Enlistment of an Agency and amendment in details of an authorized agency under Appendix 2E of FTP, 2015 2020 authorized to issue Certificate of Origin (Non preferential)

## Report on Public Notice Regarding Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a Public Notice issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) regarding the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020. The Notice primarily focuses on amending Appendix 2E of the FTP, specifically concerning the list of agencies authorized to issue Certificate of Origin (CoO) Non-Preferential. The key actions are the addition of Vizagpatam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) to the list of authorized agencies for Andhra Pradesh and amendment of details for NagVidarbha Chamber of Commerce under Maharashtra. These changes aim to facilitate trade by expanding and updating the list of recognized bodies for CoO issuance. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an informative overview of a Public Notice pertaining to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the Public Notice and aims to clarify the changes implemented regarding agencies authorized to issue Certificates of Origin. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment:** This Public Notice serves as an amendment to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to update and expand the list of authorized agencies for issuing Certificate of Origin (CoO) Non-Preferential, enhancing trade facilitation. **4. Background and Rationale:** This is an amendment to the existing FTP 2015-2020. The reason for this specific amendment seems to be two-fold: * To increase accessibility of CoO Non-Preferential issuance by enlisting a new agency, VCCI, in Andhra Pradesh. * To ensure the accuracy and currency of information regarding existing authorized agencies, exemplified by the amended details of NagVidarbha Chamber of Commerce. This suggests a need to maintain an updated directory of contact information and addresses for these organizations. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** The Public Notice introduces the following specific changes: * **Addition of VCCI:** The Vizagpatam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) is added to the list of authorized agencies for issuing Certificate of Origin Non-Preferential in Andhra Pradesh (Serial No. 10 of Appendix 2E). This expands the geographical coverage and potentially reduces processing times for businesses in the Visakhapatnam region. * **Amendment of NagVidarbha Chamber of Commerce Details:** The details of the NagVidarbha Chamber of Commerce, listed under Maharashtra (Serial No. 15 of Appendix 2E), are amended. The changes include updated address, telephone, fax, email, mobile, and website information. This ensures that stakeholders have the correct contact information for obtaining CoOs from this Chamber. The specific changes include updating the address, adding a mobile number, WhatsApp contact information and including multiple email addresses for communication related to CoO. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders affected by this amendment include: * **Exporters and Importers:** Businesses involved in international trade, particularly those requiring Certificate of Origin Non-Preferential in Andhra Pradesh and those interacting with the NagVidarbha Chamber of Commerce. * **Vizagpatam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI):** As the newly enlisted agency, VCCI will be responsible for providing CoO services. * **NagVidarbha Chamber of Commerce:** This chamber will need to update its records and ensure the amended contact information is readily available. * **Customs authorities and other trade-related government agencies:** These agencies rely on accurate lists of authorized agencies for verification purposes. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is responsible for implementing these changes. * **Procedures:** No specific procedures are detailed in the text beyond the enlistment and amendment. However, it can be inferred that VCCI will need to establish processes for CoO issuance, and the NagVidarbha Chamber of Commerce will need to update its contact information across relevant platforms. * The Chambers of Commerce need to follow all requirements for the CoO as per the FTP 2015-2020. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcomes of these changes are likely to include: * **Increased Accessibility:** The addition of VCCI should improve accessibility to CoO Non-Preferential for businesses in the Visakhapatnam region, potentially reducing processing times and costs. * **Improved Communication:** The updated contact information for the NagVidarbha Chamber of Commerce should facilitate smoother communication and reduce delays in obtaining CoOs. * **Enhanced Trade Facilitation:** Overall, these changes contribute to streamlining the trade process by ensuring the availability of accurate and up-to-date information regarding authorized agencies. **9. Conclusion:** The Public Notice analyzed in this report implements specific amendments to Appendix 2E of the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020. These changes, involving the addition of Vizagpatam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the amendment of details for NagVidarbha Chamber of Commerce, demonstrate a commitment to enhancing trade facilitation by expanding access to Certificate of Origin Non-Preferential and maintaining accurate information on authorized agencies. The changes are significant for exporters and importers, as well as the listed Chambers of Commerce, as they will impact the ease and efficiency of trade operations.

Key Entities Referenced