## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020 Regarding Cashew Nuts
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes an amendment to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020, specifically concerning the inclusion of cashew nuts and related products under the purview of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The amendment, enacted through a Public Notice, withdraws a previous notice and designates APEDA as the authorized agency for issuing Registration-cum-Membership Certificates (RCMCs) for cashew kernels, cashewnut shell liquid, and Kardanol. This change aims to streamline the export promotion and regulation of cashew products, potentially leading to increased efficiency and focused support for the cashew industry.
**2. Introduction:**
The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of a specific amendment to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020, based solely on the provided policy text. This report will focus on the changes related to the export of cashew nuts and related products.
**3. Policy Overview:**
* The policy being amended is the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020.
* **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective of *this specific amendment* appears to be to streamline the regulation and promotion of cashew nut exports by formally including cashews under APEDA's purview and designating APEDA as the RCMC issuing authority. This suggests an intent to boost cashew exports through focused industry support.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
The amendment appears designed to address a gap in the regulatory framework for cashew nut exports. By including cashew nuts and its products to the First Schedule to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, the government aims to provide a more structured and supported environment for this specific agricultural commodity. This inclusion likely aims to improve export competitiveness, ensure quality standards, and enhance market access for Indian cashew products. The withdrawal of a previous public notice suggests a course correction towards a more effective regulatory mechanism.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
This is an amendment to the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020. The key changes introduced by this amendment are:
* **Specific Part of Policy Changed:** Appendix 2T of the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020.
* **New Rule/Provision:**
* APEDA is now designated as the agency authorized to issue RCMCs for Cashew Kernels, Cashewnut Shell Liquid and Kardanol.
* Cashew Kernels, Cashewnut Shell Liquid and Kardanol are included under the purview of APEDA.
* Public Notice No. 620152020 dated 14.06.2021 is withdrawn.
* **Difference/Effect:**
* Previously, the process for obtaining RCMCs for cashew products was likely different, potentially involving a different agency or a less streamlined procedure. Now, exporters of these cashew products will need to register with APEDA to obtain their RCMCs.
* By bringing cashews under APEDA, the cashew industry can now access the support, resources, and export promotion services provided by APEDA.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The primary target audience and stakeholders are:
* Exporters of Cashew Kernels, Cashewnut Shell Liquid, and Kardanol.
* The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India.
* The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is responsible for issuing the public notice and implementing the changes. APEDA is now responsible for issuing RCMCs for the specified cashew products.
* **Timelines/procedures:** The amendment is effective immediately, as stated in the text. Exporters are now required to register with APEDA to obtain RCMCs. The specific procedures for RCMC issuance by APEDA are not detailed in this text but would likely follow APEDA's standard procedures.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The likely intended outcomes of these changes are:
* **Streamlined RCMC process:** Consolidating RCMC issuance under APEDA should lead to a more efficient and standardized process for cashew exporters.
* **Enhanced Export Promotion:** Inclusion under APEDA's umbrella will likely provide cashew exporters with access to better support, market information, and export promotion activities.
* **Increased Competitiveness:** Improved regulatory support and export promotion could lead to increased competitiveness of Indian cashew products in the global market.
**9. Conclusion:**
The amendment to the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020, as detailed in the provided text, signifies a targeted effort to strengthen the cashew export sector in India. By designating APEDA as the key agency for RCMC issuance and integrating cashew products into APEDA's framework, the government aims to provide focused support, streamline processes, and ultimately boost the export competitiveness of the Indian cashew industry. This amendment marks a significant step towards providing a more conducive environment for cashew exporters.
Key Entities Referenced
Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020: A trade policy, amended from time to time, under which powers are conferred to the Director General of Foreign Trade.
Director General of Foreign Trade: An authority that specifies the procedure to implement the provisions of FTDR Act.
FTDR Act: Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, provisions of which are to be implemented.
Public Notice No. 06/2015-2020: A public notice dated 14.06.2021 that is withdrawn.
Gazette Notification No. S.O. 3515(E): A gazette notification dated 29.07.2022 regarding the addition of cashew nuts and its products to the First Schedule to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985.
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985: An act to which cashew nuts and its products are added to the First Schedule.
Appendix 2T: An appendix of Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020, which is subject to changes regarding cashew nuts and its products.
Cashew Export Promotion Council of India: An export promotion council, details of products falling under their jurisdiction with revised details.
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA): An authority that includes Fruits, Vegetable, Meat, Poultry, Dairy products etc.
Cashew Kernels: A product related to cashew.
Cashewnut Shell Liquid: A product related to cashew.
Kardanol: A product related to cashew.
Santosh Kumar Sarangi: Director General of Foreign Trade and Ex officio Addl. Secy.
New Delhi: Location of Directorate General of Foreign Trade Office, Delhi, India