Amendment in Para 2.54 of Handbook of Procedures, 2015 2020.

## Report on Amendment to Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a public notice amending the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020. The amendment, issued by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), extends the deadline for installing and operationalizing Radiation Portal Monitors and Container Scanners in designated sea ports from March 31, 2022, to September 30, 2022. The core purpose of this amendment is to provide additional time for the installation and operationalization of these security measures at designated sea ports. This report details the background, key changes, affected stakeholders, and likely implications of this amendment. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide a comprehensive overview of a specific amendment to the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020, based solely on the provided text of the public notice issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). It aims to inform affected industries about the implications of this change. **3. Policy Overview:** * This public notice amends Para 2.54 dvii of the Handbook of Procedures 2015-2020 under the overarching Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020. * **Core Objective:** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to ensure the effective implementation of security measures at designated sea ports by extending the deadline for the installation and operationalization of Radiation Portal Monitors and Container Scanners. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment suggests that meeting the original deadline of March 31, 2022, for installing and operationalizing Radiation Portal Monitors and Container Scanners in designated sea ports was proving challenging. The extension to September 30, 2022, indicates a need to provide additional time, likely due to logistical, technical, or other unforeseen delays in the installation and operationalization process. The extension aims to prevent non-compliance and ensure that the security measures are implemented effectively. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** Para 2.54 dvii of the Handbook of Procedures 2015-2020 is being amended. * **New Rule/Provision:** The new provision extends the deadline for installing and operationalizing Radiation Portal Monitors and Container Scanners in designated sea ports to September 30, 2022. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The change provides an additional six months for designated sea ports to comply with the requirement of installing and operationalizing Radiation Portal Monitors and Container Scanners. This allows more time to overcome potential obstacles in the process and avoid potential penalties for non-compliance by the original deadline. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * **Designated Sea Ports:** These are the entities directly responsible for installing and operationalizing Radiation Portal Monitors and Container Scanners. * **Entities involved in the import and export of goods through these designated sea ports:** This includes importers, exporters, shipping companies, and customs brokers, as they will be directly affected by the implementation of these security measures. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is responsible for issuing the amendment and overseeing the implementation of the Foreign Trade Policy. The designated sea ports are responsible for the installation and operationalization of the equipment. * **Timelines or Procedures:** The key timeline specified is the extended deadline of September 30, 2022, for the installation and operationalization of Radiation Portal Monitors and Container Scanners. The public notice does not detail specific procedures, but it implies that sea ports should continue working towards compliance with the original requirements. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this amendment is to ensure the successful installation and operationalization of Radiation Portal Monitors and Container Scanners in designated sea ports. The extension aims to: * Increase compliance by providing more realistic timelines. * Enhance security at designated sea ports by ensuring the implementation of these security measures. * Facilitate smoother trade operations by avoiding potential disruptions caused by non-compliance. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020, as detailed in the public notice, extends the deadline for installing and operationalizing Radiation Portal Monitors and Container Scanners in designated sea ports. This extension is significant as it provides crucial additional time for compliance, potentially leading to enhanced security measures and smoother trade operations. It is important for affected stakeholders, especially designated sea ports, to take note of this change and adjust their implementation timelines accordingly. The amendment reflects a practical adjustment to facilitate effective implementation of existing policy objectives.

Key Entities Referenced