Extension of time limit for filing claims under the Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) Scheme for specified agricultural products.

## Report on Amendment to Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a public notice amending the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020. The amendment, detailed in Public Notice No. 14/2015-2020, extends the deadline for filing claims under the Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) Scheme for specified agricultural products for the quarters ending March 31, 2020, and June 30, 2020. The core purpose of this amendment is to provide additional time for affected parties to submit their claims, likely due to unforeseen circumstances that hindered timely filing. This extension benefits exporters of specified agricultural products who were eligible for TMA assistance during the specified quarters. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a clear and concise overview of a recent amendment to the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020, as outlined in Public Notice No. 14/2015-2020 issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The analysis focuses solely on the information provided within the given policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This report focuses on an **amendment** to the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective of this specific *amendment* is to extend the deadline for submitting claims under the Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) Scheme. **4. Background and Rationale:** This amendment likely addresses a situation where exporters of specified agricultural products faced difficulties in filing their TMA claims within the original timeframe for the quarters ending March 31, 2020, and June 30, 2020. The extension suggests that external factors, such as disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other logistical challenges, may have prevented timely submission. The amendment is intended to provide relief and ensure that eligible exporters can still avail of the benefits under the TMA scheme. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment specifically modifies Chapter 7A of the Handbook of Procedures 2015-20. * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** Paragraph 7A.01d of the Handbook of Procedures 2015-20. * **New Rule/Provision:** A sentence is added to paragraph 7A.01d stating: "Application for refund of such claims for the quarter ending 31st March, 2020 and 30th June, 2020 may be filed upto 30th September, 2021." In essence, it provides a deadline extension. * **Difference/Effect of the Change:** The original deadline for filing TMA claims for the specified quarters is effectively extended to September 30, 2021. This allows exporters who missed the original deadline to still submit their claims and receive assistance under the scheme. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The direct target audience and stakeholders are exporters of *specified agricultural products* who are eligible for assistance under the Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) Scheme and whose claims pertain to the quarters ending March 31, 2020, and June 30, 2020. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is responsible for implementing this amendment. * **Timelines:** The extended deadline for filing claims is September 30, 2021. * **Procedures:** While the specific procedures for filing claims are not detailed in this text, it is assumed that exporters will need to follow the established procedures for the TMA Scheme, but adhering to the revised deadline. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this amendment is to allow exporters who were unable to file their TMA claims within the original timeframe to still access the benefits of the scheme. This extension will likely increase the number of claims processed and provide financial relief to eligible exporters, supporting the export of specified agricultural products. It also demonstrates the government's responsiveness to challenges faced by the export community. **9. Conclusion:** Public Notice No. 14/2015-2020 amends the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020 by extending the deadline for filing TMA claims for specified agricultural products for the quarters ending March 31, 2020, and June 30, 2020, to September 30, 2021. This amendment is significant as it provides a crucial opportunity for exporters impacted by unforeseen circumstances to avail of the assistance provided under the TMA Scheme, thereby promoting agricultural exports.

Key Entities Referenced