Introduction
The foreign customer may ask for product samples before placing a confirmed
order. So, it is essential that the samples are made from good quality raw
materials and after getting an order, the subsequent goods are made with the
same quality product.
Extra care should be taken in order to avoid the risk associated in sending a
costly product sample for export. Secrecy is also an important factor while
sending a sample, especially if there is a risk of copying the original product
during export.
Before exporting a product sample an exporter should also know the Government
policy and procedures for export of samples.
While sending a product sample to an importer, it is always advised to send
samples by air mail to avoid undue delay. However, if the time is not an issue
then the product sample can also be exported through proper postal channel,
which is cheaper as compared to the air mail.
Sending Export Samples from India
Samples having permanent marking as “sample not for sale” are allowed freely for
export without any limit. However, in such cases where indelible marking is not
available, the samples may be allowed for a value not exceeding US $ 10,000, per
consignment.
For export of sample products which are restricted for export as mentioned in
the ITC (HS) Code, an application may be made to the office of Director General
of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
Export of samples to be sent by post parcel or air freight is further divided
into following 3 categories, and under each category an exporter is required to
fulfill certain formalities which are mentioned below :
-
Samples of value up to Rs.10, 000- It is necessary for
the exporter to file a simple declaration that the sample does not involve
foreign exchange and its value is less than Rs. 10,000.
-
Samples of value less than Rs. 25,000- It is necessary
for the exporter to obtain a value certificate from the authorised dealer in
foreign exchange (i.e. your bank). For this purpose, an exporter should
submit a commercial invoice certifying thereon that the parcel does not
involve foreign exchange and the aggregate value of the samples exported by
you does not exceed Rs. 25,000 in the current calendar year.
-
Samples of value more than Rs. 25,000- It becomes
necessary for the exporter to obtain GR/PP waiver from the Reserve Bank of
India
Export Samples against Payment
A sample against which an overseas buyer agrees to make payment is exported in
the same manner as the normal goods are exported. Sample can also be carried
personally by you while travelling abroad provided these are otherwise
permissible or cleared for export as explained earlier. However, in case of
precious jewellery or stone the necessary information should be declared to the
custom authorities while leaving the country and obtain necessary endorsement on
export certificate issued by the Jewelry Appraiser of the Customs.
Export of Garment Samples
As per the special provision made for the export of garment samples, only those
exporters are allowed to send samples that are registered with the Apparel
export Promotion Council (AEPC). Similarly, for export of wool it is necessary
for the exporter to have registration with the Woolen Export Promotion Council.
Export of Software
All kinds electronic and computer software product samples can only be exported
abroad, if the exporter dealing with these products is registered with the
Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC)
Similarly samples of other export products can be exported abroad under the
membership of various Export Promotion Councils (EPC) of India.
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