Amendment of Para 2.54 (d)(v)(iv) of Handbook of Procedures, 2015 2020.

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Para 2.54 of Handbook of Procedures, 2015-2020 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes Public Notice No. 46 2015-2020, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on January 14, 2022. This notice amends Para 2.54 of the Handbook of Procedures, 2015-2020, specifically concerning the pre-shipment inspection certificate (PSIC) requirements for imported metallic waste and scrap. The core purpose of the amendment is to expand the number of ports through which metallic scrap from safe countries/regions can be imported without a PSIC. This report finds that the amendment primarily impacts importers of metallic scrap, port authorities, and related customs agencies. The key outcome is a facilitation of trade through the designated ports by reducing inspection requirements, while maintaining safety protocols. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Public Notice No. 46 2015-2020, which amends Para 2.54 of the Handbook of Procedures, 2015-2020, based solely on the provided text. It focuses on the changes introduced by this amendment regarding the import of metallic waste and scrap. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment to:** Para 2.54 dviv of the Handbook of Procedures, 2015-2020. * **Core Objective(s):** To facilitate the import of metallic waste and scrap from safe countries/regions by increasing the number of ports that are exempt from the Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (PSIC) requirement. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment appears to address a need to streamline the import process for metallic scrap from safe countries/regions. The original policy likely caused bottlenecks by limiting the ports where PSIC exemptions were applicable, potentially increasing costs and delays. By expanding the number of designated ports, the amendment aims to reduce these hindrances and improve the efficiency of trade. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is an amendment; therefore, the focus is on the *changes* introduced. * **Specific Part Changed:** Para No. 2.54 dviv of the Handbook of Procedures 2015-2020. * **New Rule/Provision:** The amendment adds Hazira Port and Kamarajar Port to the list of sea ports where a Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (PSIC) is exempted for the import of metallic scrap coming from safe countries/regions. The list of exempted ports now includes Chennai, Tuticorin, Kandla, JNPT, Mumbai, Krishnapatnam, Mundra, Kattupalli, Hazira, and Kamarajar. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The addition of Hazira Port and Kamarajar Port expands the geographical coverage of the PSIC exemption. This allows importers to utilize these ports without the requirement of a PSIC for metallic scrap originating from the USA, the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the EU, provided other conditions (certificate from supplier, radiation/explosive checks) are met. The total number of sea ports exempted for PSIC for import of metallic scrap under Para 2.54 of HBP have increased from existing 08 to 10. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the primary stakeholders directly affected by this amendment are: * **Importers of Metallic Waste and Scrap:** Specifically, those importing from the USA, the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the EU. * **Port Authorities:** Particularly those at Chennai, Tuticorin, Kandla, JNPT, Mumbai, Krishnapatnam, Mundra, Kattupalli, Hazira and Kamarajar ports, who will need to implement the revised procedures. * **Customs Agencies:** Responsible for enforcing the regulations and conducting radiation and explosive checks. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is the responsible agency, as indicated by the Director General's signature and authority. Port authorities and customs agencies are implicitly involved in implementing the amended procedures. * **Timelines or Procedures:** The amendment is effective from January 14, 2022, the date of the Public Notice. The procedure requires consignments from the six safe countries/regions to be accompanied by a certificate from the supplier/scrap yard authority confirming the absence of radioactive materials and explosives. Radiation and explosive checks will be conducted at the designated ports. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this amendment is to streamline the import process of metallic scrap from safe countries/regions. By increasing the number of ports exempt from PSIC requirements, the amendment is likely to: * **Reduce import costs and delays** for affected importers. * **Increase the volume of metallic scrap imports** through Hazira and Kamarajar ports, contributing to economic activity in those regions. * **Improve the overall efficiency of the import process** while maintaining safety standards through radiation and explosive checks. **9. Conclusion:** Public Notice No. 46 2015-2020 represents a targeted effort to facilitate trade in metallic scrap. By amending Para 2.54 of the Handbook of Procedures, 2015-2020, the DGFT has expanded the number of ports where PSIC exemptions apply, specifically adding Hazira Port and Kamarajar Port. This amendment is expected to benefit importers, port authorities, and the overall economy by reducing trade barriers and improving efficiency, while upholding safety protocols for imported materials.

Key Entities Referenced