The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a policy clarification regarding the import of canalised items in India under the Export and Import Policy (1997-2002). As per Policy Circular No. 34 (RE-98)/98-99, dated 28th August 1998, the import of motor spirit and similar canalised items is restricted to designated canalising agencies such as the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). Individual importers cannot import these items without a specific import license under Paragraph 4.8 of the policy. The DGFT has noted instances where individual importers attempt to sell items on high seas to the canalising agencies, which is not permitted as it bypasses import regulations. The circular reaffirms that such practices are not allowed and reiterates that only authorised agencies can handle canalised item imports. This clarification was issued with the approval of the Director General of Foreign Trade, ensuring compliance with existing regulations.
F.No. 39(191)/97-02/PC-I
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINSITRY OF COMMERCE
DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF FOREIGN TRADE
UDYOG BHAWAN
NEW DELHI – 110 011
Policy Circular No. 34 (RE-98)/98-99,
Dated: 28th August, 1998
To
(1) ALL LICENSING AUTHORITIES
(By Name)
1. ALL CUSTOMS AUTHORITIES
2. ALL EPCs/COMMODITY BOARDS
(4) ALL CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRIES/ASSOCIATION
Subject: Import of Canalised items.
Sir,
Under the current Export and Import Policy and Handbook of Procedures, import of all types of Motor spirit is canalised through Canalising Agency Indian Oil Corporation Limited. It has come to our notice that when imports take place the items are sold on high seas to canalising agency by the individual importer who wants to import the goods.
It is hereby clarified that the items which are canalised can be imported by Canalising Agency only and not by an individual importer. An individual importer shall require an Import licence issued under Paragraph 4.8 of the Export and Import Policy (1997-2002) as amended. Thus purchase of goods by canalising agencies on high seas for importation to country to bypass the procedure of imports by an individual shall not be permitted for such items.
This issues with the approval of Director General of Foreign Trade
Yours faithfully,
Sd:
( RAJAN SUDESH RATNA )
DY. DIRECTOR GENERAL OF FOREIGN TRADE
