Amendments in Para 4.42 of Handbook of Procedures 2015-2020

Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) further Simplifies the process of levying Composition Fee for Export Obligation Extension to include more cases under Advance Authorization Scheme

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has notified amended rules for implementing all PRC (Policy Relaxation Committee) decisions regarding the levy of Composition Fee. DGFT is extending the benefit of reduced Composition Fee for cases where it has allowed an extension in EOP (Export Obligation Period) and/or regularization of exports already made. This was notified vide Public Notice No. 59/2015-20 on February 28, 2023 by amending Para 4.42 of Handbook of Procedures (2015-20).

The rationalization of Composition Fee calculations aids in automation and accelerated delivery of services by attempting to make the procedure simpler and more understandable. The revised Composition Fee model, which is based on a specific rate for different levels of the ‘CIF value of Authorisation,’ is less complicated and simpler to calculate. This will assist in streamlining the compliance process with minimal human intervention, reducing the risk of discrepancies and confusions.

Automating the process will result in faster service delivery by reducing the need for manual calculations and paperwork. This initiative aims to integrate a uniform and transparent system for implementing all PRC decisions, including past decisions related to levying Composition Fee in the case of extending Export Obligation Period (EOP) and/or regularization of exports made under the Advance Authorization Scheme. The goal is to make doing business easier and reduce transaction costs.

Calculation simplification also contributes to the “Ease of Doing Business” mission by reducing complexity and making the procedures relatively easy for exporters.

DGFT is working towards this goal by making the Composition Fee calculation procedure smoother and easier to understand for exporters. This initiate started with Public Notice No. 52 dated 18.01.2023 and continues with this PN issued today. These initiatives will eventually result in stronger trade facilitation and ease of doing business.

MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

(Department of Commerce)

(DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF FOREIGN TRADE)

Public Notice No. 59/2015-2020-DGFT Dated : 28th February, 2023

Subject: Amendments in Para 4.42 of the Handbook of Procedures 2015-2020.

F. No. 01/94/180/012/AM23/PC-4.— In exercise of powers conferred under Paragraph 1.03 and 2.04 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020, as amended from time to time, the Director General of Foreign Trade hereby makes the following amendments in the provisions of Para 4.42 of the Handbook of Procedures 2015-2020:

(i) Under Para 4.42 of HBP 2015-2020, a new sub-para (j) is added, as mentioned below:

4.42 Export Obligation (EO) Period and its Extension:

(j) For implementation of all PRC decisions involving levy of Composition Fee while allowing extension in EOP and/or regularisation of exports already made, the applicable Composition Fee shall be as prescribed hereunder:

No refund of earlier paid Composition Fee shall be admissible.

Effect of this Public Notice: Para 4.42 of the Handbook of Procedures 2015-2020 has been amended to integrate a uniform and transparent system for implementation of all PRC decisions including previous decisions involving process of levying Composition Fee in case of extension of Export Obligation Period (EOP) and/or regularisation of exports already made under Advance Authorization Scheme, for ease of doing business and reduction of transaction cost.

SANTOSH KUMAR SARANGI, Director General of Foreign Trade

& Ex-officio Addl. Secy