The existing Foreign Trade Policy 2015 2020 which is valid upto 30th September, 2021 is extended upto 31st March, 2022.

## Report on Amendment to Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification amending the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020. The core purpose of this amendment, as derived from the provided text, is to extend the validity of the existing FTP 2015-2020. Key findings indicate that the amendment postpones the expiry date of the existing policy from September 30, 2021, to March 31, 2022. This extension impacts all stakeholders involved in foreign trade activities governed by the FTP 2015-2020. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of the notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, regarding amendments to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020. This report is based solely on the provided policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * The original policy being amended is the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020. * The core objective of the amendment, as inferred from the text, is to extend the operational timeframe of the existing Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020. **4. Background and Rationale:** The provided text does not explicitly state the reason for the amendment. However, the extension of the FTP 2015-2020 suggests a need for policy continuity. Possible reasons, inferred from the extension itself, include the delay in formulating a new FTP, ongoing economic conditions requiring a stable policy environment, or a desire to avoid disruption to foreign trade activities during the period. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification introduces changes to the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020. The changes are as follows: * **Para 1.01:** The phrase "shall remain in force upto 30th September, 2021 unless otherwise specified" is replaced with "shall remain in force upto 31.03.2022 unless otherwise specified." *Effect:* This extends the overall validity of the FTP 2015-2020 until March 31, 2022. * **Para 4.14:** The date "30.09.2021" in the last line is replaced with "31.03.2022." *Effect:* This extends the validity period of provisions mentioned within paragraph 4.14 until March 31, 2022. * **Para 5.01a:** The date "30.09.2021" in the second sentence is replaced with "31.03.2022." *Effect:* This extends the validity period of provisions mentioned within paragraph 5.01a until March 31, 2022. * **Para 6.01d ii:** The date "30.09.2021" in the last line is replaced with "31.03.2022." *Effect:* This extends the validity period of provisions mentioned within paragraph 6.01d ii until March 31, 2022. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this amendment include: * Exporters and importers involved in foreign trade activities. * Customs authorities and other regulatory bodies. * Export promotion councils and commodity boards. * Any individual or entity directly or indirectly benefiting from or regulated by the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * The responsible agency is the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. * The amendment is effective immediately ("with immediate effect" is stated in the text). * The notification clarifies that the existing Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020, previously valid until September 30, 2021, is now extended until March 31, 2022. This implies that all existing procedures and guidelines under the FTP 2015-2020 will continue to be in effect until the new date. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of these specific changes is to ensure the continuity of the existing foreign trade policy framework. This extension provides stability and avoids potential disruptions to trade activities. The potential impact of the amendment includes: * Continued access to existing incentives and schemes under the FTP 2015-2020. * Avoidance of any policy vacuum or uncertainty in foreign trade regulations. * Allowing businesses to plan their export-import activities with a clear understanding of the applicable policy regime until March 31, 2022. **9. Conclusion:** The notification effectively extends the validity of the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020 until March 31, 2022. This amendment is significant as it provides a stable and predictable policy environment for foreign trade stakeholders, allowing them to continue operating under the existing framework. The extension provides a crucial period of continuity while a new or revised foreign trade policy is being formulated or finalized.

Key Entities Referenced