Amendment in Import Policy Condition for Melon Seeds

Introduction: The Government of India, through the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, issued Notification No. 05/2023-DGFT on April 5th, 2024. This notification signifies an amendment in the Import Policy Condition for Melon Seeds under ITC (HS) Code 1207 70 90 of Chapter-12 of ITC (HS), 2022.

Detailed Analysis: The amendment relaxes the import policy for Melon Seeds, previously classified as “Restricted.” With effect from May 1, 2024, till June 30, 2024, the import policy for Melon Seeds is now classified as “Free.” However, this comes with specific conditions:

1. Import is permitted only on an “Actual User” basis to Processors of Melon Seeds holding a valid FSSAI Manufacturer Licence.

2. Imports must comply with the FSSAI Order dated 15.03.2024, requiring a valid FSSAI Manufacturer Licence.

3. All imports are subject to compulsory registration under the Melon Seeds Import Monitoring System (MS-IMS).

4. Consignments with “shipped on board” Bill of Lading issued till June 30, 2024, are treated as “Free” to import.

Additionally, the notification outlines that consignments imported/shipped/arrived but not cleared from Customs prior to May 1, 2024, may also be cleared during the specified period of May 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024.

It is noteworthy that the existing “Restricted” Import Policy will resume from July 1, 2024, unless expressly amended by subsequent notification.

Conclusion: This notification reflects the Government of India’s efforts to streamline import policies, specifically concerning Melon Seeds. By allowing free import for a specified period, albeit with stringent conditions, the government aims to facilitate trade while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Processors of Melon Seeds must adhere to the outlined requirements to benefit from the amended import policy.

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Government of India
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Department of Commerce
Directorate General of Foreign Trade

Notification No. 05/2023-DGFT | Dated: 05^thApril, 2024

Subject:- Amendment in Import Policy Condition for Melon Seeds under ITC (HS) Code 1207 70 90 of Chapter-12 of ITC (HS), 2022, Schedule-I (Import Policy) -reg

S.O. 1634(E): In exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 and section 5 of FT (D&R) 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 under ITC (HS) 1207 70 90 of Chapter 12 of ITC (HS) 2022, Schedule-I(Import Policy) as under:

2. Procedure in regard to prior registration of Melon Seed Consignments under MS­IMS shall be notified separately.

3. The existing ‘Restricted’ Import Policy, as it stands prior to the issuance of this Notification, shall be in effect starting from 1^st July 2024, unless expressly amended by subsequent notification.

Effect of this Notification: Import of Melon Seeds under ITC(HS) code 12077090 is ‘Free’ with effect from 1^st May 2024 till 30^th June 2024, on ‘Actual User’ basis to Processors of Melon Seeds having a valid FSSAI Manufacturing Licence in line FSSAI Order dated 15.03.2024. Goods imported/shipped/arrived but not cleared from Customs prior to 1st May 2024 may also be cleared during 1.5.2024 to 30.6.2024.

This is issued with the approval of the Minister of Commerce & Industry.

(Santosh Kumar Sarangi)
Director General of Foreign Trade
Ex-offico Additional Secretary to the Government of India
Email: dgft@nic in

[File no. 01/89/180/14/AM21/PC-2(A)/E-28288]