Introduction: The Government of India, through the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Department of Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade, has issued Notification No. 79/2023-DGFT, dated 18th March 2024, regarding an amendment in the import policy condition of Urea. This article provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of the key changes brought about by this notification.
Detailed Analysis: The notification, issued under the powers conferred by the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, and the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023, aims to amend the import policy condition of Urea, specifically pertaining to Exim Code 31021010.
Previously, import of Urea for agricultural purposes was allowed through RCF and NFL, with additional import allowed through IPL until 31st March 2024. However, with the recent amendment, import of Urea through RCF and NFL is still permitted subject to Para 2.21 of the Trade Policy, 2023. Additionally, import through IPL is extended until 31st March 2025.
The revised policy conditions now stipulate that import of Urea for agricultural purposes on Government account shall be allowed through designated STEs or entities authorized by the Department of Fertilizers for filing BEs at Indian ports.
The effect of this notification is significant, as it extends the period for import of Urea through IPL and introduces clarity regarding import procedures and entities authorized for government account imports.
Conclusion: Notification No. 79/2023-DGFT issued by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, marks a crucial amendment in the import policy condition of Urea. The extension of import period through IPL and clarification on government account imports bring about notable changes in the Urea trade landscape. Stakeholders in the agricultural and fertilizer sectors need to stay informed about these amendments to ensure compliance and efficient trade operations.
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Government of India
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Department of Commerce
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Vanijya Bhawan
Notification No. 79/2023-DGFT | Dated : 18th March 2024
Subject: Amendment in import policy condition of Urea [Exim Code 310210101 in the ITC (US) 2022, Schedule – I (Import Policy) – Regarding.
S.O. 1473(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 (FTP), 2023, as amended from time to time, the Central Government hereby amends the policy condition of Urea [EXIM code 31021010] of Chapter 31 of ITC (11S), 2022, Schedule 1 (Import Policy), with immediate effect, as under (changes made are given in bold letters):
| Exim Code | Item Description |
Existing Policy Condition | Revised Policy Condition |
| 31021010 | Fertilizer grade conforming to Standard IS5406 | Import allowed through RCF and NFL subject to Para 2.21 of Foreign Trade Policy, 2023. In Foreign addition import of Urea is also allowed through IPL for a period up to 31.03.2024.Import of Urea (for agriculture purpose) on Government Account shall be allowed either Account by designated STEs itself, or by through any entity/entities through (Fertilizer Marketing Entities) so authorized by the Department of Fertilizers from time to time, for Fertilizers filing 13Es at Indian ports. | Import allowed through RCF and NFL subject to Para 2,21 of Trade Policy, 2023. In addition import of Urea is also allowed through IPL for a period up to 31.03.2025.Import of Urea (for agriculture purpose) on Government shall be allowed either designated STEs itself, or any entity/entities (Fertilizer Marketing Entities) so authorized by the Department of from time to time, for filing BEs at Indian ports. |
Effect of this Notification: Import of Urea (Agricultural grade) on Government account is allowed through Indian Potash Limited (IPL) subject to Para 2.21 of FTP,2023, till 31.03.2025.
This issues with the approval of Minister of Commerce & Industry.
(Santosh Kumar Sarangi)
Director General of Foreign Trade &
Ex-officio Addl. Secretary to Gol
Email: dgft@nic.in
[Issued from F. No. 01/89/180/102/AM-02/PC-2(A)Part-II/E-17151]
