Extension of relaxation of the Provisions under Notification 20/2015 20 dated 24.08.2021

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020 Regarding Import of Goods **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification amending the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020. The amendment, issued on May 2, 2022, focuses on extending the import deadline for remaining quantities of goods and specifies ports of entry. The core purpose of this amendment is to provide additional time for imports and maintain control over entry points. The key findings indicate that the amendment aims to facilitate trade while maintaining oversight of import volumes and designated entry points. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an informative overview of a specific amendment to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020, based solely on the text of the provided government notification. The analysis focuses on the changes introduced by the amendment and their potential implications. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy:** The amendment refers to and modifies DGFT Notification No. 20/2015-2020 dated 24.08.2021, along with other notifications (23/2015-20, 26/2015-20, 32/2015-20 and 36/2015-20). This suggests the original policy concerned import regulations. * **Core Objective(s) (Inferred):** Based on the amendment text, the objectives include: * Facilitating the import of a specific quantity of goods (5.5 Lakh MTs). * Maintaining control over the ports of entry for these imports. * Ensuring adherence to the specified import quantity. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Likely Reason for Amendment:** The amendment addresses the timeline and logistical constraints associated with importing the remaining quantities of goods. The extension of the import deadline suggests potential delays or disruptions in the original import schedule. The notification aims to ease the burden on importers to receive these goods within a constrained timeframe. This extension of deadlines and clarification of port entries would reduce logistic pressures on those importing the identified goods. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This section focuses on the specific changes introduced by the amendment. * **Change 1: Extension of Import Deadline:** * **Original Policy:** The original policy likely had a previous import deadline for the specified quantity of goods (5.5 Lakh MTs). * **New Rule/Provision:** The amendment extends the last date of imports to September 30, 2022, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Consignments with a Bill of Lading or Lorry Receipt dated on or before September 30, 2022, will be considered for import. An "Out of Charge" authorization from customs authorities can be obtained on or before December 31, 2022. * **Effect of Change:** This provides importers with additional time to complete the import process, potentially mitigating logistical challenges and avoiding penalties for missing the original deadline. * **Change 2: Reiteration of Permitted Ports:** * **Original Policy:** The original policy already specified permitted ports for these imports. * **New Rule/Provision:** The amendment reiterates that import is allowed only through eight previously notified ports: Nhava Sheva Port, LCS Petrapole, Mumbai Sea Port, Tuticorin Sea Port, Vishakhapatnam Sea Port, Ghojadanga LCS, Kolkata, and Ranaghat Railway Station. * **Effect of Change:** This reinforces the existing port restrictions, ensuring that imports are channeled through designated entry points. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by these changes include: * Importers of the specified goods (implied to be a particular type of good limited to 5.5 Lakh MT). * Customs authorities at the designated ports. * The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), responsible for monitoring import quantities. * Logistics and transportation companies involved in the import process. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) – Issuing authority. * Customs Authorities – Responsible for authorizing "Out of Charge." * Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) – Responsible for monitoring import quantities. * **Timelines:** * Last date for imports: September 30, 2022 (or until further orders). * Deadline for Bill of Lading/Lorry Receipt: September 30, 2022. * Deadline for "Out of Charge" authorization: December 31, 2022. * **Specific to Changes:** The DAH&D will need to ensure accurate tracking of import quantities within the extended timeframe and through the specified ports. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * The extension of the import deadline is likely intended to: * Reduce logistical bottlenecks and facilitate smoother import operations for importers. * Prevent disruptions in the supply chain due to time constraints. * The reiteration of permitted ports aims to maintain control over import entry points and ensure compliance with existing regulations. * The strict monitoring by DAHD should prevent exceeding the mandated quantity of 5.5 Lakh MT. **9. Conclusion:** This amendment to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020 provides a time extension for the import of remaining quantities of goods and reinforces existing port restrictions. The changes are intended to facilitate trade, provide flexibility to importers, and maintain oversight of import volumes and entry points. The notification is significant as it balances trade facilitation with regulatory control.

Key Entities Referenced