Amendment in Appendix 2T (List of Export Promotion Councils/Commodity Boards/Export Development Authorities) of Foreign Trade Policy 2015 2020

**Report on Amendment to Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020 Regarding Export Promotion Councils** **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a Public Notice issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on December 27, 2022. This notice amends Appendix 2T of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020, specifically concerning the "List of Export Promotion Councils/Commodity Boards/Export Development Authorities." The amendment revises the details of products falling under the jurisdiction of the Export Promotion Council for Export Oriented Units (EOUs) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) (EPCES). The key change involves clarifying and updating the product and service coverage, and mandating registration with the Spices Board for EOU and SEZ units involved in spices. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide information and analysis regarding the amendment to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020 as outlined in Public Notice No. 45 (2015-2020) issued on December 27, 2022. The report focuses on the changes introduced to Appendix 2T concerning the Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs (EPCES). This report is based solely on the information contained within the provided policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy Amended:** Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020. * **Core Objective(s):** From the provided text, the core objective of the amendment appears to be to refine and clarify the jurisdiction of the Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs (EPCES) and to ensure proper registration of spice-related units with the Spices Board. This aims to streamline export promotion and regulatory oversight. **4. Background and Rationale:** This amendment is likely intended to address potential ambiguities or gaps in the original definition of product jurisdiction within the Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs (EPCES). Specifically, the text suggests a need to ensure consistent application of export promotion policies for EOUs and SEZs, particularly those involved in the spices industry. The mandatory registration with the Spices Board seems designed to improve regulatory oversight and data collection for spice exports from EOUs and SEZs. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This Public Notice introduces specific changes to the details of products falling under the jurisdiction of the Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs (EPCES) in Appendix 2T of FTP 2015-2020: * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** Appendix 2T, Sl. No. 10, concerning "Export Promotion Council/Commodity Boards/Export Development Authorities." * **New Rule/Provision:** * The revised details of products falling with their jurisdiction of EPCES now states that all products and services will fall under the perview of EOU and SEZ EPCES with the exception of spices. In the case of spices, it would be mandatory for units to get themselves registered with Spices Board. * **Difference/Effect of this Change:** The revision mandates that EOU and SEZ units dealing with spices must register with the Spices Board. This ensures those units are monitored by the proper authority. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders affected by this amendment are: * Export-oriented units (EOUs). * Units operating within Special Economic Zones (SEZs). * The Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs (EPCES). * The Spices Board. * Businesses involved in the export of spices from EOUs and SEZs. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) – responsible for issuing the Public Notice and implementing the amendment. * Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs (EPCES) – responsible for implementing the revised guidelines within their jurisdiction. * Spices Board – responsible for registering and overseeing spice-related units within EOUs and SEZs. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The amendment is effective "with immediate effect" as of December 27, 2022. Units dealing with spices are now required to register with the Spices Board. No specific procedure or deadline for registration is explicitly mentioned in the text, however, that is something that could be reasonably expected. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of these specific changes are: * Improved clarity and consistency in the application of export promotion policies for EOUs and SEZs. * Enhanced regulatory oversight and data collection related to spice exports from EOUs and SEZs. * Greater coordination between the EPCES and the Spices Board. * Increased compliance with regulatory requirements for spice-related businesses within EOUs and SEZs. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to Appendix 2T of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020, enacted through Public Notice No. 45 (2015-2020), represents a refinement of the jurisdictional responsibilities of the Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs (EPCES). The key change involves the mandatory registration of spice-related units within EOUs and SEZs with the Spices Board. This amendment is likely to promote better regulatory oversight and improved data collection, ultimately contributing to a more streamlined and compliant export environment.

Key Entities Referenced