In exercise of powers conferred by section 3 read with section 5 of the Foreign Trade Development and Regulation

**Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Import Policy for Certain Pulses** **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Commerce, amending the import policy for Tur (Pigeon Peas), Moong Beans, and Urad Beans. The amendment temporarily revises the import policy for these pulses from "Restricted" to "Free" with immediate effect until October 31, 2021. The report details the changes, their likely rationale, and the implications for importers and customs officials. Key findings include a temporary relaxation of import restrictions to likely address domestic supply issues and a strict timeline for import clearance. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of Notification S.O. 1858(E) issued on May 15, 2021, which amends the import policy for specific pulses. The analysis is based solely on the information contained within the provided notification text. The purpose is to inform affected industries about the policy amendment and its potential impact. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment:** This notification amends the existing import policy outlined in the ITC HS, 2017, Schedule I Import Policy, Chapter 7. The original policy, as it pertains to the specified pulses, classified their import as "Restricted". * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective of this amendment, as inferred from the text, is to temporarily ease import restrictions on Tur, Moong, and Urad beans, likely to ensure sufficient domestic supply and manage price fluctuations. **4. Background and Rationale:** The rationale for this specific amendment appears to be a need to increase the availability of Tur, Moong, and Urad beans within India. The original policy restricted import, potentially leading to shortages or increased prices. By temporarily changing the import policy to "Free," the government likely aims to increase the supply of these pulses in the market, addressing potential shortfalls and stabilizing prices for consumers. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** The key changes introduced by this amendment are as follows: * **Specific Policy Change:** The import policy for the following items of Chapter 7 of ITC HS, 2017, Schedule I Import Policy is being changed: * 0713 60 00 Tur Pigeon Peas Cajanus Cajan * 0713 31 90 Moong Beans of the SPP Vigna Radiata L. Wilczek * 0713 3110 Urad Beans of the SPP Vigna Mungo L. Hepper * **New Rule/Provision:** The import policy for the listed items is revised from "Restricted" to "Free" with immediate effect and for the period up to 31st October 2021. * **Difference/Effect:** This change allows importers to bring these pulses into the country without the previous restrictions, such as licensing requirements or quantity limitations, up to the specified deadline. This will likely lead to an increase in the volume of imported pulses. * **Bill of Lading Deadline:** A Bill of Lading must be issued on or before 31st October 2021 for imports to be eligible under this amendment. * **Customs Clearance Deadline:** Imported consignments must be cleared from Customs on or before 30th November 2021. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders affected by this amendment include: * Importers of Tur, Moong, and Urad beans. * Customs officials responsible for clearing import consignments. * Consumers and traders of these pulses in the Indian market. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, specifically the Department of Commerce, is responsible for implementing this amendment. Customs officials are responsible for enforcing the timelines related to the Bill of Lading and customs clearance. * **Timelines:** * The amended policy is effective immediately until October 31, 2021. * Bill of Lading must be issued on or before October 31, 2021, for shipments to qualify under the "Free" import policy. * Customs clearance must be completed on or before November 30, 2021. Any consignments with a Bill of Lading issued on or before October 31, 2021 will not be allowed by customs beyond 30th November 2021. * **Procedures:** Importers must ensure that shipments arrive and are cleared through customs within the specified timelines. Customs officials must verify the Bill of Lading date and ensure clearance by the November 30, 2021 deadline. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of these changes are: * **Increased Availability:** An increase in the availability of Tur, Moong, and Urad beans in the Indian market due to the temporary removal of import restrictions. * **Price Stabilization:** Potential stabilization or reduction in the prices of these pulses due to increased supply. * **Short-Term Relief:** A temporary easing of pressure on domestic pulse supplies and prices. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the import policy for Tur, Moong, and Urad beans represents a temporary measure to ease import restrictions and increase the availability of these essential commodities. Importers need to be aware of the specified timelines for the Bill of Lading and customs clearance to take advantage of the relaxed import policy. This amendment is significant as it reflects the government's responsiveness to potential supply shortages and its commitment to managing price stability in the pulses market.

Key Entities Referenced