Extension of import policy provision of Tur Pigeon Peas and Urad

## Report on Amendment to Foreign Trade Policy Regarding Import of Tur/Pigeon Peas and Urad Beans **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification amending the Foreign Trade Policy concerning the import of Tur (Pigeon Peas) and Urad Beans. The amendment extends the period for free import of these commodities until December 31, 2021, provided the Bill of Lading is issued on or before that date and the goods are cleared from customs by January 31, 2022. This amendment provides a short-term extension to the existing free import policy, likely impacting importers, customs officials, and ultimately, consumers of these pulses. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of a recent amendment to India's Foreign Trade Policy, specifically concerning the import regulations for Tur (Pigeon Peas) and Urad Beans. The analysis is based solely on the provided government notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * This notification amends Department of Commerce Notification S.O. 1858(E) dated 15.05.2021. * **Core Objective (Inferred):** To manage the import of Tur and Urad Beans, likely balancing the needs of domestic producers with the demand and availability of these commodities in the Indian market. The amendment suggests a fine-tuning of existing import policies. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Rationale for Amendment (Inferred):** The original policy, as implied by the reference to the 15.05.2021 notification, likely established a free import policy for Tur and Urad Beans up to a certain date. This amendment extends that date, suggesting that the government seeks to maintain the free import of these pulses for a further limited period. The extension might be in response to market conditions, supply chain disruptions, or a need to ensure sufficient availability of these essential commodities. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The free import policy for Tur (Pigeon Peas Cajanus Cajan ITCHS 0713 60 00) and Urad Beans (Vigna Mungo L. Hepper ITCHS 0713 3110) as outlined in Notification S.O. 1858(E) dated 15.05.2021. * **New Rule/Provision:** The free import policy for these items is extended up to December 31, 2021. A condition is added that the Bill of Lading must be issued on or before this date, and customs clearance must be completed by January 31, 2022. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The original policy, whatever its initial end date, is now modified to allow free import to continue until the end of December 2021 (for shipments with Bills of Lading before that date, cleared before end of January 2022). After these dates, the free import policy will lapse, and imports may be subject to different regulations, duties, or restrictions. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this amendment include: * Importers of Tur (Pigeon Peas) and Urad Beans. * Customs officials involved in the clearance of these commodities. * Shipping companies and agents issuing Bills of Lading. * Possibly, consumers of these pulses (indirectly, through price and availability). **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department of Commerce). * Customs Department (for enforcing the clearance deadline). * **Timelines/Procedures:** * Bill of Lading must be issued on or before December 31, 2021. * Customs clearance must be completed on or before January 31, 2022. * After January 31, 2022, customs will not allow import of these items under the free import policy, even if the Bill of Lading was issued before December 31, 2021. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **Likely Intended Outcome:** The amendment likely aims to ensure continued availability of Tur and Urad Beans in the Indian market for a limited period, potentially stabilizing prices or meeting demand fluctuations. The limited extension indicates a cautious approach, possibly reflecting concerns about the impact on domestic producers beyond the specified timeframe. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the Foreign Trade Policy extends the free import policy for Tur (Pigeon Peas) and Urad Beans until December 31, 2021, with a customs clearance deadline of January 31, 2022. This provides a temporary continuation of the existing import regime. The amendment is significant as it dictates the terms of trade for these essential commodities and impacts various stakeholders involved in their import and distribution. Affected parties should carefully note the stipulated deadlines to ensure compliance.

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