Clarification on last date of import in continuation of Notification No 20 dated 24 Aug 2021

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Notification No. 20/2015-2020 Regarding Import Deadlines **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to Notification No. 20/2015-2020, dated 24.08.2021, concerning the last date of import. The amendment, issued on September 13, 2021, clarifies and extends the deadline for shipments or Bill of Lading/Lorry Receipt dates for imports under the original notification. The core purpose of the amendment is to modify the import deadline to provide more flexibility related to shipment and customs clearance. Key findings indicate an extension of the allowable shipment/receipt date and a subsequent deadline for customs clearance, impacting importers and the customs department. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the amendment to Notification No. 20/2015-2020 dated 24.08.2021, as published in the Gazette of India on September 13, 2021. The analysis focuses solely on the provided policy text to inform affected parties about the changes introduced. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy:** Notification No. 20/2015-2020 dated 24.08.2021 (referred to throughout the text). * **Core Objective(s):** The original notification aimed to regulate import timelines, as can be inferred by the existence of an “import deadline” and the need for further clarification. The amendment intends to clarify and revise this deadline. **4. Background and Rationale:** The original notification likely set a deadline for imports to address specific market conditions or trade regulations. The amendment is likely intended to address potential disruptions to shipping and logistics. By allowing a shipment date or Bill of Lading/Lorry receipt date until 31.10.2021 and customs clearance until 31.01.2022, the amendment could prevent goods already in transit from being denied entry. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification amends Para 3 of Notification No. 20/2015-2020 dated 24.08.2021. * **Original Provision:** The original notification specified the last date of import as 31.10.2021. * **New Rule/Provision:** The amendment changes the last date of "import" of 31.10.2021 to read as "Last date of shipment or Bill of Lading date in case of permitted seaports or Lorry Receipt date in case of LCS Petrapole" shall be 31.10.2021 or until further orders, whichever is earlier. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** This change effectively shifts the critical date from the actual *import* date to the *shipment* or *documentation* date. It establishes that goods shipped/documented on or before 31.10.2021 are covered by the original notification. Further, the amendment adds that import consignments with Bill of Lading/Lorry Receipt issued on or before 31st October, 2021 shall not be allowed by Customs beyond 31st January 2022. This adds a second deadline for customs clearance. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the primary target audience and stakeholders include: * **Importers:** Directly affected by the revised import deadlines and customs clearance regulations. * **Customs Department:** Responsible for enforcing the revised deadlines and procedures. * **Shipping Companies:** Involved in the shipment and documentation of goods. * Parties using LCS Petrapole. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is issuing the notification. Customs departments will enforce the deadlines. * **Timelines:** * Last date of shipment or Bill of Lading/Lorry Receipt: 31st October 2021 (or until further orders, whichever is earlier). * Final date for customs clearance for shipments with documents dated on or before 31st October 2021: 31st January 2022. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of these changes is to provide flexibility and clarity regarding import deadlines, especially in cases where shipments are already in transit. This likely aims to prevent disruptions in trade and ensure that goods shipped by the specified date are allowed entry into the country, given they clear customs by January 31, 2022. The amendment reduces the risk of goods being rejected due to logistical delays. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to Notification No. 20/2015-2020 clarifies and extends the import deadline by shifting the focus to the shipment or documentation date. This allows importers more time to clear customs for goods already in transit, potentially mitigating disruptions caused by logistical challenges. This change is a significant development for stakeholders involved in international trade, particularly importers and the customs department.

Key Entities Referenced