Introduction: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, has released a notification regarding the amendment in the import policy for Areca nuts under ITC(HS) code 08028010. The revised policy relaxes the import conditions for 17,000 Metric Tonnes of Fresh (green) Areca nuts from Bhutan, allowing their import without a Minimum Import Price (MIP) condition through LCS Chamurchi (INCHMB).
Analysis: The notification amends the import policy conditions for Areca nuts under ITC(HS) code 08028010. Previously, the import of Areca nuts was prohibited, with exceptions for imports with a CIF value of Rs. 351/- or above per kilogram. Additionally, import of 17,000 Metric Tonnes of Fresh(green) Areca nuts without a Minimum Import Price (MIP) condition was allowed from Bhutan through LCS Jaigaon (INJIGB) only.
However, with the latest amendment, the revised policy allows the import of Areca nuts with a CIF value of Rs. 51/- or above per kilogram. The conditions for import by 100% Export Oriented Units (EOUs) and units in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) remain the same. Import of 17,000 Metric Tonnes of Fresh(green) Areca nuts without a Minimum Import Price (MIP) condition from Bhutan is now allowed through LCS Jaigaon (INJIGB) and LCS Chamurchi (INCHMB). The imports through LCS Chamurchi are subject to a valid port-specific Registration Certificate issued by DGFT.
The amendment aims to facilitate the import of Areca nuts from Bhutan and streamline the import process. By allowing imports through LCS Chamurchi, the policy expansion caters to the needs of businesses involved in the import of Areca nuts, enhancing trade opportunities.
Conclusion: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s recent notification brings an important amendment to the import policy for Areca nuts under ITC(HS) code 08028010. The revised policy allows the import of 17,000 Metric Tonnes of Fresh(green) Areca nuts without a Minimum Import Price (MIP) condition from Bhutan through LCS Chamurchi (INCHMB). This change provides businesses with the necessary information to plan and execute their import operations smoothly. Stay updated with the latest import policy changes to ensure compliance and take advantage of trade opportunities.
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(Department of Commerce)
(DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF FOREIGN TRADE)
Notification No. 17/2023-DGFT | Dated: 3rd July 2023
Subject : Amendment in Import Policy Condition under ITC (HS) 08028010 of Chapter 08 of ITC (HS) 2022, Schedule – I (Import Policy).
S.O. 2902(E)—In exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 read with Section 5 of FT (D&R) 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 hereby amends the import policy conditions of items under ITC HS 0802 80 10 of Chapter 08 of ITC (HS), 2022, Schedule – I (Import Policy):
|
ITC(HS) Code& Description |
Existing Policy |
Existing Policy condition | Revised Policy Condition |
| 08028010 – Areca nuts: — Whole | Prohibited | a) However, import is Free if CIF value is Rs. 351/- or above per Kilogram.
b) MIP conditions, however, will not be applicable for imports by 100% Export Oriented Units (EOUs) and units in the SEZ subject to the condition that no DTA sale is c) Import of 17,000 Metric Tonnes i) through LCS Jaigaon (INJIGB) only, and, ii) shall be subject to a valid Registration Certificate issued by DGFT. |
a) However, import is Free if CIF value is Rs. 51/- or above per Kilogram.
b) MIP conditions, however, will not be applicable for imports by 100% Export Oriented Units (EOUs) and units in the SEZ subject to the condition that no DTA sale is c) Import of 17,000 Metric Tonnes of Fresh (green) Areca Nut without Minimum Import Price (MIP) condition shall be allowed from Bhutan every year. Such imports are allowed only: i) through LCS Jaigaon (INJIGB) and LCS Chamurchi(INCHMB) only, and, ii) shall be subject to a valid port-specific Registration Certificate issued by DGFT. |
2. The conditions set forth in DGFT Notification no. 36/2015-2020 dated 28.09.2022 read with Public Notice No. 61/2015-2020 dated 20.03.2023 are also applicable for LCS Chamurchi.
Effect of the Notification: Import of 17,000 Metric Tonnes of Fresh(green) Areca nut without a Minimum Import Price (MIP) condition from Bhutan shall also be allowed through LCS Chamurchi (INCHMB).
This issues with the approval of Minister of Commerce & Industry.
[F. No.01/89/180/43/AM-01/PC-2[A]/Part-III/E-8258]
SANTOSH KUMAR SARANGI, Director General of Foreign Trade
& Ex- officio Addl. Secy.
