Introduction: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has issued Trade Notice 15/2023-24-DGFT to announce the introduction of a searchable database for Ad-hoc Norms fixed under Para 4.07 of the Handbook of Procedure (HBP). This database aims to simplify the advance authorisation and Norms Fixation process, enhancing efficiency and reducing complexities for exporters and stakeholders.
Analysis: As per the Trade Notice, DGFT has implemented a user-friendly and searchable database on their website (https://dgft.gov.in) for Ad-hoc Norms fixed under Para 4.07 of HBP. These norms, which can be applied in accordance with existing FTP/HBP provisions, no longer require Norms Committee approval. Exporters can search the database based on export and import item descriptions, technical characteristics, and ITC(HS) codes.
To access the database, applicants need to visit the DGFT website and navigate to Services -> Advance Authorisation/DFIA -> Ad-hoc norms. If an ad-hoc norm matches the requirements in terms of item description, specified wastages, and validity as per HBP provisions, exporters can opt for an Advance Authorisation under the “No-Norm Repeat” basis. In such cases, there is no requirement for Norms Committee ratification, subject to other applicable provisions of FTP/HBP.
This trade facilitation measure aims to simplify the advance authorisation and Norms Fixation process, reducing complexities and streamlining procedures for exporters. In case of any further assistance, exporters can raise a ticket through the DGFT Helpdesk service, contact the Toll-free Helpdesk number, or send an email to dgftedi@gov.in.
Conclusion: The DGFT’s introduction of a searchable database for Ad-hoc Norms fixed under Para 4.07 of HBP, as announced in Trade Notice 15/2023-24-DGFT, streamlines the advance authorisation and Norms Fixation process. Exporters can now access the user-friendly database on the DGFT website and apply for Advance Authorisation without requiring Norms Committee approval. This trade facilitation measure aims to enhance efficiency, reduce complexities, and provide a simplified approach to advance authorisation for all stakeholders involved in international trade.
File No.01/02/24/AM-24/EG&TF
Government of India
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Department of Commerce
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi
Trade Notice 15/2023-24-DGFT | Dated: 17th July 2023
To,
1. All Exporters/Members of Trade
2. Regional Authorities (RAs) of DGFT
3. All Export Promotion Councils/Commodity Boards
Subject: Introduction of a Searchable Database for Ad-hoc Norms fixed under Para 4.07 of HBP- Regarding
Reference the subject as mentioned attention is drawn to Para 4.12(vi) of the Handbook of Procedure (HBP) 2023, wherein it is stated that: Norms ratified by any Norms Committee (NC) in the O/o DGFT on or after 01.04.2023 in respect of any Advance Authorisation obtained under paragraph 4.07 shall be valid for a period of 3 years from the date of ratification. However, the Norms ratified by any Norms Committee (NC) on or after 01.04.2015 in respect of any Advance Authorisation obtained under paragraph 4.07 of HBP, 2015-2020 shall also be valid further up to 31.03.2026.
2. To facilitate the above, DGFT has implemented a user-friendly and searchable database of Ad-hoc Norms fixed under Para 4.07 of HBP. These norms can be applied in accordance with the existing FTP/HBP provisions without the need for Norms Committee approval. The database is hosted on the DGFT Website (https://dgft.gov.in) and allows for searches based on the following criteria: –
i. Export Item Description/Technical Characteristics
ii. ITC(HS) code of the Export Item(s)
iii. Import Item Description/Technical Characteristics
iv. ITC(HS) code of the Import Item(s)
3. To access the database, applicant may visit the DGFT Website and navigate to Services -> Advance Authorisation/DFIA -> Ad-hoc norms. If an ad-hoc norm is found to be suitable in terms of item description, specified wastages, and is valid as per the HBP provisions, applicants have the option to apply for an Advance Authorisation under the “No-Norm Repeat” basis. In such cases, ratification by the Norm(s) Committee will not be required, subject to other provisions of FTP/HBP as applicable.
4. This trade facilitation measure has been introduced to simplify the advance authorisation and Norms Fixation process, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce complexities for all stakeholders involved. For any further assistance you may utilize any of the following channels –
i. Raise a ticket through the DGFT Helpdesk service under Services -> ‘DGFT Helpdesk Service’.
ii. Contact at the Toll-free Helpdesk number.
iii. Send an email to the Helpdesk at dgftedi@gov.in
This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.
(Md. Moin Afaque)
Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade
(Issued from File No. 01/02/24/AM-24/EG&TF)
