Export of Glass and Glassware

When dealing with the export of glass and glassware from India, there are several legal, procedural, and compliance aspects to consider. Here's a breakdown of each of these key factors:

1. Legal Framework

The export of glass and glassware is governed by the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, and the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) of India, which lays down guidelines for exports and imports. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sets the quality norms, while the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issues licenses and registrations for exporters.

2. Export Promotion Council Registration

To promote exports, exporters of glass and glassware need to register with specific export promotion councils like:

• Chemexcil (Chemicals & Allied Products Export Promotion Council), if the products fall under chemicals used in glass production.
• EPCH (Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts), if the products are decorative or handicraft items.

Registration with these councils helps in availing export incentives, ensuring compliance with trade regulations, and offering marketing support.

3. HSN Code

The Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) code for glass and glassware is essential for classification. Some relevant HSN codes include:

• 7013: Glassware of a kind used for table, kitchen, toilet, office, indoor decoration, or similar purposes.
• 7010: Glass containers (bottles, jars, etc.). HSN codes are necessary for custom clearances, taxes, and international trade.

4. Compliances

Exporters must comply with multiple regulations, including:

• Quality Control: Compliance with Indian standards (BIS), including packaging and labeling requirements.
• Customs Declaration: Filing proper export documentation with Customs.
• GST Compliance: Ensuring the GST is cleared for exports, as glass items are often exempted from GST when exported.

5. NOC (No Objection Certificate)

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) may be required from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) or other authorities depending on the product’s nature, destination, or government restrictions. This is particularly relevant if the product is deemed sensitive or falls under specific export restrictions.

6. Indian Standards & BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards)

Glass products may be required to conform to BIS standards (Bureau of Indian Standards) for quality assurance. This is particularly important for items like glass containers and other utility glass products. BIS certification ensures that products meet the safety, quality, and performance standards as set by the Indian government.

7. Restrictions

Some restrictions may apply to the export of certain types of glass products, particularly those with national security, environmental, or heritage implications. Export of certain decorative items or products that contain hazardous substances may require additional licenses or clearances.

8. Export Policy

The Export Policy for glass and glassware follows the guidelines set by DGFT and the Ministry of Commerce. Typically, these items are freely exportable unless restricted under specific conditions or due to international trade agreements.

9. Procedure

The general procedure for exporting glass and glassware involves:

1. Obtaining IEC (Import Export Code) from DGFT.
2. Registering with Export Promotion Councils (like EPCH or Chemexcil).
3. Getting product certifications (BIS, if applicable).
4. Preparing export documentation (invoice, packing list, shipping bill, etc.).
5. Customs clearance.
6. Shipping goods with proper export documentation.

10. Export Incentives: The Indian government provides various export incentives under schemes like:

• RODTEP: This provides rewards for certain products.
• Duty Drawback Scheme: For reimbursement of duties paid on exported goods.
• Interest Equalization Scheme: Provides reduced interest rates on export loans.

Additionally, exporters may be eligible for various state-specific incentives depending on their region or type of glassware.

11. Conclusion: The export of glass and glassware from India offers significant opportunities but requires careful attention to the legal, procedural, and regulatory requirements. Exporters must adhere to BIS standards, ensure proper registrations, and comply with export policies to access incentives and facilitate smooth trade. With proper preparation, Indian glass and glassware products can find success in international markets, benefiting from government schemes and global demand.