Introduction: The Government of India, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade, has issued Trade Notice No. 39/2023-24, dated 18th March 2024, regarding significant changes in the origin declaration process for Self-Certification under the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). This notice impacts all exporters and designated issuing agencies involved in trade between India and the United Kingdom.
Detailed Analysis:
1. Transition from GSP to DCTS: The notice highlights the transition from the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) to the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) by the United Kingdom. Effective from 19th June 2023, the UK replaced its existing origin declaration process with DCTS. The transition period for this change was extended until 31st December 2023.
2. Requirement for Origin Declaration: Under the DCTS, goods must meet the Rules of Origin (RoO) requirements to claim a concessional rate of import duty for exports to the UK. Indian exporters are now required to adhere to the new rules under DCTS starting from 1st January 2024 to avail concessions on their exports to the UK.
3. Self-Certification Process: A significant change is the requirement for self-certification of origin criteria. Indian exporters are directed to use origin declaration wording under the DCTS scheme instead of the previous GSP wording. This implies that exporters need to ensure compliance with the specific requirements outlined under the DCTS for their products.
4. Access to Information: The notice provides URLs where detailed information on the DCTS can be accessed. These resources are essential for exporters to understand the new policies, requirements, and procedures involved in availing tariff concessions under the DCTS.
Conclusion: The shift from GSP to DCTS brings about crucial changes in the origin declaration process for Indian exporters trading with the UK. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to the new rules and requirements under DCTS for claiming tariff concessions. Indian exporters need to familiarize themselves with the updated procedures and ensure compliance to continue benefiting from favorable trade relations with the United Kingdom. This notice serves as a reminder for exporters to adapt to the evolving trade landscape and maintain competitiveness in international markets.
*****
Government of India
Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Department of Commerce
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Trade Notice No. 39/2023-24- DGFT | Dated: 18th March 2024
To,
1. All Exporters/Members of Trade
2. All Designated Issuing Agencies
Subject: Changes in origin declaration for Self-Certification under UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) – reg.
It is hereby informed to all concerned that the United Kingdom (UK) has replaced its existing origin declaration process under Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) with the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme ( DCTS) effective from 19th June 2023. The transition period for this change was extended until 31st December 2023 Starting from 1st January 2024 onwards, Indian Exporters to the UK are required to adhere to the new rules under DCTS to avail concessions on their exports to the UK.
2. Goods that meet the UK DCTS Rules of Origin (RoO) requirements shall be eligible to claim a concessional rate of import duty for exports to the UK. Consequently, the origin criteria necessary for satisfying the Rules of Origin to avail tariff concessions on exports from India to the UK must be filled in through self-certification.
3. Indian Exporters accordingly are directed to use origin declaration wording under DCTS scheme, in place of origin declaration wording under GSP is filled through self-certification.
4. Details provided by UK on DCTS can be accessed at the following URLs:-
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/developing-countries-trading-scheme-dcts-new-policy-report/developing-countries-trading-scheme-government-policy-response
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-an-origin-declaration-for-the-developing-countries-trading-scheme
This is issued with the approval of the competent authority.
(Manoj Kumar Meena)
Deputy Director
e-mail: [email protected]
(Issued from File No. 01/02/82/AM-19/EDI-Part(1))
