INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS REGULATIONS

BILATERAL & MULTILATERAL TRADE LAWS

Trade agreements are either bilateral, involving only two countries, or multilateral, involving more than two countries. They are usually intended to lower trade barriers between participating countries (though not necessarily between those countries and other non-participating countries) and, as a consequence, increase the degree of economic integration between the participants. The Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act of 1934 (RTA) authorized the President of the United States to fix tariff rates. Between 1934 and 1947, the United States negotiated bilateral trade agreements with 29 nations. In 1947, however, GATT emerged as the primary forum for trade negotiations and the RTA declined in importance as a mechanism for trade liberalization. Since 1947, generally, although not always, the United States has pursued trade liberalization in multilateral settings. Typically, trade agreements that increase access to each member countrys markets are supported by sectors that export their products but are opposed by sectors that face competition from imports.

BILATERAL & MULTILATERAL TRADE LAWS

Forms of Economic Integration For the most part, trade agreements entered into by the United States have created free trade areas as one form of economic integration. In a free trade area, tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade between member countries are removed. Trade barriers with the rest of the world differ among members and are determined by each members policy makers. In customs unions, trade barriers between members are eliminated and identical barriers to trade with nonmembers are established, typically by common external tariffs. A common market is a customs union in which the free movement of goods and services, labor, and capital is also permitted among member nations. An economic union is the most complete form of economic integration. National agricultural, social, taxation, fiscal, and monetary policies are harmonized or unified among member countries, and a common currency may be adopted.

GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS & TRADE (GATT)

The prolonged recession before the World War II in the West was due to the prolonged protectionism followed by the industrialized countries. The GATT was originally created by the Bretton Woods Conference in 1947 among 23 countries as a part of a larger plan for economic recovery after World War II. The GATTs main purpose was to reduce barriers to international trade. This was achieved through the reduction of tariff barriers, quantitative restrictions and subsidies on trade through a series of different agreements. The GATT was an agreement, not an organization. The functions of the GATT have been replaced by the World Trade Organization which was established through the final round of negotiations in the early 1990s.

WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO)

The contracting parties who founded the WTO ended official agreement of the GATT 1947 terms on December 31, 1995. The 75 existing GATT members and the European Communities became the founding members of the WTO on January 1, 1995. The other 52 GATT members rejoined the WTO in the following two years. Since the founding of the WTO, 28 new non GATT members have joined. Presently WTO has 155 members (to become 156 on the pending accession of Russia).

MISSION OF WTO
The WTO stated goal is to improve the welfare of the peoples of its member countries, specifically by lowering trade barriers and providing a platform for negotiation of trade. Its main mission is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible.

FUNCTIONS OF WTO
WTO administers the 28 agreements contained in the final act and the number of various agreements and government procurement through various councils and committees. WTO oversees the implementation of the significant tariff cut (averaging 40%) and also reduction of non-tariff measures agreed to in trade negotiations. WTO examines regularly the trade regimes of individual members countries. Thus it acts as a watching of International trade.

FUNCTIONS OF WTO
WTO provides for dispute settlement court in order to adjudicate the trade dispute which could not be solved through bilateral talks between members countries. The dispute are examined by the panel of independent experts in view of WTO rules and provide rulings. This procedure is laid down in order to provide equal treatment for all trading partners and to encourage members countries to live up to their obligation. WTO oversees the national trade policies of the member government.

FUNCTIONS OF WTO
WTO acts as a management consultant for the world trade economists of the world trade observe the pulse of the global economy and provides studies on the main trade issues. Technical co-operation and training division is establish in WTO in order to help the developing countries. Members countries can use the WTO as a forum for continuous negotiation of exchange of trade barriers in the entire world. WTO co-operates with other international institutions like World Bank, IMF and ILO involving in global economic policy making.

GOALS OF WTO
Freeing global trade through universally lowered tariffs. Imposing same rules on all members so as to homogenize trade process. Ensuring equal trade concessions for all the developing countries. Encourage competition through lowered subsidies.

ORGANIZATIONAL SRTUCTURE OF WTO

Highest Level: Ministerial Conference The topmost decision-making body of the WTO is the Ministerial Conference, which has to meet at least every two years. It brings together all members of the WTO, all of which are countries or customs unions. The Ministerial Conference can make decision on all matters under any of the multilateral trade agreements.

ORGANIZATIONAL SRTUCTURE OF WTO

Second Level: General Council The daily work of the ministerial conference is handled by three groups: the General Council, the Dispute Settlement Body, and the Trade Policy Review Body. All three consist of the same membership representatives of all WTO member states but each meets under different rules. 1. The General Council is the WTOs highest level decision making body in Geneva, meeting regularly to carry out the functions of the WTO. It has representatives from all member governments and has the authority to act on behalf of the ministerial conference which only meets about every two years.

ORGANIZATIONAL SRTUCTURE OF WTO

The council acts on behalf on the Ministerial Council on all of the WTO affairs. The current chairperson is H.E. Mrs. Elin steb JOHANSEN (Norway). 2. The Dispute Settlement Body Made up of all member governments, usually represented by ambassadors or equivalent. The current chairperson is H.E. Shahid BASHIR (Pakistan). 3. The Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB) the WTO General Council meets as the TPRB to undertake trade policy reviews of members under the Trade Policy Review Mechanism(TRPM). The TPRB is thus open to all WTO members. The current chairperson is H.E. Mr. Eduardo MUOZ GMEZ (Colombia)

ORGANIZATIONAL SRTUCTURE OF WTO

Third Level: Councils for Trade The Councils for Trade work under the General Council. There are three councils Council for Trade in Goods, Council for Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, and Council for Trade in Services each council works in different fields. Apart from these three councils, six other bodies report to the General Council reporting on issues such as trade and development, the environment, regional trading arrangements and administrative issues.

ORGANIZATIONAL SRTUCTURE OF WTO

1. Council for Trade in Goods The working of the GATT which covers international trade in goods, are the responsibility of the Council for Trade in Goods. It is made up of representatives from all WTO member countries. The current chairperson is H.E. Dr. Tom MBOYA OKEYO (Kenya). 2. Council for Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights Information on intellectual property in the WTO, news and official records of the activities of the TRIPS Council, and details of the WTOs work with other international organizations in the field. The current chairperson is H.E. Mr. Dacio CASTILLO (Honduras)

ORGANIZATIONAL SRTUCTURE OF WTO

3.Council for Trade in Services The Council for Trade in services operates under the guidance of the General Council and is responsible for overseeing the functioning of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). It is open to all WTO members, and can create subsidiary bodies as required. The current chairperson is H.E Mr. Joakim REITER (Sweden)

ORGANIZATIONAL SRTUCTURE OF WTO

Forth Level: Subsidiary Bodies There are subsidiary bodies under each of the three councils: 1. The Goods Council Subsidiary under the Council for Trade in Goods. It has 11 committees consisting of all member countries, dealing with specific subjects such as agriculture, market access, subsidies, anti dumping measures and so on. Committees include the following: i) Information Technology Agreement (ITA) Committee.

ORGANIZATIONAL SRTUCTURE OF WTO

ii) State Trading Enterprises. iii) Textiles Monitoring Body. iv) Groups dealing with notifications and new policies. 2. The Service Council Subsidiary under the Council for Trade in Services which deals with financial services, domestic regulations and other specific commitments. 3. Dispute Settlement Panels and Appellate Body Subsidiary under the Dispute Settlement Body to resolve disputes and the Appellate Body to deal with appeals.

TRADE RELATED INVESTMENTS MEASURES

Trade Related Investments Measures (TRIMS) refers to certain conditions or restrictions impose by a government in respect of foreign investment in the country. TRIMS were widely employed by developing countries. The agreement on TRIMS provides that no contracting party shall apply any TRIM, which inconsistent with the WTO articles. An illustrative list identifies the following TRIMS, as inconsistent: 1. Local content requirement (i.e. a certain amount of local inputs be used in products)

TRADE RELATED INVESTMENTS MEASURES

2. Trade balancing requirement (i.e. imports shall not exceed a certain proportion of exports) 3. Trade and foreign exchange balancing requirements 4. Domestic sales requirements (i.e. a company shall sell a certain proportion of its output locally) The agreement requires the notification of all WTO inconsistent TRIMS and their phasing out within two, five and seven years by industrial, developing and least developed countries respectively. Transition period can be extended for developing and least developed countries if they face difficulties in eliminating TRIMS. A number of TRIMS were employed in India prior to the liberalization in 1991 and many of them have been phased out since then.

TRIPS
One of the most controversial outcomes of the Uruguay Round is the agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights including Trade in Counterfeit Goods (TRIPS). TRIPS along with TRIMS and services were called the new issues negotiated in the Uruguay Round. Intellectual Property Rights may be defined as information with a commercial value IPRs have been characterized as a composite of ideas inventions and creative expressions plus the public willingness to bestow the status of property on them and give their owners the right to excludes others from access to or use of protected subject matter.

TRIPS
IPRs may be legally protected by parents, copyrights, industrial designs, geographical indications and trademarks. Special forms of protection have also emerged to address specific needs of knowledge producers as in the case of plant breeders rights and the protection of layout designs of integrated circuits. A number of countries also have trade secret laws to protect undisclosed information that gives a competitive advantage to its owner.

EXIM TRADE

EXPORT TRADE
This term export is derived from the conceptual meaning as to ship the goods and services out of the port of a country. The seller of such goods and services is referred to as an "exporter" who is based in the country of export whereas the overseas based buyer is referred to as an "importer". In International Trade, "exports" refers to selling goods and services produced in the home country to other markets.

EXPORT PROCEDURE
Setting up an export business requires basic documentation such as a Permanent Account Number (PAN card), Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT office and opening a bank account. Other key factors include knowledge of trading systems, FTP and Industrial Policy, access to market information (for which internet is a good source), ensuring product quality and compliance with export procedures & documentation. The Ministry of Commerce, through the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), controls the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), while the Ministry of Finance, through the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Customs, controls the physical movement of goods and services and the transactions of foreign exchange (both inflow & outflow) from the country. Receipts of proceeds of exports by way of foreign exchange and payment for imports to foreign suppliers by way of foreign exchange are to be routed through normal banking channels only.

EXPORT PROCEDURE
Entry Outward Loading in conveyance can start after Entry Outward is given by customs officer. Person in charge of conveyance is required to submit Export Manifest or Export Report. Exporter has to be obtain IEC number from DGFT is advance. He should be registered with Export Promotion Council if he intends to claim export benefits.

Export manifest/Export report

Registration with DGFT and EPC

Third party exports

Export can be by manufacturer himself or third party (i.e. by exporter on behalf of another). Merchant exporter means a person engaged in trading activity and exporting or intending to export goods

EXPORT PROCEDURE
Registration of documents under Advance authorization, should be registered if Export Promotion Scheme exports are under Export Promotion Scheme. Shipping Bill Export is required to submit Shipping Bill with required documents for obtaining permission to export. GR/SDF/Softex form (under FEMA) is required to be submitted.

FEMA formalities

Noting, assessment, examination

The shipping bill is noted, goods are assessed and examined. Export duty is paid, if applicable.

Certification of documents for export If export is under export incentives, relevant incentives documents are checked and certified. Then proof of export is obtained on ARE-1. Let export order Conveyance can leave only after Let Export order is issued.

EXPORT DOCUMENTATION
Risks are inherent in both domestic trade and international trade, but the degree of risk is higher in international trade. Hence, proper documentation mitigates the risk in international trade. Documentation must be precise. Slight discrepancies or omissions may prevent merchandise from being exported, result in exporting firms not getting paid, or even result in the seizure of the exporter's goods by local or foreign government customs. Collection documents are subject to precise time limits and may not be honoured by a bank, if out of date. Much of the documentation is routine for the freight forwarders or customs brokers acting on the firm's behalf, but the exporter is ultimately responsible for the accuracy of the documentation.

EXPORT DOCUMENTATION
It is said that International Trade is a sale of documents. It is very important to clearly understand the documents involved in the transaction to avoid the risk factors and adhere to the legal obligations. The entire documentation in export trade can be basically divided into two categories:
Export Documents

Pre-shipment Documents

Post-shipment Documents

PRE SHIPMENT DOCUMENTS

Pre-shipment documents are those that an exporter has to generate, authenticate and submit to the concerned authorities and departments to get the necessary clearances, prior to the actual shipment of the cargo, so that the cargo can be shipped out with valid documents. The pre-shipment documents are generally prepared when the product is ready for export and prior to shipment. The standard pre-shipment documents include: Customs Invoice Packing List G R Form (original and duplicate) ARE-1 Form (original and duplicate)

PRE SHIPMENT DOCUMENTS

Copy Of Export order Letter Of Credit Shipping Bill (entire set) Export License (for notified items) Certificate Of Origin Certificate Of Inspection Any Other Documents (as required in L/C or by Customs)

POST SHIPMENT DOCUMENTS

The post-shipment documents comprise the certified copies of some of the main pre-shipment documents and certain additional documents to be generated and compiled by the exporter so that the proof of shipments can be properly presented to the negotiating bank for collecting the payments through L/C or for presentation to the foreign buyer for collection of payment through the nominated bank. The standard pre-shipment documents include :

POST SHIPMENT DOCUMENTS

Custom attested invoice Custom attested packing list Copy of Export Order / Copy Of LC Commercial Invoice Consular Invoice (If Specified) Bill of Lading / Air Way Bill Certificate of Origin Certificate of Inspection (If Specified) Bill of Exchange (Draft) G R Form (Duplicate) Any other document specified in Export Order / LC

DOCUMENT DETAILS
Customs Invoice: is a regulatory document for export, to be prepared in prescribed format. Customs Packing List: is also a regulatory document for export, to be prepared in prescribed format.

G R Forms: Wherever manual-shipping bill is in force, GR form in the prescribed format is a mandatory document. These forms are available from RBI or Authorized Dealers of Commercial Banks. Under the EDI scheme, the foreign exchange copy of the shipping bill performs the role of GR forms. In addition, a self declaration form has to be submitted by the exporter to the bank. Both these documents perform the function of GR Form.

DOCUMENT DETAILS
ARE-1 Form: It is a very important regulatory document prescribed by CBEC (Central Board of Excise and customs) for the Exemption/ Draw back of excise duty. Exporters are exempted from the payment of excise duty, and the exemption can be availed by two methods. Exporter can pay the excise duty, export the cargo and draw back the duty paid earlier. Alternatively, the exporter can export the cargo under Bond i.e. without payment of Excise duty. In either case, the ARE-1 form formalities have to be completed by the exporter as a pre-shipment Document. ARE-1 is to be filled in and submitted to the Excise department at least 24 hrs in advance along with request for inspection, sealing and certification by the department. If the export is done by paying duty, then the specified copies of ARE-1 can be used for Draw Back. In case of EPCG (Export promotion Capital Goods), it is used for completing the export obligation given under Bond to the Government, and for discharging the Bond on such completion.

DOCUMENT DETAILS
Custodian: The goods imported into India and exported out of India are allowed through designated Sea Ports/ Land Custom Stations/ Airports. The goods so imported/ exported are initially deposited in the custody of Custodian such as: Port authorities for goods imported through sea; Custodians for goods imported by airAirport Authority of India Air India or STC etc For places other than points of landingInland Container Depot (ICD) Container Freight Station (CFS)

DOCUMENT DETAILS
Letter of Credit: A letter from a bank guaranteeing that a buyer's payment to a seller will be received on time and for the correct amount. In the event that the buyer is unable to make payment on the purchase, the bank will be required to cover the full or remaining amount of the purchase. Letters of credit are often used in international transactions to ensure that payment will be received. Due to the nature of international dealings including factors such as distance, differing laws in each country and difficulty in knowing each party personally, the use of letters of credit has become a very important aspect of international trade. The bank also acts on behalf of the buyer (holder of letter of credit) by ensuring that the supplier will not be paid until the bank receives a confirmation that the goods have been shipped.

IMPORT TRADE
A good or service brought into one country from another. Along with exports, imports form the backbone of international trade. The higher the value of imports entering a country, compared to the value of exports, the more negative that country's balance of trade becomes. The word "import" is derived from the word "port," since goods are often shipped via boat to foreign countries. Countries are most likely to import goods that domestic industries cannot produce as efficiently or cheaply, but may also import raw materials or commodities that are not available within its borders. For example, many countries have to import oil because they either cannot produce it domestically or cannot produce enough of it to meet demand.

IMPORT PROCEDURE
e-filing of documents Goods should arrive at customs port/airport only. Most of customs procedures are computerized. E-filing of documents is required. Person in charge of conveyance is required to submit Import Manifest or Import Report. Goods can be unloaded only after grant of Entry Inwards. Self Assessment on basis of Risk Management System (RMS) has been introduced in respect of specified goods and importers.

Import manifest or Import Report Entry Inwards Risk Management System

Bill of Entry for home consumption Importer has to submit Bill of Entry giving details of on payment of customs duty goods being imported, along with required documents. Electronic submission of documents is done in major ports. White Bill of Entry is for home consumption. Imported goods are cleared on payment of customs duty.

IMPORT PROCEDURE
Bill of Entry for warehousing Yellow Bill of Entry is for warehousing. It is also termed as into bond Bill of Entry as bond is executed. Duty is not paid and imported goods are transferred to warehouse where these are stored. Green Bill of Entry is for clearance from warehouse on payment of customs duty. It is for ex-bond clearance. and Bill of Entry is noted, Goods are assessed to duty, examined and pre-audit is carried out. Customs duty is paid after assessment. Bond is executed if required if assessment is provisional (PD bond) or concessional rate of customs duty is subject to certain post import conditions. Goods can be cleared outside port after Out of Customs Charge order is issued by customs officer. After that, port dues, demurrage and other charges are paid and goods are cleared.

Noting, assessment Bond

examination

Out of customs charge order

Demurrage if clearance from port Demurrage is payable if goods are not cleared from

IMPORT DOCUMENTATION
1. Authorization from Importer in our favour to clear cargo on their behalf. 2. Self attested copy of Import Export code number allotted by DGFT. 3. Copies of Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Landing, Certificate of Origin, Purchase order / indent / order confirmation, Letter of Credit (if any). With these, filing and processing of documents with Customs is possible. However, for delivery, original duly discharged and bank attested Bill of Landing and Invoice are required. 4. Test / analysis certificate / material safety data sheet (MSDS) for Chemicals and allied products. Literature for Polymers. Mill Test certificate for steel in primary form. Catalogue / write up for plant and machinery and spares.

IMPORT DOCUMENTATION
5. For clearance of second hand plant and machinery - Chartered Engineers certificate from country of shipment certifying: - Year of manufacture - Condition of the machinery - Price of new machinery in the year of manufacture (CIF if possible). - State of technology of the machinery vis--vis contemporary technology for such machinery available internationally. - Whether reconditioned or not. If yes, cost of reconditioning and when was the same carried out. - Details of spare parts, if any. - Expected residual life of the machinery. - Chartered Engineers opinion about current price offered for the machinery.

IMPORT DOCUMENTATION
6. Import Declaration duly stamped and signed 1 copy 7. GATT declaration duly stamped and signed 1 copy 8. N Form in triplicate duly stamped and signed if import is by Mumbai port or Airport. 9. N Form undertaking on importers letter head duly stamped and signed if import is by Mumbai port or Airport.

EXPORT IMPORT FINANCING

Import and export financing exists to enable business to take place overseas. Import and export financing provides importers who have orders from customers in the United States, or foreign customers backed by a letter of credit, with the necessary financial backing to provide their overseas supplier with a letter of credit to guarantee payment of goods. There are many reasons for a business to engage in this sort of financing. One big reason is that the financing can be arranged to cover 100% of the transaction. This provides the importer with sufficient financial strength to sell larger orders than they would be able to on their own financial strength. Depending on the strength of the buyer, this may be done on open account with the domestic buyer, allowing the buyer to increase their purchasing power. The whole process works because the importer will supply you with basic information on the import company and their customers. You then evaluate the credit worthiness of the customers. For each of the approved customers, the importer will supply us with copies of purchase orders that are to be filled. We will then arrange a letter of credit to be issued to the suppliers bank with the supplier as the beneficiary.

EXIM POLICY OR FOREIGN TRADE POLICY-09-14

Higher Support for Market and Product Diversification 1. Incentive schemes under Chapter 3 have been expanded by way of addition of new products and markets. 2. 26 new markets have been added under Focus Market Scheme. These include 16 new markets in Latin America and 10 in Asia-Oceania. 3. The incentive available under Focus Market Scheme (FMS) has been raised from 2.5% to 3%. 4. The incentive available under Focus Product Scheme (FPS) has been raised from 1.25% to 2%.

EXIM POLICY OR FOREIGN TRADE POLICY-09-14

5. A large number of products from various sectors have been included for benefits under FPS. These include, Engineering products (agricultural machinery, parts of trailers, sewing machines, hand tools, garden tools, musical instruments, clocks and watches, railway locomotives etc.), Plastic (value added products), Jute and Sisal products, Technical Textiles, Green Technology products (wind mills, wind turbines, electric operated vehicles etc.), Project goods, vegetable textiles and certain Electronic items.

EXIM POLICY OR FOREIGN TRADE POLICY-09-14

6. Market Linked Focus Product Scheme (MLFPS) has been greatly expanded by inclusion of products classified under as many as 153 ITC(HS) Codes at 4 digit level. Some major products include; Pharmaceuticals, Synthetic textile fabrics, value added rubber products, value added plastic goods, textile made ups, knitted and crocheted fabrics, glass products, certain iron and steel products and certain articles of aluminium among others. Benefits to these products will be provided, if exports are made to 13 identified markets (Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Brazil, Mexico, Ukraine, Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia and New Zealand).

EXIM POLICY OR FOREIGN TRADE POLICY-09-14

7. MLFPS benefits also extended for export to additional new markets for certain products. These products include auto components, motor cars, bicycle and its parts, and apparels among others. 8. A common simplified application form has been introduced for taking benefits under FPS, FMS, MLFPS and VKGUY. 9. Higher allocation for Market Development Assistance (MDA) and Market Access Initiative (MAI) schemes is being provided.

EXIM POLICY OR FOREIGN TRADE POLICY-09-14

Technological Up gradation 10.To aid technological up gradation of our export sector, EPCG Scheme at Zero Duty has been introduced. This Scheme will be available for engineering & electronic products, basic chemicals & pharmaceuticals, apparels & textiles, plastics, handicrafts, chemicals & allied products and leather & leather products (subject to exclusions of current beneficiaries under Technological up gradation Fund Schemes (TUFS), administered by Ministry of Textiles and beneficiaries of Status Holder Incentive Scheme in that particular year). The scheme shall be in operation till 31.3.2011.

EXIM POLICY OR FOREIGN TRADE POLICY-09-14

11.Jaipur, Srinagar and Anantnag have been recognized as Towns of Export Excellence for handicrafts; Kanpur, Dewas and Ambur have been recognized as Towns of Export Excellence for leather products; and Malihabad for horticultural products. EPCG Scheme Relaxations 12. To increase the life of existing plant and machinery, export obligation on import of spares, moulds etc. under EPCG Scheme has been reduced to 50% of the normal specific export obligation. 13. Taking into account the decline in exports, the facility of Refixation of Annual Average Export Obligation for a particular financial year in which there is decline in exports from the country, has been extended for the 5 year Policy period 20092014

EXIM POLICY OR FOREIGN TRADE POLICY-09-14

Support for Green products and products from North East 14. Focus Product Scheme benefit extended for export of green products; and for exports of some products originating from the North East. Status Holders 15. To accelerate exports and encourage technological up gradation, additional Duty Credit Scrips shall be given to Status Holders @ 1% of the FOB value of past exports. The duty credit scrips can be used for procurement of capital goods with Actual User condition. This facility shall be available for sectors of leather (excluding finished leather), textiles and jute, handicrafts, engineering (excluding Iron & steel & non-ferrous metals in primary and intermediate form, automobiles & two wheelers, nuclear reactors & parts, and ships, boats and floating structures), plastics and basic chemicals (excluding pharma products) [subject to exclusions of current beneficiaries under Technological Up gradation Fund Schemes (TUFS)]. This facility shall be available up to 31.3.2011.

EXIM POLICY OR FOREIGN TRADE POLICY-09-14

16.Transferability for the Duty Credit scrips being issued to Status Holders under paragraph 3.8.6 of FTP under VKGUY Scheme has been permitted. This is subject to the condition that transfer would be only to Status Holders and Scrips would be utilized for the procurement of Cold Chain equipment(s) only. Stability/ continuity of the Foreign Trade Policy 17.To impart stability to the Policy regime, Duty Entitlement Passbook (DEPB) Scheme is extended beyond 31-12-2009 till 31.12.2010. 18. Interest subvention of 2% for pre-shipment credit for 7 specified sectors has been extended till 31.3.2010 in the Budget 2009-10. 19. Income Tax exemption to 100% EOUs and to STPI units under Section 10B and 10A of Income Tax Act, has been 12extended for the financial year 2010-11 in the Budget 2009-10.

EXIM POLICY OR FOREIGN TRADE POLICY-09-14

20.The adjustment assistance scheme initiated in December, 2008 to provide enhanced ECGC cover at 95%, to the adversely affected sectors, is continued till March, 2010. Marine sector 21. Fisheries have been included in the sectors which are exempted from maintenance of average EO under EPCG Scheme, subject to the condition that Fishing Trawlers, boats, ships and other similar items shall not be allowed to be imported under this provision. This would provide a fillip to the marine sector which has been affected by the present downturn in exports. 22. Additional flexibility under Target Plus Scheme (TPS) / Duty Free Certificate of Entitlement (DFCE) Scheme for Status Holders has been given to Marine sector.

EXIM POLICY OR FOREIGN TRADE POLICY-09-14

Gems & Jewellery Sector 23.To neutralize duty incidence on gold Jewellery exports, it has now been decided to allow Duty Drawback on such exports. 24. In an endeavour to make India a diamond international trading hub, it is planned to establish Diamond Bourse (s). 25. A new facility to allow import on consignment basis of cut & polished diamonds for the purpose of grading/ certification purposes has been introduced. 26. To promote export of Gems & Jewellery products, the

EXIM POLICY OR FOREIGN TRADE POLICY-09-14

value limits of personal carriage have been increased from US$ 2 million to US$ 5 million in case of participation in overseas exhibitions. The limit in case of personal carriage, as samples, for export promotion tours, has also been increased from US$ 0.1 million to US$ 1 million. Agriculture Sector 27.To reduce transaction and handling costs, a single window system to facilitate export of perishable agricultural produce has been introduced. The system will involve creation of multi-functional nodal agencies to be accredited by APEDA.

EXIM POLICY OR FOREIGN TRADE POLICY-09-14

Leather Sector 28.Leather sector shall be allowed re-export of unsold imported raw hides and skins and semi finished leather from public bonded ware houses, subject to payment of 50% of the applicable export duty. 29.Enhancement of FPS rate to 2%, would also significantly benefit the leather sector. Tea 30.Minimum value addition under advance authorization scheme for export of tea has been reduced from the existing 100% to 50%. 31. DTA sale limit of instant tea by EOU units has been increased from the existing 30% to 50%. 32. Export of tea has been covered under VKGUY Scheme benefits.

EXIM POLICY OR FOREIGN TRADE POLICY-09-14

Pharmaceutical Sector 33.Export Obligation Period for advance authorizations issued with 6-APA as input has been increased from the existing 6 months to 36 months, as is available for other products. 34.Pharma sector extensively covered under MLFPS for countries in Africa and Latin America; some countries in Oceania and Far East. Handloom Sector 35.To simplify claims under FPS, requirement of Handloom Mark for availing benefits under FPS has been removed.

EXIM POLICY OR FOREIGN TRADE POLICY-09-14

EOUs (Export Oriented Unit) 36. EOUs have been allowed to sell products manufactured by them in DTA up to a limit of 90% instead of existing 75%, without changing the criteria of similar goods, within the overall entitlement of 50% for DTA sale. 37. To provide clarity to the customs field formations, DOR shall issue a clarification to enable procurement of spares beyond 5% by granite sector EOUs. 38. EOUs will now be allowed to procure finished goods for consolidation along with their manufactured goods, subject to certain safeguards. 39. During this period of downturn, Board of Approvals (BOA) to consider, extension of block period by one year for calculation of Net Foreign Exchange earning of EOUs. 40. EOUs will now be allowed CENVAT Credit facility for the component of SAD and Education Cess on DTA (Domestic Tariff Area) sale.

EXIM POLICY OR FOREIGN TRADE POLICY-09-14

Thrust to Value Added Manufacturing 41. To encourage Value Added Manufactured export, a minimum 15% value addition on imported inputs under Advance Authorization Scheme has now been prescribed. 42.Coverage of Project Exports and a large number of manufactured goods under FPS (Focus Product Scheme) and MLFPS. DEPB (Duty Entitlement Pass Book) 43. DEPB rate shall also include factoring of custom duty component on fuel where fuel is allowed as a consumable in Standard Input-Output Norms.

EXIM POLICY OR FOREIGN TRADE POLICY-09-14

Flexibility provided to exporters 44.Payment of customs duty for Export Obligation (EO) shortfall under Advance Authorization / DFIA / EPCG Authorization has been allowed by way of debit of Duty Credit scrips. Earlier the payment was allowed in cash only. 45. Import of restricted items, as replenishment, shall now be allowed against transferred DFIAs, in line with the erstwhile DFRC scheme. 46.Time limit of 60 days for re-import of exported gems and jewellery items, for participation in exhibitions has been extended to 90 days in case of USA. 47. Transit loss claims received from private approved insurance companies in India will now be allowed for the purpose of EO fulfillment under Export Promotion schemes. At present, the facility has been limited to public sector general insurance companies only.

EXIM POLICY OR FOREIGN TRADE POLICY-09-14

Waiver of Incentives Recovery, On RBI Specific Write off 48.In cases, where RBI specifically writes off the export proceeds realization, the incentives under the FTP shall now not be recovered from the exporters subject to certain conditions. Simplification of Procedures 49.To facilitate duty free import of samples by exporters, number of samples/pieces has been increased from the existing 15 to 50. Customs clearance of such samples shall be based on declarations given by the importers with regard to the limit of value and quantity of samples. 50.To allow exemption for up to two stages from payment of excise duty in lieu of refund, in case of supply to an advance authorization holder (against invalidation letter) by the domestic intermediate manufacturer. It would allow exemption for supplies made to a manufacturer, if such manufacturer in turn supplies the products to an ultimate exporter. At present, exemption is allowed up to one stage only.

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51. Greater flexibility has been permitted to allow conversion of Shipping Bills from one Export Promotion scheme to other scheme. Customs shall now permit this conversion within three months, instead of the present limited period of only one month. 52. To reduce transaction costs, dispatch of imported goods directly from the Port to the site has been allowed under Advance Authorization scheme for deemed supplies. At present, the duty free imported goods could be taken only to the manufacturing unit of the authorization holder or its supporting manufacturer. 53. Disposal of manufacturing wastes / scrap will now be allowed after payment of applicable excise duty, even before fulfillment of export obligation under Advance Authorisation and EPCG Scheme.

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54. Regional Authorities have now been authorized to issue licenses for import of sports weapons by renowned shooters, on the basis of NOC from the Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs. Now there will be no need to approach DGFT(Hqrs.) in such cases. 55. The procedure for issue of Free Sale Certificate has been simplified and the validity of the Certificate has been increased from 1 year to 2 years. This will solve the problems faced by the medical devices industry. 56. Automobile industry, having their own R&D establishment, would be allowed free import of reference fuels (petrol and diesel), up to a maximum of 5 KL per annum, which are not manufactured in India. 57. Acceding to the demand of trade & industry, the application and redemption forms under EPCG scheme have been simplified.

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Reduction of Transaction Costs 58.No fee shall now be charged for grant of incentives under the Schemes in Chapter 3 of FTP. Further, for all other 18Authorisations/ license applications, maximum applicable fee is being reduced to Rs. 100,000 from the existing Rs 1,50,000 (for manual applications) and Rs. 50,000 from the existing Rs.75,000 (for EDI applications). 59.To further EDI initiatives, Export Promotion Councils/Commodity Boards have been advised to issue RCMC through a web based online system. It is expected that issuance of RCMC would become EDI enabled before the end of 2009. 60.Electronic Message Exchange between Customs and DGFT in respect of incentive schemes under Chapter 3 will become operational by 31.12.2009. This will obviate the need for verification of scrips by Customs facilitating faster clearances.

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61.For EDI ports, with effect from December 09, double verification of shipping bills by customs for any of the DGFT schemes shall be dispensed with. 62. In cases, where the earlier authorization has been cancelled and a new authorization has been issued in lieu of the earlier authorization, application fee paid already for the cancelled authorization will now be adjusted against the application fee for the new authorization subject to payment of minimum fee of Rs. 200. 63. An Inter Ministerial Committee will be formed to redress/resolve problems/issues of exporters. 64. An updated compilation of Standard Input Output Norms (SION) and ITC (HS) Classification of Export and Import Items has been published.

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Directorate of Trade Remedy Measures 65.To enable support to Indian industry and exporters, especially the MSMEs, in availing their rights through trade remedy instruments, a Directorate of Trade Remedy Measures shall be set up.

DEFINITION OF BALANCE OF PAYMENT

The Balance of payments of a country is a systematic accounting record of all economic transactions during a given period of time between the residents of the country and residents of foreign countries Residents of foreign countries may be replaced by non-residents, foreigners or rest of the world (ROW). And Economic transactions means transfer of economic value from one economic agent (individual, business, Govt etc) to another.

INSTITUTIONS IN EXPORT PROMOTION

India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) is the nodal agency of the Government of India for promoting the country's external trade. ITPO, during its existence of nearly three decades, in the form of Trade Fair Authority of India and Trade Development Authority, has played a proactive role in catalyzing trade, investment and technology transfer processes. Its promotional tools include organizing of fairs and exhibitions in India and abroad, Buyer-Seller Meets, Contact Promotion Programmes, Product Promotion Programmes, Promotion through Overseas Department Stores, Market Surveys and Information Dissemination.