Amendment of Appendix 2B (List of Agencies Authorised to issue Certificate of Origin (Preferential)) of Foreign Trade Policy, 2015 2020.

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020 - Certificate of Origin for India-UAE CEPA **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a Public Notice that amends Appendix 2B of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020. The amendment, issued by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), adds authorized agencies to the list of those permitted to issue Certificates of Origin (CoO) preferential for the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The core purpose of this amendment is to facilitate trade between India and the UAE under the CEPA by expanding the network of agencies authorized to issue CoOs, thereby streamlining the export/import process for businesses involved in this trade. The key finding is the identification of newly authorized agencies and the products they are authorized to issue CoOs for, directly impacting exporters and importers dealing with the India-UAE trade corridor. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an informative analysis of the Public Notice No. 05/2015-2020, dated April 29, 2022, pertaining to the amendment of Appendix 2B of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020. The analysis is based solely on the content of the provided text and aims to inform stakeholders about the specific changes introduced regarding the issuance of Certificates of Origin (CoO) for the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). **3. Policy Overview:** * This report concerns an amendment to the existing Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020, specifically Appendix 2B. * **Core Objective:** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to facilitate trade between India and the UAE under the India-UAE CEPA by streamlining the CoO issuance process. This is achieved by increasing the number of authorized agencies that can issue preferential CoOs. **4. Background and Rationale:** The rationale for this amendment likely stems from a need to expedite the trade process between India and the UAE under the CEPA. By expanding the list of authorized agencies, the amendment aims to reduce potential bottlenecks in CoO issuance, a crucial document for availing preferential tariff treatment under the agreement. This suggests a proactive measure to ensure smooth implementation and optimal utilization of the India-UAE CEPA by businesses. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment specifically targets Appendix 2B of the FTP 2015-2020, which lists agencies authorized to issue preferential Certificates of Origin (CoOs). The key change is the *addition* of specific agencies to this list, authorizing them to issue CoOs for the India-UAE CEPA. The amendment introduces the following changes: * **Specific Part Changed:** Appendix 2B of the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020. * **New Rule/Provision:** The addition of a list of agencies authorized to issue CoOs preferential for the India-UAE CEPA, including entities like the India UAE Export Inspection Council, Export Inspection Agencies, Marine Products Export Development Authority and regional offices, Development Commissioner, Handicraft and regional offices, Spices Board, Coir Board, Textile Committee and regional offices, Central Silk Board and regional offices, MEPZ special Economic Zone, Kandla Special Economic zone, SEEPZ Special Economic Zone, Cochin Special Economic Zone, NOIDA Special Economic Zone, Vishakhapatnam Special Economic Zone, Falta Special Economic Zone, Directorate General of Foreign Trade and regional offices, Tobacco Board, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority APEDA. The text also specifies the products each agency is authorized to issue CoOs for (e.g., Spices Board for Spices and Cashew Nuts). * **Effect of Change:** This change directly increases the availability of authorized agencies for exporters and importers involved in India-UAE trade under the CEPA. This reduces the time and effort required to obtain CoOs, facilitating smoother and potentially increased trade volume. The addition of SEZ-specific authorities further streamlines the process for units operating within those zones. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * **Exporters and Importers** engaged in trade between India and the UAE under the CEPA. * **Export-Oriented Units (EOUs)** located within Special Economic Zones (SEZs) like Madras, Kandla, Surat, SEEPZ, Cochin, Noida, Vishakhapatnam, and Falta. * The listed **Authorized Agencies** now responsible for issuing CoOs under the India-UAE CEPA. * The **Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)**, responsible for administering the policy. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The DGFT is responsible for overall administration. The listed agencies are responsible for issuing CoOs for the specified products. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The text doesn't specify timelines or detailed procedures. It is implied that the listed agencies are now immediately authorized to issue CoOs as per the amendment. * **Implementation related to changes:** The authorised agencies will need to ensure compliance with CEPA rules of origin and update their systems to accommodate CoO issuance under the agreement. Exporters will need to approach the newly listed agencies to obtain CoOs. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this amendment is to: * **Reduce transaction costs and time** associated with obtaining CoOs for India-UAE trade. * **Promote greater utilization of the India-UAE CEPA** by making it easier for businesses to comply with origin requirements. * **Increase trade volume** between India and the UAE by removing potential administrative hurdles. * **Improve the ease of doing business** for exporters, particularly those operating within SEZs. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to Appendix 2B of the FTP 2015-2020, as outlined in the provided Public Notice, is a significant step towards facilitating trade between India and the UAE under the CEPA. By expanding the network of authorized agencies for CoO issuance, the amendment aims to streamline trade processes, reduce transaction costs, and ultimately boost trade volume between the two countries. This change is of particular importance to exporters and importers involved in the India-UAE trade corridor and to businesses operating within designated Special Economic Zones.

Key Entities Referenced