The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued Public Notice No. 38/2024-25 on January 3, 2025, amending Paragraphs 6.06(c)(ii) and 6.06(c)(iii) of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP), 2023. These amendments align the provisions with Chapter 4 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) to enhance ease of doing business.

Key Amendments:

1. Utilization Period for Imported Tea:

Previous Provision: Imported tea was required to be utilized within six months from the date of import.
Amended Provision: The utilization period remains six months from the date of import.

2. Export Obligation Fulfillment:

Previous Provision: Export obligations against the import of items under Chapter 9 of ITC(HS) and coconut oil were to be fulfilled within 90 days from the date the first import consignment was cleared by Customs Authorities.
Amended Provision: Export obligations must now be fulfilled within six months from the date the first import consignment is cleared by Customs Authorities.

3. Import of Spices for Value Addition (VA) Purposes:

Previous Provision: Import of spices for VA purposes like crushing/grinding/sterilization or for the manufacture of oils and oleoresins of pepper, cardamom, and chillies (excluding simple cleaning, grading, re-packing, etc.) required export obligations to be fulfilled within 120 days from the date of importation of the first consignment.
Amended Provision: Export obligations must now be fulfilled within six months from the date of importation of the first consignment.

4. Import of Spices (Other than Pepper, Cardamom, and Chillies) for Manufacture of Spice Oils and Oleoresins:

Previous Provision: Export obligations were to be fulfilled within 12 months.
Amended Provision: Export obligations must now be fulfilled within 12 months.

These amendments aim to streamline procedures and reduce compliance burdens for businesses engaged in the import and export of specified items.