Introduction: The Ministry of Commerce & Industry’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued Trade Notice 31/2023-24-DGFT on October 19, 2023, announcing the discontinuation of physical copies for Restricted Import Authorizations, effective from the same date. This decision is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the ease of doing business in India.
Key Points of the Trade Notice:
The trade notice provides important information regarding the discontinuation of physical copies for Restricted Import Authorizations:
1. Electronic Issuance for EDI Ports: Starting from October 19, 2023, all Authorizations for Restricted Imports issued for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Ports will be issued electronically only. No paper copies of these Authorizations will be provided. Instead, the Authorizations’ data will be transmitted electronically to the Customs Port of Registration.
2. Paper Authorizations for Non-EDI Ports: For non-EDI ports, Authorizations for Restricted Imports will continue to be issued in paper format.
3. Amendment and Revalidation of Existing Authorizations: Amendment or revalidation of Authorizations for Restricted Imports that were issued before October 19, 2023, will be processed in the existing manner. This includes the issuance of paper copies of the amendment letter, with the amendment letter number endorsed on the original authorization.
4. Endorsement in EPCG Authorizations: As per the reference to paragraph 5.01(f) of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP), in cases of importing Restricted Items under the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) scheme, the Authorization for Restricted Import number and date must be duly endorsed in the condition sheet of the EPCG authorization.
5. Downloading Soft Copies: Authorization holders will have the option to download a soft copy of the authorization by logging onto the DGFT website (https://dgft.gov.in).
6. Reporting Difficulties: Any difficulties encountered during the implementation of this new process should be promptly brought to the notice of the DGFT Directorate.
This initiative is in line with the government’s continuous efforts to streamline and digitize trade processes, making it more convenient and efficient for importers and exporters.
Government of India
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Department of Commerce
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi
Trade Notice 31/2023-24-DGFT | Dated: 19th October 2023
To,
1. All Importers of Restricted Items
2. All Regional Authorities of DGFT
3. All Export Promotion Councils
Subject: Discontinuation of Issuance of Physical copy of Restricted Import Authorisation with effect from 19.10.2023-reg
To further improve ease of doing business, it is decided to discontinue the issuance of physical copy of Authorisation for Restricted Imports with effect from 19.10.2023. In this regard, the following points are submitted for information please –
1. All Authorisation for Restricted Imports issued on or after 19.10.2023 for EDI Ports shall be issued electronically only. No paper copy of the said Authorisation shall be provided. The Authorisation data shall be transmitted electronically to the Customs Port of Registration.
2. Authorisation for Restricted Imports issued for any non-EDI port shall continue to be issued on paper.
3. Amendment or revalidation of any Authorisation for Restricted Imports issued before 19.10.2023 shall be processed in the existing manner wherein the paper copy of the amendment letter shall be issued, and the amendment letter number shall be duly endorsed on the original authorisation.
4. Reference para 5.01(f) of the HBP, in case of import of Restricted Items under EPCG, the authorisation for Restricted Import number and date is required to duly be endorsed in the condition sheet of the EPCG authorisation.
5. Authorisation holder may download a soft copy of the authorisation by logging onto the DGFT Website (https://dgft.gov.in)
6. Difficulties, if any, in this proposed implementation may please be brought to notice of this Directorate immediately.
This is issued with the approval of the competent authority.
(Md. Moin Afaque)
Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade
[Issued from File No. 01/53/8/E/AM21/Misc/Import Cell]
