Amendment of import policy conditions for item under Exim code 07019000 of Chapter 07 of ITC (HS), 2022, Schedule I (Import Policy).

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Import Policy for Potatoes from Bhutan **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the import policy for potatoes (ITC HS Code 0701 90 00) from Bhutan, as outlined in Notification No. 17/2015-2020 dated July 4, 2022. The amendment extends the period during which potatoes can be imported from Bhutan without an import license from June 30, 2022, to June 30, 2023. This change aims to continue facilitating the free import of potatoes from Bhutan, potentially supporting trade relations and supply chains. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of the amendment to the import policy conditions for potatoes originating from Bhutan, as detailed in the provided government notification. The analysis focuses solely on the information presented within the document. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment:** This report concerns an *amendment* to the existing import policy as outlined in the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020. * **Core Objective:** Based on the text, the core objective of the amendment is to extend the existing provision that allows for the duty free import of potatoes from Bhutan. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Reason for Amendment:** The existing policy allowed free import of potatoes from Bhutan up to June 30, 2022. This amendment extends that deadline to June 30, 2023, indicating a desire to maintain this free import status for at least another year. This extension suggests that either the trade relationship has been successful, there are supply chain concerns that necessitate continued imports, or a decision was made to prolong the existing trade arrangement. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **Specific Part of the Original Policy Being Changed:** The amendment focuses on the policy condition related to ITC HS Code 0701 90 00 (Potatoes, fresh or chilled). * **New Rule/Provision:** The revised policy condition states that the import of potatoes from Bhutan under ITCHS Code 0701 90 00 is permitted freely, without any license, up to June 30, 2023. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The amendment extends the period of free import (without license) by one year. Previously, the free import was only allowed up to June 30, 2022. Now, importers can continue to import potatoes from Bhutan without needing a license until June 30, 2023. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the directly affected stakeholders are: * **Importers of Potatoes:** Specifically, those importing potatoes from Bhutan. * **Consumers:** Who may benefit from a stable supply of potatoes. * **Bhutanese Potato Exporters:** Who can continue exporting to India without the barrier of import licenses. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is the responsible body. The notification is issued with the approval of the Minister of Commerce and Industry. * **Timelines:** The key timeline is the extension of the free import period to June 30, 2023. After this date, the import policy may revert to its original state (requiring licenses) or be subject to further amendments. * **Changes related to Amendment:** The implementation requires the DGFT to ensure that customs officials are aware of the revised policy and allow the import of potatoes from Bhutan without licenses until June 30, 2023. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this amendment is likely to: * **Maintain stable trade relations with Bhutan:** By continuing the preferential import policy. * **Ensure a stable supply of potatoes:** The extension reduces the risk of supply disruptions that could occur if import licenses were required. * **Reduce the administrative burden on importers:** By eliminating the need to obtain import licenses. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the import policy for potatoes from Bhutan extends the period of license-free import until June 30, 2023. This extension demonstrates a continued commitment to facilitating trade between the two countries and ensuring a stable supply of potatoes. The key significance lies in the ease of trade and potentially stable consumer prices.

Key Entities Referenced