Executive Summary:
This notification amends the import policy conditions under Chapters 29, 38, and 39 of the ITC HS, 2017, Schedule I Import Policy. It revises conditions for specific chemicals, prohibits certain imports, and introduces new submission requirements for importers. The changes are effective August 11, 2020.
Key Points / Main Content:
Amended Import Policy Conditions:
* Revises import policies for chemicals under specific EXIM codes in Chapter 29. Import permissions are now as per Policy Condition 1 and Policy Condition 4.
* Revises import policies for chemicals under specific EXIM codes in Chapter 38. Import permissions are now as per Policy Condition 3 and Policy Condition 5.
New Import Policy Conditions:
* A new import policy condition is added to Chapters 29 and 38, designated as Policy Condition 4 and 5 respectively.
Prohibitions:
* Import of HCFC-141b is prohibited, except for feedstock applications as per Ozone Depleting Substances Regulation and Control Rules, 2000 and its amendments.
* Import of pre-blended polyol containing Group VI substances, including HCFC-141b, is not permitted as per Ozone Depleting Substances Regulation and Control Amendment Rules, 2014.
Submission Requirements:
* Importers of chemicals specified at S. Nos. 1 to 15 must submit a copy of the Bill of Entry within 30 days to the Ozone Cell, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, New Delhi.
Impact Analysis:
Importers of Specified Chemicals (S. Nos. 1-15):
* Impact: New compliance requirements for importing specific chemicals.
* Action Required: Submit a copy of the Bill of Entry to the Ozone Cell within 30 days of each import consignment.
Importers of HCFC-141b:
* Impact: Restricted import of HCFC-141b.
* Action Required: Ensure HCFC-141b imports are solely for feedstock applications, complying with Ozone Depleting Substances Regulation and Control Rules, 2000.
Importers of Pre-blended Polyol:
* Impact: Prohibition on importing pre-blended polyol containing Group VI substances.
* Action Required: Discontinue importing pre-blended polyol containing Group VI substances, including HCFC-141b.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Ozone Cell):
* Impact: Increased monitoring and enforcement responsibilities.
* Action Required: Process and manage the submitted Bill of Entry copies from importers.
Key Entities Referenced
Foreign Trade Policy, 2015-2020: A policy governing foreign trade, referenced in the context of amendments and powers exercised by the Central Government.
Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992: An act that provides the Central Government with powers to regulate foreign trade, cited as the legal basis for the notification.
ITC HS, 2017, Schedule I Import Policy: The primary policy document being amended by the notification, specifically concerning import policies and conditions.
Ozone Depleting Substances Regulation and Control Rules, 2000: Rules pertaining to the regulation and control of ozone-depleting substances, referenced in relation to import restrictions on HCFC-141b.
HCFC-141b: A hydrochlorofluorocarbon chemical whose import is regulated, with a prohibition except for feedstock applications.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, New Delhi: The government body to which importers must submit copies of the Bill of Entry for specified chemicals.
Amit Yadav: Director General of Foreign Trade and Ex officio Additional Secretary, the signatory of the notification.
Ministry of Commerce and Industry: The ministry under which the Directorate General of Foreign Trade operates; the notification is issued with the approval of the Minister of Commerce and Industry.