Amendment in Import Policy Condition of Water Melon Seeds under ITC(HS) Code 1207 70 90 of Chapter 12 of ITC (HS), 2022, Schedule I (Import Policy)

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Import Policy Condition of Water Melon Seeds **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the import policy condition for Water Melon Seeds under ITC HS Code 1207 70 90, as notified by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on June 21, 2022. The amendment modifies the existing import policy, allowing "Free" import of watermelon seeds until September 30, 2022, through specific ports: Kandla INIXY1 and Mundra INMUN1. This amendment aims to temporarily ease import restrictions, likely to address supply needs within a specific timeframe. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide a detailed analysis of the amendment to the import policy condition for Water Melon Seeds under ITC HS Code 1207 70 90. The analysis is based solely on the information provided in the official notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on June 21, 2022. **3. Policy Overview:** * This report analyzes an *amendment* to an existing policy. * The core objective of this amendment, as inferred from the text, is to provide a temporary window for duty-free import of watermelon seeds under specific conditions. **4. Background and Rationale:** This amendment likely addresses a need for increased availability of watermelon seeds within a specific timeframe. The temporary easing of import restrictions suggests a potential supply shortage or a desire to facilitate trade within a specific agricultural season. The restriction of imports to specific ports (Kandla INIXY1 and Mundra INMUN1) likely reflects logistical or monitoring considerations. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This section details the changes introduced by the amendment: * **Original Policy:** The existing policy before the amendment classified the import of watermelon seeds (ITC HS Code 1207 70 90) as "Restricted," subject to Policy Condition 4 of Chapter 12. * **New Rule/Provision:** The amendment introduces the following changes: * The import of Water Melon Seeds is "Free" until September 30, 2022. * Shipments made by September 30, 2022, from exporting countries may be allowed for clearance if the Bill of Entry is filed and the goods are submitted to Customs for examination by October 31, 2022. * Imports are permitted only through Kandla INIXY1 and Mundra INMUN1 ports. * **Effect of the Change:** The amendment temporarily removes import duties on watermelon seeds arriving through designated ports, under specific conditions. This allows for quicker and potentially cheaper access to watermelon seeds for importers, provided shipments are completed within the specified timeframe. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the primary target audience and stakeholders are: * Importers of watermelon seeds. * Exporters of watermelon seeds. * Customs authorities at Kandla INIXY1 and Mundra INMUN1 ports. * Clearing agents involved in the import of watermelon seeds. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is the issuing authority. Customs authorities at Kandla INIXY1 and Mundra INMUN1 ports are responsible for enforcing the import regulations. * **Timelines:** * The "Free" import policy is valid until September 30, 2022. * Shipments must be made by September 30, 2022, to be eligible for clearance. * The Bill of Entry must be filed, and goods must be handed over to Customs for examination by October 31, 2022. * The amendment stipulates specific port restrictions. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of these specific changes are: * Increased import volume of watermelon seeds before the September 30, 2022 deadline. * Reduced costs for importers due to the temporary removal of import duties. * Potential stabilization or reduction in the price of watermelon seeds in the domestic market. * Streamlined import process through the designated ports. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the import policy condition for Water Melon Seeds temporarily eases import restrictions until September 30, 2022, allowing duty-free imports through Kandla INIXY1 and Mundra INMUN1 ports. This change likely aims to address a specific market need or supply situation and will impact importers, exporters, and customs authorities involved in the trade of watermelon seeds. The key takeaway is the limited timeframe for this amendment and the specific port restrictions that must be adhered to.

Key Entities Referenced