Introduction: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued Public Notice No. 43/2023 dated February 14, 2024, announcing a significant amendment in Para 2.51 of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP), 2023. This amendment introduces Adani Gangavaram Port as a designated sea port for the import of scrap, expanding the list and streamlining processes.
Detailed Analysis:
1. Amendment Details: The amendment specifically modifies Para 2.51 (d)(iv) and (d)(v)(iv) of the HBP, 2023. Adani Gangavaram Port is now included in the list of designated sea ports for the import of scrap, as well as in the list of sea ports exempted from Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (PSIC) requirements for metallic waste and scrap from safe countries/regions.
2. Expanded Designated Ports: With the inclusion of Adani Gangavaram Port, the amended Para 2.51 now lists a total of 19 designated sea ports for scrap imports. This expansion is a noteworthy development, providing traders with an additional port option for their metallic waste and scrap imports.
3. PSIC Exemption Criteria: The amendment outlines the criteria for exemption from PSIC for metallic waste and scrap from safe countries/regions, including the USA, the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the EU. Importers clearing consignments through eleven specified ports, now including Adani Gangavaram Port, will not require PSIC, subject to certain conditions.
4. Radiation and Explosive Checks: While PSIC requirements are exempted for specific ports, consignments from safe countries/regions will still undergo radiation and explosive checks through portal monitors and container scanners at these ports. Trans-shipments through these countries/regions will not be eligible for this facility.
Conclusion: The amendment in Para 2.51 of HBP, 2023, marks a positive step toward facilitating the import of metallic waste and scrap. The inclusion of Adani Gangavaram Port in the designated sea ports and the expansion of PSIC-exempted ports provide traders with increased flexibility and options. Importers are advised to stay informed about the revised procedures and take advantage of the expanded list of ports for smoother trade operations. For further details, refer to DGFT Public Notice No. 43/2023 dated February 14, 2024.
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Government of India
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Department of Commerce
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi
Public Notice No. 43/2023-DGFT | Dated: 14 February, 2024
Subject: Amendment in Para 2.51 of Handbook of Procedures, 2023-reg.
F. No. 01/89/180/53/AM-01/PC-II(B)/E-2382).—I In exercise of powers conferred under para 1.03 and 2.04 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, as amended from time to time, the Directorate of General Foreign Trade hereby amend Para 2.51 (d)(iv) of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP), 2023 by inserting Adani Gangavaram Port to the list of designated sea ports from where import of scrap would take place. Further Para 2.51 (d)(v)(iv) of HBP is also amended by inserting Adani Gangavaram Port to the list of sea ports where Pre- Shipment Inspection Certificate (PSIC) is exempted in case of import of metallic waste and scrap coming from safe countries/region.
2. The amended sub-para 2.51 of the HBP, 2023 will read as under (changes made are in bold letters):
Amended Para 2.51 (d)(iv) of IMP: Import of scrap would take place only through following designated ports and no exceptions would be allowed even in case of EOUs, SEZs: – 1. Chennai 2. Cochin 3. Ennore 4. JNPT 5. Kandla 6. Mormugao 7. Mumbai 8. New Mangalore 9. Paradip 10. Tuticorin 11. Vishakhapatnam 12. Pipava 13. Mundra 14. Kolkata 15. Krishnapatnam 16. Kattupalli 17. Hazira 18. Kamarajar and 19. Adani Gangavaram.
Amended Para 2.51 (d)(v)(iv) of HBP: Import consignments of metallic waste and scrap shall be subject to pre-shipment inspection certificate (PSIC) from the country of origin. However, metallic waste and scrap (both shredded and untedded) imported from safe countries / region i.e., the USA, the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the EU will not require PSIC if consignments are cleared through eleven (11) ports namely, Chennai, Tuticorin, Kandla, JNPT, Mumbai, Krishnapatnam, Mundra, Kattupalli, Hazira, Kamarajar and Adani Gangavaram Port. Consignments from these six countries / regions will be accompanied by certificate from the supplier / scrap yard authority to the effect that it does not contain any radioactive materials / explosives. These will however be subject to radiation and explosive checks through portal monitors and container scanner at these ports. Transshipments through these countries / regions will not be allowed this facility. Import through remaining eight (08) other ports (for both shredded and untedded scrap / waste), irrespective of country of origin, will be subject to PSIC.
Effect of this Public Notice:
Import of metallic waste and scrap from 06 safe countries / region without PSIC is now permitted from 11 designated ports including through Adani Gangavaram Port. As a result, the total numbers of sea ports where import of scrap would take place have been increased from existing 18 to 19 and PSIC exempted sea ports have increased from existing 10 to 11 for import of metallic waste and scrap under Para 2.51 of HBP, 2023.
(Santosh Kumar Sarangi)
Director General of Foreign Trade &
Ex-officio Addl. Secretary to Govt. of India
Email: dgft@nic.in
(Issued from File No. 01/89/180/53/AM-01/PC-11(B)/E-2382)
