in Appendix-6, exports of services and exports of agro products shall be entitled for double weightage on exports made for grant of Star Export House status. The Double Weightage shall be admissible to Merchant as well as Manufacturer Exporters. However, a shipment can get double weightage only once in any one of the above categories.
  2. (a) Transfer of export performance from one to another is not permitted. Therefore disclaimer system shall not be allowed for counting of export turnover.
  3. Exports made on re-export basis shall not be counted for the purpose of recognition.
  4. Exports made by a subsidiary of a limited company shall be counted towards export performance of the limited company for the purpose of recognition only if the limited company has a majority share holding in the subsidiary company.
  5. Recognition of One Star Export House status shall be considered only in case the exporter has minimum export performance of Rs. 15 Crores or more during any two years out of the current and preceding three years.
Privileges 3.5.2.1 A Star Export House shall be eligible for the following facilities:
  1. Authorisation /Licence/certificate/permissions and Customs clearances for both imports and exports on self-declaration basis;
  2. Fixation of Input-Output norms on priority within 60 days;
  3. Exemption from compulsory negotiation of documents through banks. The remittance, however, would continue to be received through banking channels;
  4. 100% retention of foreign exchange in EEFC account;
  5. Enhancement in normal repatriation period from 180 days to 360 days;
  6. Deleted
  7. Exemption from furnishing of Bank Guarantee in Schemes under this Policy.
  8. Two Star Export Houses and above shall be permitted to establish Export Warehouses, as per the guidelines issued by Department of Revenue in this regard.
Validity Period 3.5.3 All status certificates issued or renewed on or after 01.09.2004 shall be valid from 1st April of the licensing year during which the application for the grant of such recognition is made upto 31st March, 2009, unless otherwise specified.

On the expiry of status certificate, application for grant of status shall be required to be made within a period as prescribed in the Handbook of Procedures (Vol. I), as a fresh application for continued recognition. During the intervening period, the star export house shall be eligible to claim the usual privileges under Para 3.5.2.1 above, subject to furnishing of an undertaking by the applicant at the time of claiming such facilities and benefits that they are eligible for continued recognition as per current policy.
  3.6 SERVICES EXPORTS
Services Exports 3.6.1 Services include all the 161 tradable services covered under the General Agreement on Trade in Services where payment for such services is received in free foreign exchange or in Indian Rupees which are otherwise considered as having been paid for in free foreign exchange by RBI. A list of services is given in Appendix-10 of Handbook of Procedures (Vol. I). All provisions of this Policy shall apply mutatis mutandis to export of services as they apply to goods, unless otherwise specified.
Export Promotion Council for Services 3.6.2 Service exporters are required to register themselves with the Federation of Indian Exporters Organisation. However, software exporters shall register themselves with Electronic and Software Export Promotion Council.

In order to give proper direction, guidance and encouragement to the Services Sector, an exclusive Export Promotion Council for Services shall be set up.

The Services Export Promotion Council shall:
  1. Map opportunities for key services in key markets and develop strategic market access programmes for each component of the matrix.
  2. Co-ordinate with sectoral players in undertaking intensive brand building and marketing programmes in target markets.
  3. Make necessary interventions with regard to policies, procedures and bilateral/ multilateral issues, in co-ordination with recognised nodal bodies of the services industry.
Common Facility Centres 3.6.3 Government shall promote the establishment of Common Facility Centres for use by home-based service providers, particularly in areas like Engineering & Architectural design, Multi-media operations, Software developers etc., in State and District-level towns, to draw in a vast multitude of home-based professionals into the services export arena.
  3.6.4 SERVED FROM INDIA SCHEME
Objective 3.6.4.1 The objective is to accelerate the growth in export of services so as to create a powerful and unique ‘Served From India’ brand, instantly recognized and respected world over.
Eligibility 3.6.4.2 All Service providers of services listed in Appendix-10 of Handbook of Procedures (Vol. I) who have a total foreign exchange earning or earning in Indian Rupees which are otherwise considered as having been paid for in free foreign exchange by RBI, of at least Rs.10 lakhs in the preceding or current financial year shall be eligible to qualify for a duty credit scrip.

For individuals who are service providers of services listed in Appendix-10 of Handbook of Procedures (Vol. I), the total foreign exchange earned or earning in Indian Rupees which are otherwise considered as having been paid for in free foreign exchange by RBI criteria would be Rs.5 lakhs in the preceding financial year.
Entitlement 3.6.4.3 All Service providers; including Healthcare and Educational Service providers as well as Engineering Process Outsourcing (EPO) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) service providers; of services listed in Appendix-10 of Handbook of Procedures (Vol. I) (other than service providers covered by Para 3.6.4.4) shall be entitled to duty credit scrip equivalent to 10% of the foreign exchange earned by them in the preceding financial year. However services or service providers as listed in Para 3.18.1 of Handbook of Procedures (Vol. I) shall not be entitled for benefits under the scheme.
Remittances 3.6.4.3.1 The foreign exchange earned through International Credit Cards and other instruments as permitted by RBI for rendering of service by the service providers shall also be taken into account for the purposes of computation of duty credit entitlement under the scheme.
Hotels & Restaurants 3.6.4.4 Hotels of one-star and above (including managed hotels and heritage hotels) approved by the Department of Tourism and other Service providers in the tourism sector registered with the Department of Tourism shall be entitled to duty credit equivalent to 5% of the foreign exchange earned by them in the preceding financial year.

Stand-alone restaurants will be entitled to duty credit equivalent to 10% of the foreign exchange earned by them in the preceding financial year.
Imports allowed 3.6.4.5 Duty credit scrip may be used for import of any capital goods including spares, office equipment and professional equipment, office furniture and consumables; that are otherwise freely importable under ITC (HS) Classification of Export and Import items. The imports shall relate to any service sector business of the applicant.

Utilization of duty credit earned under the scheme shall not be permitted for payment of duty in case of import of vehicles, even if such vehicles are freely importable under ITC (HS).

In the case of hotels, golf resorts and stand-alone restaurants having catering facilities, the duty credit entitlement may also be used for the import of consumables including food items and alcoholic beverages.
Non Transferability 3.6.4.6 The entitlement and the goods imported shall be non-transferable.

However, transfer of duty credit scrips / goods imported under the scheme shall be allowed within the service providers of the Group Company as defined in chapter 9 and managed hotels, with actual user condition.
Healthcare & Education 3.6.4.7 Deleted
Special provisions 3.6.4.8 Government reserves the right in public interest to specify from time to time the category or type of service exports which shall not be eligible for calculation of either eligibility or of entitlement.

Similarly, Government may from time to time also notify the goods, which shall not be allowed for import under the duty free entitlement certificate issued under the scheme.
Import under Lease financing 3.6.4.9 Utilization of duty free credit scrip earned under the scheme shall be permitted for payment of duty in case of import of capital goods under lease financing in terms of provision in Para 2.25 of this Policy.
  3.7 Deleted
  3.8 VISHESH KRISHI AND GRAM UDYOG YOJANA (SPECIALAGRICULTURE AND VILLAGE INDUSTRY SCHEME)
Objective 3.8.1 The objective of Vishesh Krishi and Gram Udyog Yojana (Erstwhile Vishesh Krishi Upaj Yojana) is to promote export of Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers, Minor Forest produce, Dairy, Poultry and their value added products, and Gram Udyog products by incentivising exporters of such products.
Entitlement 3.8.2 Exports of Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers, Minor Forest Produce, Dairy, Poultry and their value added products shall be entitled for duty credit scrip equivalent to 5% of the FOB value of exports. A detailed list of these agricultural products and the period of exports for which this entitlement is to be granted is given in Appendix 37A of the Handbook of Procedures (Vol. I).

Gram Udyog products as listed in Appendix 37A of the Handbook of Procedures (Vol. I) shall be entitled for duty credit scrip equivalent to 5% of the FOB value of exports in respect of the exports made on or after 1st April 2006.

However, the duty credit scrip shall be granted only at a reduced rate of 3.5% of the FOB value of exports in such cases where the exporter has availed the benefits under Chapter 4 of FTP for import of Inputs. [Old - Chapter 4 of FTP for import of Agriculture Inputs ] (these words amended by DGFT NOTIFICATION No. 52(RE-2008)/2004-2009, dated : 30th, October 2008) (other than catalysts, consumables and packing materials) relating to export item under this scheme.

The scrip and the items imported against it shall be freely transferable.
  3.8.2.1 Under the Scheme, exports of all eligible items (including the value added variants) are eligible for benefits as per Para 3.8.2 above provided they are specifically listed in Appendix- 37A of Handbook of Procedures (Vol. I). Items which are restricted or prohibited for export under Schedule-2 of the Export Policy in the ITC (HS) Classification of Export and Import items shall not be eligible for any benefits under Para 3.8.2.
  3.8.2.2 Following exports shall not be taken into account for duty credit entitlement under the scheme:
  1. Export of imported goods covered under Para 2.35 of the Foreign Trade Policy or exports made through transshipment.
  2. Deemed Exports.
  3. Exports made by SEZs units and EOUs units.
  3.8.2.3 However, benefits can be claimed either by the supporting manufacturer (along with disclaimer from the company / firm who has realized the foreign exchange directly from overseas) or by the company / firm who has realized the foreign exchange directly from overseas. (This para is added by DGFT Notification No 43/2008, Dated 23-09-2008.)
Imports allowed 3.8.3 The Duty Credit may be used for import of inputs or goods, which are otherwise freely importable under ITC (HS) Classifications of Export and Import Items,

Imports from a port other than the port of export shall be allowed under TRA facility as per the terms and conditions of the notification issued by Department of Revenue.
  3.8.3.1 Items listed in Appendix-37B of Handbook of Procedures (Vol. I) shall not be allowed to be imported under the scheme.
Cenvat/ Drawback 3.8.4 Additional customs duty/excise duty paid in cash or through debit under Vishesh Krishi and Gram Udyog Yojana shall be adjusted as CENVAT Credit or Duty Drawback as per rules framed by the Department of Revenue.
Special Provision 3.8.5 Government reserves the right in public interest, to specify from time to time the export products, which shall not be eligible for calculation of entitlement.
  3.9 FOCUS MARKET SCHEME
Objective 3.9.1 The objective is to offset the high freight cost and other disabilities to select international markets with a view to enhance our export competitiveness to these countries.
Eligibility 3.9.2 Exports of all products to the notified countries shall be entitled for duty credit scrip equivalent to 2.5% of the FOB value of exports for each licensing year commencing from 1st April, 2006. The scrip and the items imported against it would be freely transferable.
  3.9.2.1 Under the Scheme, export to all countries as given in Appendix-37- C of Handbook of Procedures (Vol. I) shall qualify for export benefits as per Para 3.9.2 above. Items which are restricted or prohibited for export under Schedule-2 of the Export Policy in the ITC (HS) Classification of Export and Import items shall not be eligible for any benefits under Para 3.9.2.
  3.9.2.2 The following exports shall not be taken into account for calculation of export performance or for computation of entitlement under the scheme:
  1. Export of imported goods covered under Para 2.35 of the Foreign Trade Policy or exports made through transshipment.
  2. Export turnover of units operating under SEZ/EOU/ EHTP/STPI/ BTP Schemes or supplies made to such units or products manufactured by them and exported through DTA units.
  3. Deemed Exports.
  4. Service Exports.
  5. Diamonds and other precious, semi precious stones.
  6. Gold, silver, platinum and other precious metals in any form, including plain and studded Jewellery.
  7. Ores and Concentrates, of all types and in all forms.
  8. Cereals, of all types.
  9. Sugar, of all types and in all forms.
  10. Crude / Petroleum Oil & Crude / Petroleum based Products covered under ITC HS codes 2709 to 2715, of all types and in all forms.
  3.9.2.3 Exporters shall have the option to apply for benefit either under the Focus Market Scheme or under the Focus Product Scheme or under Vishesh Krishi and Gram Udyog Yojana in respect of the same exported product/s.
  3.9.2.4 However, benefits can be claimed either by the supporting manufacturer (along with disclaimer from the company / firm who has realized the foreign exchange directly from overseas) or by the company / firm who has realized the foreign exchange directly from overseas. (This para is added by DGFT Notification No 43/2008, Dated 23-09-2008.)
Imports allowed 3.9.3 The Duty Credit may be used for import of inputs or goods including capital goods, provided the same is freely importable under ITC (HS).

Imports from a port other than the port of export shall be allowed under TRA facility as per the terms and conditions of the notification issued by Department of Revenue.
Cenvat / Drawback 3.9.4 Additional customs duty/excise duty paid in cash or through debit under this scrip shall be adjusted as CENVAT Credit or Duty Drawback as per rules framed by the Department of Revenue.
Special provisions 3.9.5 Government reserves the right in public interest, to specify from time to time the export products or exports to such countries, which shall not be eligible for calculation of entitlement.
  3.10 FOCUS PRODUCT SCHEME
Objective 3.10.1 The objective is to incentivise export of such products which have high employment intensity in rural and semi urban areas so as to offset the inherent infrastructure inefficiencies and other associated costs involved in marketing of these products.
Eligibility 3.10.2 Exports of notified products to all countries shall be entitled for duty credit scrip equivalent to 2.5% of the FOB value of exports for each licensing year commencing from 1st April, 2006. However only 50% of the export turnover of such products shall be counted for benefits under the Scheme. The scrip and the items imported against it would be freely transferable.
  3.10.2.1 Under the Scheme, export of such products as given in Appendix-37-D of Handbook of Procedures (Vol. I) shall qualify for export benefits as per Para 3.10.2 above.
  3.10.2.2 The following exports shall not be taken into account for calculation of export performance or for computation of entitlement under the scheme:
  1. Export of imported goods covered under Para 2.35 of the Foreign Trade Policy or exports made through transshipment.
  2. Exports turnover of units operating under SEZ Scheme and 100% EOU Scheme or products manufactured by them and exported through DTA units.
  3. Deemed Exports.
  3.10.2.3 Exporters shall have the option to apply for benefit either under the Focus Market Scheme or under the Focus Product Scheme or under Vishesh Krishi and Gram Udyog Yojana in respect of the same exported product/s.
  3.10.2.4 However, benefits can be claimed either by the supporting manufacturer (along with disclaimer from the company / firm who has realized the foreign exchange directly from overseas) or by the company / firm who has realized the foreign exchange directly from overseas. (This para is added by DGFT Notification No 43/2008, Dated 23-09-2008.)
Imports allowed 3.10.3 The Duty Credit may be used for import of inputs or goods including capital goods, provided the same is freely importable under ITC(HS).

Imports from a port other than the port of export shall be allowed under TRA facility as per the terms and conditions of the notification issued by Department of Revenue.
Cenvat /Drawback 3.10.4 Additional customs duty/excise duty paid in cash or through debit under this scrip shall be adjusted as CENVAT Credit or Duty Drawback as per rules framed by the Department of Revenue.
Special provisions 3.10.5 Government reserves the right in public interest, to specify from time to time the export products or exports to such countries, which shall not be eligible for calculation of entitlement.

CHAPTER-4 DUTY EXEMPTION & REMISSION SCHEMES

Duty Exemption and Remission Schemes 4.1 Duty exemption schemes enable duty free import of inputs required for export production. Duty Exemption Scheme consists of (a) Advance Authorisation Scheme and (b) Duty Free Import Authorisation Scheme (DFIA). A Duty Remission Scheme enables post export replenishment/ remission of duty on inputs used in the export product. Duty remission schemes consist of (a) DFRC (Duty Free Replenishment Certificate), (b) DEPB (Duty Entitlement Passbook Scheme) and (c) DBK (Duty Drawback Scheme).
Re-import of exported goods under Duty Exemption/ Remission Scheme 4.1.1 Goods exported under Advance Authorisation/DFIA / DFRC/ DEPB may be re-imported in the same or substantially the same form subject to such conditions as may be specified by the Department of Revenue from time to time.
Value Addition 4.1.2 The value addition for the purposes of this chapter (Except for the Gems and Jewellery) shall be:
A - B
V.A= x 100, where
B
V.A. Value Addition
A FOB value of the export realised / FOR value of supply received
B CIF value of the imported inputs covered by the authorisation, plus any other imported materials used on which the benefit of duty drawback is being claimed.

ADVANCE AUTHORISATION SCHEME
(ERSTWHILE ADVANCE LICENCE SCHEME)

Advance Authorisation 4.1.3 An Advance Authorisation is issued to allow duty free import of inputs, which are physically incorporated in the export product (making normal allowance for wastage). In addition, fuel, oil, energy, catalysts etc. which are consumed/utilised in the course of their use to obtain the export product, may also be allowed under the scheme. However, the Director General of Foreign Trade, by means of Public Notice, may in public interest exclude any product(s) from the purview of advance Authorisation.

Duty free import of mandatory spares upto 10% of the CIF value of the Authorisation which are required to be exported/ supplied with the resultant product may also be allowed under Advance Authorisation.

Advance Authorisations are issued on the basis of the inputs and export items given under SION. However, they can also be issued on the basis of Adhoc norms or self declared norms as per para 4.7 of Handbook of Procedures (Vol. I). Advance Authorisation can be issued either to a manufacturer exporter or merchant exporter tied to supporting manufacturer(s):
  1. for Physical exports (including exports to SEZ); and/ or
  2. for Intermediate supplies; and /or
  3. to the main contractor for supply of goods to the categories mentioned in paragraph 8.2 (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (i) and (j) of the Policy;
  4. supply of stores on board of the foreign going vessel/ aircraft subject to the condition that there is specific SION in respect of the item(s) supplied.

for import of inputs required in the manufacture of goods. In addition, in respect of supply of goods to specified projects mentioned in paragraph 8.2 (d), (e), (f), (g) and (j) of the Policy, an Advance Authorisation can also be availed by the sub- contractor of the main contractor to such project provided the name of the sub contractor(s) appears in the main contract.

Such Authorisation can also be issued for supplies made to United Nations Organisations or under the Aid Programme of the United Nations or other multilateral agencies and paid for in free foreign exchange.
  4.1.4 Advance Authorisation is issued for duty free import of inputs, as defined in paragraph 4.1.3 subject to actual user condition. Such Authorisations are exempted from payment of basic customs duty, additional customs duty, education cess, anti dumping duty and safeguard duty, if any. However, the imports for supplies covered under paragraph 8.2 (i) & (j) will not be exempted from the payment of applicable anti-dumping and safeguard duty, if any.
  4.1.5 Advance Authorisation and/or materials imported thereunder shall not be transferable even after completion of export obligation. However, the Authorisation holder will have the option to dispose off the product manufactured out of the duty free inputs once the export obligation is completed.
  4.1.6 Advance Authorisations shall be issued with a positive value addition.

However, for physical exports for which payments are not received in freely convertible currency, the same shall be subject to value addition as specified in Appendix-11 of Handbook of Procedures (Vol.1). In case of supplies to SEZ Units, irrespective of the currency of realization, Advance Authorisation shall be issued with a positive value addition.

In case of Tea, the minimum value addition under advance Authorisation shall be 100%.

In case of spices (covered by Chapter 9 of the ITC(HS) Classification of Export & Import Items, 2004-09), the minimum value addition under advance Authorisation shall be 15%.
  4.1.7 Advance Authorisation shall be issued in accordance with the Policy and procedure in force on the date of issue of Authorisation.

The validity period of advance Authorisation for import shall be as prescribed in the Handbook of Procedures (Vol.1).
  4.1.8 The facility of Advance Authorisation shall also be available where some or all of the inputs are supplied free of cost to the exporter.

In such cases, for calculation of value addition, the notional value of free of cost inputs along with value of other duty- free inputs shall be taken into consideration. However, if all the inputs are supplied free of cost, the exporter shall also have the option to follow the provision prescribed in paragraph 4.2.7 of the Policy.
Export Obligation 4.1.9 The period for fulfilment of the export obligation under Advance Authorisation shall be as prescribed in the Handbook of Procedures (Vol.1).
Provision for BIFR units 4.1.9 A Any firm/company registered with BIFR or any firm/ company acquiring a unit, which is under BIFR shall be allowed EOP extension as per the rehabilitation package prepared by the operating agency subject to subsequent approval of BIFR.

However, in cases where the rehabilitation package does not specify the EOP extension period, a time period upto 5 years reckoned from the date of issue of authorisation would be permitted on merits of the case for fulfillment of export obligation.

Similarly, SSI units shall also be entitled for similar facility as per the rehabilitation scheme of the concerned State government. However, in cases where the State rehabilitation scheme does not specify the export obligation extension period, a time period upto 5 years reckoned from the date of issue of authorisation would be permitted on merits of the case for fulfillment of export obligation.

Export Obligation Period Extension, as mentioned above, shall be without the payment of composition fee for cases where rehabilitation package has been announced/ approved.
Advance Authorisation for Annual Requirement 4.1.10 Advance Authorisation can also be issued on the basis of annual requirement for physical exports, intermediate supplies and / or deemed exports.

One to Five Star Export House shall be entitled for the Advance Authorisation for annual requirement. All other categories of exporters having past export performance (in the preceding two years) shall also be entitled for the Advance Authorisation for annual requirement.

In addition, a merchant exporter shall also be issued the Advance Authorisation for Annual Requirement provided they agree to the endorsement of the name(s) of the supporting manufacturer(s) on the relevant Authorisation.

The entitlement in terms of CIF value of imports under this scheme shall be upto 300% of the FOB value of physical export and / or FOR value of deemed export in the preceding licensing year or Rs 1 crore, whichever is higher. Such Authorisation shall have value addition as specified in para 4.1.6 of the Foreign Trade Policy.
Advance Release Orders 4.1.11 An Advance Authorisation holder, holder of advance Authorisation for annual requirement, holder of Diamond Imprest Authorisation, holder of DFIA and holder of DFRC intending to source the inputs from indigenous sources/State Trading Enterprises/ EOU/SEZ/ EHTP/STP/BTP units in lieu of direct import has the option to source them against Advance Release Orders denominated in free foreign exchange/ Indian rupees.

The transferee of a DFIA or a DFRC shall also be eligible for ARO facility. However, supplies may be obtained against the Authorisation from EOU/EHTP/BTP/STP/ SEZ units, without conversion into ARO.

The validity period of ARO shall be as prescribed in the Handbook of Procedures (Vol.1).
Back-to-Back Inland Letter of Credit 4.1.12 An Advance Authorisation holder, holder of advance Authorisation for annual requirement, holder of DFIA, holder of Diamond Imprest Authorisation and holder of DFRC may, instead of applying for an Advance Release Order, avail of the facility of Back-to-Back Inland Letter of Credit in accordance with the procedure specified in Handbook of Procedures (Vol.1).
Prohibited Items 4.1.13 Prohibited items of imports mentioned in ITC(HS) shall not be imported under the Advance Authorisation/DFIA/DFRC. Further the items reserved for imports by State Trading Enterprises cannot be imported against advance Authorisation/ DFIA/DFRC. However those items can be procured from State Trading Enterprises against ARO or Invalidation letter issued to the holder of advance Authorisation/DFIA/DFRC.

The State Trading Enterprises are also allowed to sell the goods on High Sea Sale basis to the holders of Advance Authorisation/DFIA/DFRC.

In addition, the State Trading Enterprises are permitted to issue “No Objection Certificate (NOC)’ if they so desire, for import by holder of advance Authorisation. DFIA holders would also be eligible to import such items based on No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the STEs for only such products as notified by DGFT. However, the Authorisation Holder would be required to file Quarterly Returns of the imports effected against such ‘No Objection Certificate’ to the concerned State Trading Enterprises (STEs) and the STEs, in turn, would submit Half-yearly import figures of such imports to the concerned administrative Department for monitoring with a copy endorsed to the Department of Commerce.

Similarly prohibited items of exports mentioned in the ITC(HS) shall not be exported under the Authorisation issued under the Advance Authorisation/DFIA/DFRC scheme. Further, export of restricted items shall be subject to all conditionalities or requirements of export Authorisation or permission, as may be required, under Schedule II of ITC (HS).
Admissibility of Drawback 4.1.14 In the case of an Advance Authorisation, the drawback shall be available in respect of any of the duty paid materials, whether imported or indigenous, used in the goods exported, as per the drawback rate fixed by Ministry of Finance (Directorate of Drawback). The Drawback shall however be restricted to the duty paid materials as mentioned in the application.

DUTY FREE REPLENISHMENT CERTIFICATE

Duty Free Replenishment Certificate (DFRC) 4.2 DFRC is issued to a merchant exporter or manufacturer exporter for the import of inputs used in the manufacture of goods without payment of basic customs duty.

However, such inputs shall be subject to the payment of additional customs duty equal to the excise duty at the time of import.
  4.2.1 DFRC shall be issued on minimum value addition of 25% except for items in gems and jewellery sector for which value addition as given in paragraph 4A.2.1 of the Handbook of Procedures (Vol.1) and items for which higher value addition is prescribed under Advance Authorisation Scheme shall be applicable.
  4.2.2 DFRC may be issued for physical exports against freely convertible currency / physical exports to SEZ whether against freely convertible currency or non-convertible currency/ supplies effected under paragraph 8.2 of the Policy (except for supplies made to DFRC holder).

DFRC may also be issued in respect of physical exports (other than supplies to SEZ) for which payments are received in non- convertible currency. Such exports shall, however, be subject to value addition and conditions as specified in Appendix-11 of Handbook of Procedures (Vol.1).
  4.2.3 DFRC shall be issued only in respect of products covered under the Standard Input Output Norms as notified by DGFT.

However, in respect of Standard Input Output Norms which are subject to “actual user” condition or where the export proceeds have not been realised at the time of filing application or for import of fuel under the general norms, DFRC shall be issued with actual user condition for these inputs.

However, for fuel, the import entitlement may be transferred only to the companies which have been granted Authorisation to market fuel by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.

In cases where Standard Input Output Norms allow import of Acetic Anhydride, Ephedrine and Pseudo Ephedrine, DFRC shall be issued provided these items are specifically deleted from the list of import items.

DFRC will not be issued against SION which prescribe a prior import condition for inputs.

Provisions of paragraph 4.1.13 of FTP shall be applicable for the DFRC holder.
  4.2.4 DFRC shall be issued for import of inputs as per SION as indicated in the shipping bills. The validity of such Authorisations will be governed by the provision stipulated in the Handbook of Procedures (Vol. I). DFRC and or the material(s) imported against it shall be freely transferable. However, DFRC with actual user condition or the material(s) imported against it shall not be transferable.
  4.2.5 The export products, which are eligible for modified VAT, shall be eligible for CENVAT credit/ service tax credit.

However, non excisable, non dutiable or non CENVAT products, shall be eligible for drawback at the time of exports in lieu of additional customs duty to be paid at the time of imports under the scheme.
  4.2.6 The exporter shall be entitled for drawback benefits in respect of any of the duty paid materials, whether imported or indigenous, used in the export product as per the drawback rate fixed by Directorate of Drawback (Ministry of Finance).

The drawback shall however be restricted to the duty paid materials not covered under SION.
Jobbing, repairing etc for re-export 4.2.7 Import of goods, including those mentioned as restricted in ITC(HS) but excluding prohibited items, supplied free of cost, may be permitted for the purpose of jobbing without a Authorisation/certificate/ permission as per the terms of notification issued by Department of Revenue from time to time.

Similarly, import of goods for carrying out repairs, re- conditioning, re-engineering, testing etc. shall be allowed as per the terms and conditions of the Customs notification even though the goods may be restricted for imports under the Foreign Trade Policy/ITC(HS) Classification of Imports and Exports Book.

The above provisions shall, however, be subject to all conditionality or requirement of Authorisation or permission, as may be required, under Schedule II of ITC (HS).
Termination of the Scheme 4.2.8 DFRC Scheme shall be available for exports effected upto 30.4.2006.

DUTY ENTITLEMENT PASSBOOK (DEPB) SCHEME

Duty Entitlement Passbook Scheme (DEPB) 4.3 The objective of DEPB is to neutralise the incidence of Customs duty on the import content of the export product. The neutralisation shall be provided by way of grant of duty credit against the export product.

The DEPB scheme will continue to be operative until it is replaced by a new scheme which will be drawn up in consultation with exporters.
  4.3.1 Under the DEPB scheme, an exporter may apply for credit, as a specified percentage of FOB value of exports, made in freely convertible currency or the payment made from the Foreign Currency Account of the SEZ unit in case of supply by DTA to SEZ unit.

The credit shall be available against such export products and at such rates as may be specified by the Director General of Foreign Trade by way of public notice issued in this behalf, for import of raw materials, intermediates, components, parts, packaging material etc. The credit may also be utilized for payment of Customs Duty on any item which is freely importable.
Vailidity 4.3.3 The validity period of DEPB for import shall be as prescribed in the Handbook of Procedures (Vol.1).
Transferability 4.3.4 The DEPB and/or the items imported against it are freely transferable. The transfer of DEPB shall however be for import at the port specified in the DEPB, which shall be the port from where exports have been made.

Imports from a port other than the port of export shall be allowed under TRA facility as per the terms and conditions of the notification issued by Department of Revenue.
Applicability of Drawback 4.3.5 Normally, the exports made under the DEPB Scheme shall not be entitled for drawback. However, the additional customs duty/excise duty paid in cash or through debit under DEPB shall be adjusted as CENVAT Credit or Duty Drawback as per rules framed by the Department of Revenue

DUTY FREE IMPORT AUTHORISATION

Scheme 4.4.1 A Duty Free Import Authorisation is issued to allow duty free import of inputs which are used in the manufacture of the export product (making normal allowance for wastage), and fuel, energy, catalyst etc. which are consumed or utilised in the course of their use to obtain the export product. However, the Director General of Foreign Trade, by means of Public Notice, may in public interest, exclude any product(s) from the purview of this scheme. This scheme will come into force from 1st May, 2006.
Entitlement 4.4.2 The Authorisation shall be issued on the basis of inputs and export items given under Standard Input and Output Norms (SION). The import entitlement shall be limited to the quantity mentioned in SION.

Duty Free import of mandatory spares upto 10% of the CIF value of Authorisation which are required to be exported/ supplied with the resultant product may also be allowed under the scheme.

Such Authorisation can be issued either to a manufacturer exporter or merchant exporter tied to supporting manufacturer(s):
  1. for Physical exports (including exports to SEZ); and/ or
  2. for Intermediate supplies; and /or
  3. to the main contractor for supply of goods to the categories mentioned in paragraph 8.2 (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (i) and (j) of the Policy;

for import of inputs required in the manufacture of goods. In addition, in respect of supply of goods to specified projects mentioned in paragraph 8.2 (d), (e), (f), (g) and (j) of the Policy, a DFIA can also be availed by the sub-contractor of the main contractor to such project provided the name of the sub contractor(s) appears in the main contract.

Such Authorisation can also be issued for supplies made to United Nations Organisations or under the Aid Programme of the United Nations or other multilateral agencies and paid for in free foreign exchange.

A manufacturer exporter or a merchant exporter tied up with the supporting manufacturer can apply for the Authorisation under the Scheme. Before affecting exports under scheme, an applicant is required to file an application to the Regional Authority.

Such Authorisation shall be initially issued with actual user condition and shall be exempted from payment of basic custom duty, additional customs duty, education cess, anti-dumping duty and safeguard duty, if any.
Import items 4.4.3 Prohibited items of imports mentioned in ITC(HS) shall not be imported under the Authorisation issued under the Scheme.

Duty Free procurement from domestic market will be available as in case of advance Authorisation scheme against ARO/ invalidation letter/back to back inland letter of credit etc.

Provisions of paragraph 4.1.13 of FTP shall be applicable for the DFIA holder.
Value Addition 4.4.4 A minimum 20% value addition shall be required for issuance of such Authorisation except for items in gems and jewellery sector for which value addition as given in paragraph 4A.2.1 of the Handbook of Procedures (Vol.1) and items for which higher value addition is prescribed under Advance Authorisation Scheme shall be applicable.
Export Obligation 4.4.5 Procedure related to fulfillment of Export Obligation under the scheme and the time period allowed to fulfil it has been laid down in chapter 4 of Handbook of Procedure, Vol. I
Transferability 4.4.6 Once export obligation has been fulfilled, request for transferability of the Authorisation or the inputs imported against it may be made before the Regional Authority. Once, transferability is endorsed, the Authorisation holder will be at liberty to transfer the duty free inputs, other than fuel and any other item(s) notified by DGFT for this purpose.

However, in respect of Standard Input Output Norms, which are subject to “actual user” condition or for import of fuel under the general norms or where Standard Input Output Norms allow import of Acetic Anhydride, Ephedrine and Pseudo Ephedrine, DFIA shall be issued with actual user condition for these inputs and no transferability shall be allowed for these inputs even after fulfillment of the export obligation. Transfer of items that are restricted for imports or the DFIA for such items shall be allowed under the DFIA scheme only against a specific import licence for that item.

However, for fuel, the import entitlement may be transferred only to the companies which have been granted Authorisation to market fuel by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
CENVAT Facility 4.4.7 No CENVAT credit facility shall be available for inputs either imported or procured indigenously against the Authorisation.
Drawback Facility 4.4.8 The drawback shall be available in respect of any of the duty paid material, whether imported or indigenous, used in the goods exported, as per the drawback rate fixed by Ministry of Finance. The drawback shall, however, be restricted to the duty paid materials mentioned in the application.

GEMS AND JEWELLERY

Scheme for Gems and Jewellery 4A Exporters of gems and Jewellery can import/procure duty free inputs required for manufacture of gems and jewellery items.
Replenishment Authorisation 4A.1 Exporters of gems and jewellery are eligible to import their inputs duty free by obtaining Replenishment (REP) Authorisations from the licensing authorities in accordance with the procedure specified in this regard in the Handbook of Procedures of Procedure (Vol.1).
  4A.1.1 The exporters of gems and jewellery products listed in Appendix-12A of the Handbook of Procedures (Vol.1) shall be eligible for grant of Replenishment Authorisations at the rate and for the items mentioned in the said Appendix to import and replenish their inputs.

Replenishment authorisation may also be issued for import of consumables as per the details given in paragraph 4A.28 of Handbook of Procedures (Vol.1).
Export of Cut & Polished Diamonds for Certification/ Grading 4A.2 Gem and Jewellery exporters may be permitted to send cut & polished diamonds each weighing 0.25 of a carat and above for certification/grading to Indian Diamond Institute, Surat, Gujarat. In addition, Gem and Jewellery exporters with a track record of at least three years and having an annual average turnover of Rs.5 crores and above during the preceding three licensing years or the authorized offices /agencies in India of Gemological Institute of America (GIA), The Robert Mouawad Campus, International Gemological Institute (IGI) and European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) in USA, Hoge Road Voor Diamond, Antwerp, (HRD), World Diamond Centre of Diamonds High Council, Antwerp, Belgium, Central Gem Laboratory, Miyagi Building, 5-15-14 Ueno Taito-Ku, Tokyo, Japan, American Gem Society Laboratories (AGS Laboratories), 8917 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89117 and Diamond Trading Company, Maidenhead, U.K. may also be permitted to export cut & polished diamonds each weighing 0.25 of a carat and above to the said laboratories/agencies for the purpose of certification/grading reports by them with a condition that the same should be re- imported with the certificate/grading reports issued by them without any import duty at the time of re-import.
  4A.2.1 At the time of export of cut and polished diamonds for certification/grading, exporter should give an undertaking to the customs that the cut and polished diamonds will be re- imported within three months of exports for certification/ grading.

The export invoice should clearly indicate the estimated value, height, circumference, weight of each diamond to be exported for certification/ grading so that at the time of their import, the above specification could be compared with the original ones to establish their identity. Subsequently these cut and polished diamonds would be exported as per the provisions of the Policy.
Schemes for Gold/Silver/ Platinum Jewellery 4A.3 Exporters of gold/silver/platinum jewellery and articles thereof may import their essential inputs such as gold, silver, platinum, mountings, findings, rough gems, precious and semi-precious stones, synthetic stones and unprocessed pearls etc. in accordance with the procedure specified in this behalf.
Nominated Agencies 4A.4 Exporters (excepting units operating under EOU/SEZ schemes) availing the schemes of gold/ silver/platinum jewellery and articles thereof may obtain gold/silver/platinum from the nominated agencies. The nominated agencies are MMTC Ltd, Handicraft and Handloom Export Corporation (HHEC), State Trading Corporation (STC), the Project and Equipment Corporation of India Ltd (PEC) , Five Star Export House under Paragraph 3.5.2 of the Policy and any other agency authorised by Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

A bank authorised by RBI is allowed export of gold scrap for refining and import in the form of standard gold bars. The detailed procedure for the import of gold will be as per the guidelines notified by RBI separately.
Items of Export 4A.5 The following items, if exported, would be eligible for the facilities under the schemes stipulated in paragraph 4A of the Foreign Trade Policy:
  1. Gold jewellery, including partly processed jewellery and any articles including medallions and coins (excluding the coins of the nature of legal tender), whether plain or studded, containing gold of 8 carats and above;
  2. Silver jewellery including partly processed jewellery, silverware, silver strips and any articles including medallions and coins (excluding the coins of the nature of legal tender and any engineering goods) containing more than 50% silver by weight;
  3. Platinum jewellery including partly processed jewellery and any articles including medallions and coins (excluding the coins of the nature of legal tender and any engineering goods) containing more than 50% platinum by weight.
Value Addition 4A.6 The value addition for the purpose of gems and jewellery sector shall be as per paragraph 4A.2.1 of Handbook of Procedures (Vol.1).

A – B
V.A. = ————— x 100, where
B
V.A Value Addition,
A FOB value of the export realised / FOR value of supply received.
B The Value of inputs such as gold / silver / platinum content in the export product plus the admissible wastage along with the value of the other items such as gemstone etc. ‘Value’ for this purpose includes both imported as well as domestically procured inputs. Wherever gold has been obtained on loan basis, the value shall also include interest paid in free foreign exchange to the foreign supplier.
Wastage Norms 4A.7 Under the schemes for gold/silver/platinum jewellery, the wastage or manufacturing loss shall be admissible as per paragraph 4A.2 of the Handbook of Procedures (Vol.1).
Export against Supply by Foreign Buyer 4A.8 Where export orders are placed on the nominated agencies/status holder/ exporters of three years standing having an annual average turnover of Rs. Five Crore during the preceding three licensing years, the foreign buyer may supply to the nominated agencies/status holder/exporter, in advance and free of charge, gold/ silver/ platinum, alloys, findings and mountings of gold/ silver/ platinum for manufacture and export.

The exports may be made by the nominated agencies directly or through their associates or by the status holder/exporter as the case may be. The import and export of findings shall be on net to net basis. The foreign buyer may also supply to the nominated agencies/status holder/ exporter in advance and free of charge plain, semi finished gold/silver/platinum jewellery including findings/ mountings/ components for repairs/re-make and export subject to minimum value addition of 10%. However, if the so imported semi finished gold/silver /platinum jewellery is exported as studded jewellery, value addition of 15% shall be achieved. In such cases of export, wastage of 2% may be permitted.

The procedures in this regard shall be as prescribed in the Handbook of Procedures (Vol.1).
Export Against Supply by Nominated Agencies 4A.9 The exporter may obtain the gold/silver/platinum as an input for export products from nominated agencies in advance or as replenishment after exports in accordance with the procedure specified in this behalf.
Export Against Advance Authorisation 4A.10 An Advance Authorisation may be granted for the duty free import of:
  1. Gold of fineness not less than 0.995 and mountings, sockets, frames and findings of 8 carats and above;
  2. Silver of fineness not less than 0.995 and mountings, sockets, frames and findings containing more than 50% silver by weight;
  3. Platinum of fineness not less than 0.900 and mountings, sockets, frames and findings containing more than 50% platinum by weight.
  4A.11 Such authorisations shall carry an export obligation which will be required to be fulfilled in accordance with the procedure specified in paragraph 4A of the Handbook of Procedures (Vol.I).

The Advance Authorisation holder may obtain gold/silver/ platinum from the nominated agencies in lieu of direct import in accordance with the procedure specified in this behalf.
Gem Replenishment Authorisation 4A.12 Gem Replenishment (Gem & Jewellery REP) Authorisation may be issued under the schemes for export of gold/ silver/ platinum jewellery and articles thereof as given in paragraph 4A.8, 4A.9 and 4A.10 of the Policy. In the case of plain gold/ silver/platinum jewellery and articles, the value of such Authorisations shall be determined with reference to the realisation in excess of the prescribed minimum value addition.

In the case of studded gold/silver/platinum jewellery and articles thereof, the value of Gem Replenishment Authorisation shall be determined by taking into account the value of studdings used in items exported, after accounting for the value addition on gold/ silver/ platinum including admissible wastage.

Such Gem REP Authorisations shall be freely transferable.
Gem REP Rate and Item 4A.13 The scale of replenishment and the item of import will be as prescribed in Appendix 12B of Handbook of Procedures (Vol.1).
Diamond Imprest Authorisation 4A.14 Diamond Imprest Authorisation for import of cut & polished diamonds including semi processed diamonds, half cut diamonds, broken in any form, for mixing with cut & polished diamonds or for export as it is, may be issued for export of cut & polished diamonds.

Such Authorisations shall carry an export obligation, which has to be discharged in accordance with the procedure specified in this behalf.
Eligibility 4A.14.1 An exporter of cut & polished diamonds who is status holder may be issued a Authorisation for import of cut & polished diamonds upto 5% of the export performance of the preceding year of cut & polished diamonds.
Export Obligation 4A.14.2 The export obligation under the scheme will be governed by the provisions of paragraph 4A of chapter 4 of the Handbook of Procedures (vol.I).
Export Promotion Tours/ Export of Branded Jewellery 4A.15 The nominated agencies and their associates, with the approval of Department of Commerce, and others, with the approval of Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), may export gold/ silver/platinum jewellery and articles thereof for holding/participating in exhibitions abroad.

Personal carriage of gold/ silver/platinum jewellery, precious, semi-precious stones, beads and articles and export of branded jewellery is also permitted. These exports shall be subject to the conditions as given in the Handbook of Procedures (Vol.1).
Personal Carriage of Export/ Import Parcels 4A.16 Personal carriage of gems and jewellery export parcels by foreign bound passengers and personal carriage of gems & jewellery import parcels by an Indian importer/foreign national may be permitted as per the conditions given in Handbook of Procedures (Vol.1).
Export by Post 4A.17 In case of exports through Foreign Post Office which may include export via Speed Post through Foreign Post Office, the value of the jewellery parcels shall not exceed US$50000 and 20 kg. by weight. The detailed procedure is laid down in chapter 4 of the Handbook of Procedures (vol.1).
Private/ Public Bonded Warehouse 4A.18 Private/Public Bonded Warehouses may be set up in SEZ/ DTA for import and re-export of cut & Polished diamonds, cut & polished coloured gemstones, uncut & unset precious & semi-precious stones. Import & re-export of cut & polished diamonds & cut & polished coloured gemstones will be subject to achievement of minimum value addition of 5%.
Diamond & Jewellery Dollar Accounts 4A.19 Firms and companies dealing in the purchase/sale of rough or cut and polished diamonds/ precious metal jewellery plain, minakari and/or studded with/without diamond and/or other stones with a track record of at least 3 years in import or export of diamonds/ coloured gemstones/ diamond and coloured gemstones studded jewellery/ plain gold jewellery and having an average annual turnover of Rs. 5 crore or above during preceding three licensing years may also carry out their business through designated Diamond DollarAccounts.

The Diamond Dollar Account Scheme shall operate under the current licensing scheme of this chapter. This scheme shall be optional and those importers/exporters who wish to continue to use Rupee Accounts shall be allowed to do so under the existing policies.

Dollars in such accounts available from bank finance and/or export proceeds shall be used only for
  1. Import/purchase of rough diamonds from overseas/ local sources,
  2. Purchase of cut and polished diamonds, coloured gemstones and plain gold jewellery from local sources,
  3. Import/purchase of gold from overseas/ nominated agencies and repayment of dollar loans from the bank; and
  4. Transfer to the Rupee Account of the exporter. Details of this Diamond Dollar Accounts Scheme (DDAS) are given in the Handbook of Procedures (Vol.1). The procedure outlined in the Handbook of Procedures (Vol.1) shall also apply to diamond studded jewellery.

A non DDA holder is also permitted to supply cut and polished diamonds to DDA holder, receive payment in dollars and convert same into rupees within the period of 7 days and cut and polished diamonds and coloured gemstones so supplied by non-DDA holder will also be counted towards the discharge of his export obligation and/or entitle him to replenishment Authorisation as the case may be.
Export of cut & Polished precious and semi-precious stones for treatment and re-import 4A.20.1 Gems & Jewellery exporters shall be allowed to export cut and polished precious and semi-precious stones for the treatment and re-import as per customs rules and regulations.
Import of precious metal scrap/used jewellery for melting and re-export of jewellery. 4A.21 Import of precious metal scrap/used jewellery shall be allowed for melting, refining and re-export of jewellery as per the procedure laid down in the Handbook of Procedures, Vol. I. However, such import shall not be allowed through hand baggage.
Re-import of rejected jewellery 4A.22 Gems & Jewellery exporters shall be allowed to re-import the rejected precious metal jewellery as per the procedure laid down in para 4A.32 and 4A.32.1 of Handbook of Procedure, Vol. I.
Export of Jewellery on consignment basis 4A.23 Gems & Jewellery exporters shall be allowed to export jewellery on consignment basis as per the procedure given in chapter 4 of the Handbook of Procedures, Vol. I and as per the Customs rules and regulations in this behalf.

CHAPTER-5 EXPORT PROMOTION CAPITAL GOODS SCHEME

EPCG Scheme 5.1 The scheme allows import of capital goods for pre production, production and post production (including CKD/SKD thereof as well as computer software systems) at 5% Customs duty subject to an export obligation equivalent to 8 times of duty saved on capital goods imported under EPCG scheme to be fulfilled over a period of 8 years reckoned from the date of issuance of Authorisation.

In the case of agro units, import of capital goods at 5% Customs duty shall be allowed subject to a fulfillment of an export obligation equivalent to 6 times the duty saved (on capital goods imported under the Scheme) over a period of 12 years from the date of issue of Authorisation.

However for SSI units, import of capital goods at 5% Customs duty shall be allowed subject to a fulfillment of an export obligation equivalent to 6 times the duty saved (on capital goods imported under the Scheme) over a period of 8 years from the date of issue of Authorisation provided the landed CIF value of such imported Capital Goods under the Scheme does not exceed Rs Twenty Five Lakhs and the total investment in plant and machinery after such imports does not exceed the SSI limit.

However, in respect of EPCG Authorisations with a duty saved of Rs.100 crore or more, the same export obligation, as