Applications for allocation of Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) under India Mauritius CECPA for the for the financial year 2022 23

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020 regarding India-Mauritius CECPA Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a public notice amending the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020, specifically concerning the allocation of Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQ) under the India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Partnership Agreement (CECPA). The amendment, as detailed in Public Notice No. 04/2015-2020, removes the end date for submitting online applications for TRQ allocation for the financial year 2022-23, implementing a "First Come, First Served" basis. This change aims to streamline the application process and potentially expedite the utilization of TRQs. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a detailed analysis of Public Notice No. 04/2015-2020, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), which amends the existing Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020 regarding the allocation of Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQ) under the India-Mauritius CECPA. The analysis is based solely on the information provided in the policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** This public notice constitutes an amendment to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020. It specifically refers to and amends condition ii(f) of Annexure III to Appendix 2A of FTP 2015-20. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective of this *amendment* is to modify the application procedure for TRQ allocation under the India-Mauritius CECPA by removing the application deadline and implementing a "First Come, First Served" basis. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment suggests a need to adjust the application process for TRQ allocation. The removal of the end date for online applications suggests a potential prior issue of underutilization or delays experienced under the previous system. The "First Come, First Served" basis implies a desire for a more efficient and potentially faster allocation process. This may be due to application burden, or other practical issues. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This public notice introduces a key change to the application process for Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) allocation under the India-Mauritius CECPA for the financial year 2022-23. * **Specific Part of the Original Policy Changed:** Condition ii(f) of Annexure III to Appendix 2A of FTP 2015-20. * **New Rule/Provision:** The online applications for allocation of TRQ under India-Mauritius CECPA for the current financial year 2022-23 will be considered by the DGFT on a "First Come, First Served" basis, with no end date for submission. * **Difference/Effect of this Change:** Previously, there was likely an end date for submitting TRQ applications. Removing this end date allows businesses to apply throughout the financial year. The adoption of "First Come, First Served" means that applications will be processed and approved in the order they are received, incentivizing early application submissions. This also means that those who delay submission are likely to lose out on TRQ. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this amendment are businesses involved in importing items under the Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) within the India-Mauritius CECPA framework, particularly those planning to import during the financial year 2022-23. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is the responsible body for considering and approving the online applications. * **Timelines/Procedures:** There is no end date for submission of online applications. Applications will be processed on a "First Come, First Served" basis. Existing modalities besides the end date will remain the same. * **Specific to Amendment:** The amendment focuses on the application timeline. The implication is that applicants should submit applications as early as possible to improve their chances of securing TRQ allocations. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this amendment is likely to streamline the allocation of TRQs under the India-Mauritius CECPA. The removal of the application deadline may encourage more businesses to apply throughout the year. The "First Come, First Served" basis could expedite the allocation process, leading to quicker utilization of the TRQs and facilitating trade between India and Mauritius. This may also incentivize those who would not have otherwise applied, due to previous timing restrictions, to apply. It may also lead to a situation of some businesses, particularly smaller ones, missing out on the allocation due to their inability to apply early. **9. Conclusion:** Public Notice No. 04/2015-2020 represents a significant change to the TRQ allocation process under the India-Mauritius CECPA. By removing the application deadline and implementing a "First Come, First Served" basis, the DGFT aims to make the process more accessible and efficient. Businesses involved in relevant import activities should take note of this change and adjust their application strategies accordingly to maximize their chances of securing TRQ allocations. This change seems likely to create increased competition for the quota, especially at the beginning of the financial year.

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