In exercise of powers conferred under paragraph 103 of the Foreign Trade Policy

## Report on Public Notice No. 53/2015-2020 Regarding MEIS Applications **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes Public Notice No. 53/2015-2020 issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on April 9, 2021. This public notice constitutes an amendment to the Handbook of Procedures 2015-20, specifically concerning the submission of Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) applications. The amendment provides a relaxation in the late cut provisions for shipping bills with "Let Export" dates between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020, allowing submission without late penalties until September 30, 2021. The core purpose is to provide relief to exporters by waiving late cut penalties for a specific period under MEIS. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Public Notice No. 53/2015-2020 issued by the DGFT, focusing on its implications for exporters and related stakeholders. The analysis is based solely on the information provided within the document itself. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment:** This public notice amends the Handbook of Procedures 2015-20 related to the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020. * **Core Objective:** To provide a relaxation in late cut provisions for MEIS applications for specific shipping bills (dated 01.04.2019 to 31.03.2020) and waive late penalties if submitted before or on September 30, 2021. **4. Background and Rationale:** This amendment likely addresses potential difficulties faced by exporters in submitting MEIS applications within the initially prescribed timelines. The provided text strongly implies that the original policy had late cut penalties, and this amendment offers a temporary reprieve from those penalties for a specific period. This suggests a possible disruption or delay impacting exporters' ability to file claims promptly for the financial year 2019-20. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This public notice introduces the following changes to the Handbook of Procedures 2015-20: * **Specific Change:** A temporary relaxation in the late cut provisions concerning MEIS applications. * **New Rule/Provision:** MEIS applications for shipping bills with "Let Export" dates between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020, can be submitted without any late cut penalty until September 30, 2021. * **Effect of Change:** For eligible shipping bills submitted on or before September 30, 2021, no late cut penalty will be applied to MEIS claims. After this date, the original late cut rules (as per para 3.15 a i) will apply. Effectively, it grants an extension for submitting claims without incurring late fees. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience is exporters who have shipped goods with "Let Export" dates between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020, and are eligible for MEIS benefits. Related stakeholders include customs brokers, trade consultants, and government agencies involved in processing MEIS claims. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is the responsible body for implementing this amendment. * **Timelines:** A clear timeline is specified: Shipping bills falling within the specified period (01.04.2019 - 31.03.2020) must be submitted on or before September 30, 2021, to avoid late cut penalties. * Exporters must ensure that MEIS applications are submitted by the specified date to avail of the relaxation. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this amendment is to provide relief to exporters facing difficulties in submitting MEIS applications within the original deadlines. By waiving late cut penalties for the specified period, the amendment aims to facilitate the timely processing of MEIS claims and ensure exporters receive the benefits they are entitled to. It may also lead to an increase in MEIS application submissions before the deadline. **9. Conclusion:** Public Notice No. 53/2015-2020 offers a crucial relaxation in late cut provisions for MEIS applications related to exports made during the financial year 2019-20. This amendment provides a window of opportunity for exporters to submit their claims without incurring penalties, thereby promoting ease of doing business and supporting export activities. The temporary nature of this relaxation emphasizes the importance of adhering to the specified deadline of September 30, 2021.

Key Entities Referenced