The Department of Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), has released Policy Circular No. 02/2023-24, providing exporters with the procedure for applying for the Amnesty scheme for a one-time settlement of default in export obligation by Advance and EPCG authorization holders. This circular addresses the challenges faced by some exporters in filing applications through the EODC module of the DGFT website and introduces an alternative method for submission in manual mode.
Analysis: Exporters who encounter issues with filing online applications through the EODC module of the DGFT website can now use the website http://www.amnestyscheme.in to submit their applications in manual mode. This option is available in the following circumstances: if the authorization/license data is not available in the online database of the EODC module or if there are persistent problems in filing online applications for the Amnesty scheme.
The circular provides clear instructions for filing the application in manual mode. Exporters need to fill out the form on the website, record the reason for not being able to file online, and obtain a printed and signed form from the authorized signatory. The printed form, along with supporting documents, should be submitted to the Regional Authority within the specified deadline. A computerized receipt should be obtained for the submission.
Upon receiving the hard copy of the application, the Regional Authority will examine the shortfall and confirm it through a letter. The applicant must then make the necessary payment of duty and interest to the Jurisdictional Customs Authority and provide proof of payment in response to the letter. Based on the evidence of payments and other prescribed documents, the concerned Regional Authority may consider granting the Export Obligation Discharge Certificate (EODC) online through the EODC module of the DGFT website.
The circular emphasizes that the final EODC letter will be issued through the online module of the DGFT website. Regional Authorities are directed to process these applications within three working days. For further assistance, exporters can reach out to the concerned Regional Authority or email amnesty-dgft@nic.in.
Conclusion: The Policy Circular provides exporters with an alternative method to apply for the Amnesty scheme in case of difficulties with the online application process. By utilizing the standalone website in manual mode, exporters can fill out the form, submit it to the Regional Authority with supporting documents, and proceed with the necessary payment.
Government of India
Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Department of Commerce
(Directorate General of Foreign Trade)
Policy Circular No. 02/2023-24-DGFT | Dated: 23.06.2023
To,
All Regional Authorities of DGFT
FIEO/All Export Promotion Councils
CII/FICl/ASSOCIIAM
All Exporters/Members of Trade
Subject: Procedure for applying for Amnesty scheme for onetime settlement of default in export obligation by Advance and EPCG authorization holders in manual mode – reg
The procedure for filing applications for Amnesty scheme for one-time settlement of default in export obligation by Advance and EPCG authorization holders is specified in Policy Circular No. 1/2023-24 dated 17.04.2023. It was mentioned in the said Policy Circular that applications for Amnesty Scheme shall be filed using EODC module of DGFT website. Representations have received in DGFT that there are certain problems faced by some exporters in filing applications in EODC module of DGFT website.
2. In view to address the issue, an online form in manual mode is developed in a standalone website, http://www.amnestyscheme.in. Exporters can also file an application under Amnesty Scheme through said website in manual mode in the following circumstances,
- The data of the Authorisation/Licence(s) are not available in online database of EODC module of DGFT website : http://dgft.gov.in.
- There is a persistent problem in filing online application for Amnesty Scheme.
3. Instructions to file online application in manual mode.
i. Fill the form available in this website http://www.amnestyscheme.in.
ii. Please record reason for not able to file online application in DGFT website in the space provided for ‘Remarks’
iii. Take printout of the filled form.
iv. Get printed form signed by the authorised signatory.
v. Submit the same with the Regional Authority Concerned within deadline specified under the amnesty Scheme along with supporting documents. Please ensure to take computerised receipt for your submission with the Regional Authority.
vi. On receipt of the hard copy of application, the RA concerned shall examine and confirm the shortfall through a letter.
vii. Applicant shall make the required payment of duty and interest to the Jurisdictional Customs Authority and provide the proof of payment in response to the said letter.
viii. Based on the evidence of payments and other relevant documents prescribed, concerned RA may examine and consider granting Export Obligation Discharge Certificate (EODC) online in EODC module of http://dgft.gov.in. It is reiterated that final EODC letter shall be issued through online module of DGFT website http://dgft.gov.in
4. RAs are directed to process any such applications within 3 working days.
5. For additional assistance, you may either approach the concerned RA or email : amnesty-dgft@nic.in.
This issues with the approval of the DGFT.
(Randheep Thakur)
Joint Director General of Foreign Trade
Email: randheep.thakur@nic.in
(Issued from F. No. 18/15/AM-23/P-5)
