DGFT has issued Notification No. 15/2023-DGFT on June 29, 2023. The notification brings about an amendment in the import policy for cigarette lighters covered under specific HS codes of Chapter 96 of the ITC (HS) 2022.
Analysis:
i. Revised Import Policy: The import policy for pocket lighters, both non-refillable (HS code 96131000) and refillable (HS code 96132000), has been changed from “Free” to “Prohibited.” This means that the import of these cigarette lighters is not allowed, except under certain conditions mentioned in the notification.
ii. Exception for CIF Value: Import of the prohibited cigarette lighters will be permitted if the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value per lighter is Rs. 20/- or above. This condition allows for the import of higher-value lighters while maintaining the prohibition on lower-value ones.
Conclusion: The amendment in the import policy for cigarette lighters, as specified in the DGFT notification, prohibits the import of gas-fueled pocket lighters (both non-refillable and refillable) under specific HS codes. However, import is permitted if the CIF value per lighter is Rs. 20/- or above.
Government of India
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Department of Commerce
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi
Notification No. 15/2023-DGFT Dated: 29 June, 2023
Subject: Amendment in import policy condition of Cigarette lighters Covered under CTH 9613 of Chapter 96 of Schedule —I (Import Policy) of ITC (HS) 2022.
S.O. 2826(E): In exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 and Section 5 of Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, read with paragraph 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, as amended from time to time, the Central Government amend the import policy condition for the following HS Codes covered under Chapter 96 of the ITC (HS), 2022, Schedule -I (Import Policy) as under:
|
HS codes |
Item Description | Existing Policy | Revised Policy | New Policy Condition |
| 96131000 | Pocket lighters, gas fuelled, non-refillable | Free | Prohibited | However, import is “Free” if CIF value is Rs. 20/- or above per lighter |
| 96132000 | Pocket lighters, gas fuelled, refillable | Free | Prohibited | However, import is “Free” if CIF value is Rs. 20/- or above per lighter |
2. Effect of the Notification:
The import policy of Cigarette lighters under ITC (HS) Codes 96131000 and 96132000 is revised from “Free” to “Prohibited”. However, import shall be free if CIF value is Rs. 20/- or above per lighter.
This issue with the approval of Minister of Commerce & Industry.
(Rajesh Agrawal)
Director General of Foreign Trade &
Addl. Secretary to Govt. of India
Email: doftnic.in
(Issued from File No. 01/93/180/misc.39/AM-20/PC.II(B) /E-22950)
