Validity of the existing Hand Book of Procedures, 2015 20 is extended upto 31st March, 2022.

## Report on Amendment to Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a public notice issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on September 28, 2021, which amends the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020. The core purpose of this amendment is to extend the validity of specific provisions and procedures outlined in the FTP 2015-2020. Key findings indicate that the amendment extends the validity of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP), and specific paragraphs within it, until March 31, 2022. This extension aims to provide continuity and stability for businesses engaged in foreign trade. **2. Introduction:** This report provides a detailed overview of the public notice No. 25/2015-2020, dated September 28, 2021, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The report focuses on the specific amendments made to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020 based solely on the information provided in the text of the public notice. **3. Policy Overview:** * This public notice constitutes an amendment to the existing Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to extend the validity of certain provisions and procedures under the FTP 2015-2020, providing continued guidance and frameworks for foreign trade activities. This is achieved by delaying the sunset date of these procedures. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment likely stems from a need to provide continued operational clarity and regulatory certainty to businesses involved in foreign trade. The original end date of September 30, 2021, for certain provisions, necessitated an extension to prevent disruption and allow for continued trade activities under established procedures. The extension until March 31, 2022, suggests a potentially temporary measure while a more comprehensive review or update of the overall FTP is being considered. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment introduces the following changes to the Handbook of Procedures (HBP), 2015-20: * **Change 1:** * **Original Policy (as it existed before):** Paragraph 1.01 of the HBP stipulated that it "shall remain in force until 30th September, 2021." * **New Provision:** The amendment replaces the phrase "30th September, 2021" with "31.03.2022." * **Effect of Change:** This extends the overall validity of the Handbook of Procedures, 2015-2020, until March 31, 2022. * **Change 2:** * **Original Policy (as it existed before):** Paragraph 3.20 a of the HBP contained the phrase "or 30.09.2021, whichever is later." * **New Provision:** The amendment replaces the phrase "or 30.09.2021, whichever is later" with "or 31.03.2022, whichever is later." * **Effect of Change:** This extends the deadline associated with a specific procedure outlined in paragraph 3.20 a to March 31, 2022, if that date is later than other dates specified within that paragraph. * **Change 3:** * **Original Policy (as it existed before):** Paragraph 4.12vi of the HBP contained the date "30.09.2021" in the first sentence. * **New Provision:** The amendment replaces the date "30.09.2021" with "31.03.2022." * **Effect of Change:** This extends a deadline or reference date within paragraph 4.12vi to March 31, 2022. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the primary target audience and stakeholders are businesses and individuals involved in foreign trade activities, particularly those utilizing the Handbook of Procedures 2015-2020. This includes exporters, importers, customs brokers, and other entities engaged in international trade with India. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is the responsible agency for implementing this amendment. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The amendment is effective immediately from September 28, 2021. All relevant stakeholders are expected to adhere to the revised dates (March 31, 2022) outlined in the amended paragraphs. No specific procedures are detailed in the amendment text beyond the date changes. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of these changes is to provide continued regulatory certainty and operational stability for businesses engaged in foreign trade. By extending the validity of the HBP and specific paragraphs, the amendment ensures that existing procedures and guidelines remain in effect, preventing any disruption to trade activities. This extension allows businesses to continue operating under familiar rules while the government potentially considers a more comprehensive update or replacement of the FTP. **9. Conclusion:** The public notice issued on September 28, 2021, represents a targeted amendment to the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020. The core changes involve extending the validity of the Handbook of Procedures and specific paragraphs within it until March 31, 2022. This extension is significant as it provides continuity for businesses involved in foreign trade, ensuring that established procedures remain in effect. The amendment demonstrates a proactive approach by the DGFT to maintain stability in the foreign trade environment.

Key Entities Referenced