In exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 of FT D and R Act, 1992, read with paragraph 102 and 201 of the Foreign Trade Policy

## Report on Amendment to Import Policy Regarding Odoriferous Preparations **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, concerning an amendment to the import policy for odoriferous preparations, specifically those falling under HS Code 33074900. The amendment changes the import policy for certain room fresheners/car fresheners from "Restricted" to "Free", provided they do not operate by burning. This change aims to ease the import of these specific odoriferous preparations. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative overview of an amendment to the import policy concerning specific odoriferous preparations as detailed in Notification No. 54, dated January 1, 2021, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. This analysis is based solely on the information provided in the notification text. **3. Policy Overview:** * The amendment pertains to the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020, as amended from time to time, specifically impacting Chapter 33 of ITC (HS), 2017, Schedule I Import Policy. * **Core Objective (Inferred):** The primary objective of this amendment is to facilitate the import of specific types of odoriferous preparations, namely room fresheners and car fresheners that do not operate by burning, by changing their import status from "Restricted" to "Free." **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Rationale for Amendment (Inferred):** The original policy categorized these odoriferous preparations under a "Restricted" import status. The rationale for this amendment, based on the text, appears to be a decision to liberalize the import of non-burning room and car fresheners, possibly to encourage greater availability or reduce trade barriers for these specific items. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The amendment directly modifies the import policy condition for HS Code 33074900 ("Others" within preparations for perfuming or deodorizing rooms, including odoriferous preparations used during religious rites). * **New Rule/Provision:** The new rule stipulates that the import of odoriferous preparations such as room fresheners and car fresheners *that do not operate by burning* under HS Code 33074900 is now "Free." * **Effect of Change:** Previously, importing these specific room and car fresheners was "Restricted," requiring specific licenses or permissions. The amendment removes this restriction, allowing for easier and potentially less costly importation of these goods. The critical distinction is the *non-burning* operation; burning fresheners may still be restricted. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * Businesses involved in the import and distribution of room fresheners and car fresheners (specifically those that do not operate by burning). * Consumers who purchase these types of air freshening products. * Customs officials responsible for enforcing import regulations. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is responsible for implementing and overseeing this amendment. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification is effective from January 1, 2021, the date of its issuance. No specific procedures are outlined in the text beyond the change in import status. Importers will need to comply with standard customs procedures, but will no longer require specific licenses or permissions previously needed for "Restricted" items. * **Changes Specific to Implementation of Amendment:** Customs officials will need to be aware of the change in import status for these specific non-burning fresheners and adjust their procedures accordingly. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this amendment is: * Increased imports of non-burning room fresheners and car fresheners due to reduced trade barriers. * Potentially lower prices for consumers as a result of increased competition. * Streamlined customs procedures for these specific products. * Possible increase in market share of the non-burning fresheners against other freshener forms. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the import policy for odoriferous preparations under HS Code 33074900, specifically those that do not operate by burning, represents a liberalization of trade for these goods. By changing the import status from "Restricted" to "Free," the amendment is expected to facilitate increased imports, potentially benefit consumers, and simplify customs procedures. This policy change should be carefully noted by businesses involved in the import and sale of these products to take advantage of the new opportunities.

Key Entities Referenced