DGFT under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, issued a new trade notice (No. 11/2023 dated 23rd June 2023) outlining the procedures for EOP (Export Obligation Period) extension and EODC (Export Obligation Discharge Certificate) issuance for Annual Advance Authorization cases. This move comes as a follow-up to earlier notices and aims to streamline operations while also enhancing the transparency and efficacy of communication.
Analysis: The DGFT’s latest notice provides an improved process for updating closure/redemption status for EODC, which will be performed via the DGFT’s online portal. It introduces a dual system where physical files are submitted for redemption, and upon approval, an online request can be made for status updates. These changes reflect a significant effort towards digitalizing bureaucratic procedures, increasing process efficiency, and reducing potential for errors.
For EOP extension applications, the DGFT maintains the need for physical submission, which will then be processed manually. This hybrid approach of manual and digital processing appears to be a transitional measure, likely designed to maintain oversight while also encouraging increased utilization of digital platforms.
Conclusion: This new trade notice from DGFT marks a significant step towards integrating more digital processes into the export sector’s administrative procedures. It not only simplifies the process for Annual Advance Authorization holders but also sets a foundation for more efficient and transparent operations. Going forward, the DGFT and similar governmental bodies might consider further digital initiatives, to improve ease of doing business for exporters. This shift could potentially unlock new avenues for growth and competitiveness within the industry.
Government of India
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Department of Commerce
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi
Trade Notice No. 11/2023 Dated : 23rd June, 2023
To,
1. All Regional Authorities of DGFT
2. All Export Promotion Councils
3. All Advance/EPCG Authorisation Holders
Subject: Process for EOP extension and issuance of EODC for Advance Authorisation for Annual requirement—reg.
Reference is drawn to earlier Trade Notice no. 01/2023-24 dated 6th April 2023 and Trade Notice No. 24/2022-23 dated 12th January 2023 regarding the online functionality to AA / EPCG authorisation holders to update closure / redemption status on the DGFT Website (https://www.dgft.gov.in) of manually issued EODC in case incorrectly reflected on the DGFT portal.
2. In continuation to the said instructions, it is informed that —
For Annual Advance Authorisation cases, physical files may be submitted for redemption to the concerned DGFT Regional Authority(RA). On approval, the Authorisation holders may submit Closure/EODC Status Update request online to RA for updation as follows –
i. May navigate to DGFT website –> Services–>Advance Authorisation — >Annual Advance Authorisation Closure/EODC Status update.
3. RAs shall examine the applications accordingly and any physical correspondence with the applicant shall be recorded online on the DGFT online portal in the correspondences section.
4. All applications for EOP extension of Advance Authorisation for Annual Requirement shall be submitted physically to the concerned RA and the same shall be processed manually.
5. Thi’s issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.
(K. V. Tirumala);2
Joint Director General of Foreign Trade
E-mail: tirumala.kv@nic.in
[Issued from File No. 01/94/180/029/AM23/PC-4]
