Wastage norms for jewellery exports revised and input-output norms updated, changing permissible metal content calculations.
The amendment revises permissible wastage percentages for gold, silver and platinum jewellery exports by category and by handcrafted versus mechanised processes, and excludes imported mountings and findings from net content calculation. It also updates SION M-1 to M-8 to set input-to-output ratios for gold, platinum and silver per kilogram of exported jewellery or articles, aligned with the new wastage rates and differentiated by production method.

Abeyance of public notice restores prior wastage norms and SIONs for jewellery exports during interim period.
Public Notice No. 05/2024 modifying wastage and Standard Input-Output Norms for precious-metal jewellery is placed in abeyance until 31st December 2024 under powers of the Foreign Trade Policy. During this interim, pre-existing wastage norms in the Handbook of Procedures and the earlier Standard Input-Output Norms for jewellery items are restored pending finalisation of revised SIONs.

Modification of SION for Shea Stearine: revised import entitlements tied to Shea Nut oil content adjustments.
Modification of SION E-125 prescribes the imported inputs and quantities allowed per 1 MT export of Shea Stearine, provides an oil-content based pro rata adjustment to permitted Shea Nut import quantities, requires Customs to sample and endorse oil content on each bill of entry with regional redemption of authorizations based on weighted averages, and states that import clearances must not be held pending test results; the SION is issued with a defined validity period pending reassessment.

Annual RODTEP Return required for exporters claiming RoDTEP; non-filing suspends benefits and attracts composition fees.
Filing of an Annual RODTEP Return (ARR) is required to assess inputs and actual taxes and duties for RoDTEP claims; eligible exporters must submit ARR in the Appendix-4RR format by the prescribed deadline, with non-reporting leading to denial or suspension of benefits and delayed filing subject to composition fees and eventual resumption conditions. Records substantiating ARR must be retained for the prescribed period and ARRs may be assessed or risk scrutinised, with excess claims liable to refund or surrender and potential cessation of benefits for non regularisation.

Electronic submission of Appendix 4H certificates enables digitally signed certifier uploads, streamlining verification for Advance Authorization and DFIA redemptions.
DGFT has implemented an electronic system for Appendix 4H submission where exporters submit drafts online to registered Certifying Authorities, who may review, amend and digitally sign certificates (Aadhaar e-sign or DSC). Signed Appendix 4H certificates are automatically attached to AA/DFIA redemption applications, stored in a repository for tracking and download, and made accessible to DGFT Regional Authorities for verification.

No Objection Certificate requirement: NOC not required for Acetic Anhydride procured from SEZ units under Certificate of Supplies.
Paragraph 4.08(ii) requires Regional Authorities to endorse Advance Authorisations to designated agencies and impose a condition that an NOC from the Drug Controller and Narcotics Commissioner is obtained before effecting imports. DGFT clarifies that this NOC requirement will not apply where an Advance Authorisation holder procures Acetic Anhydride from a unit located inside an SEZ against a Certificate of Supplies, provided the material is manufactured by that SEZ unit.

Exhibition samples import exempt from import authorization when regulated by HBP conditions, subject to bond or ATA Carnet.
Import and re import of Exhibits and Samples for demonstration, display, exhibition or fairs are regulated under Para 2.60 of the Handbook of Procedures, 2023 and permitted without import authorization or registration under Import Monitoring Systems, subject to the conditions of Para 2.60, including submission of a bond/security to Customs or presentation of an ATA Carnet and other applicable compliance requirements.

Global authorization for intra-company transfer expanded to cover additional SCOMET items and related software and technology.
The Appendix 10M amendment expands the scope of Global Authorization for Intra-Company Transfer (GAICT) under Paragraph 10.15 of the Handbook of Procedures 2023 to include additional SCOMET items, software and technology. The annexed list enumerates newly covered categories and descriptions-spanning materials, sensors, processing equipment, counter-IED systems, submersible platforms, propulsion components, and related software and technology-allowing intra-company export/re-export of those items only to countries listed in Table 1 of Paragraph 10.15, effective immediately.

RCMC requirement clarified: not necessary for post-export remission schemes, enabling exporters to claim RoSCTL and RoDTEP.
Para 2.57 mandates a Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) for exporters seeking authorisations or FTP benefits tied to import/export authorisations, except restricted items. However, post export remission schemes such as Duty Drawback, RoSCTL and RoDTEP are exempt from the RCMC requirement; exporters may claim remission benefits under these schemes without obtaining an RCMC.

Interest equalisation scheme extended for pre and post shipment rupee export credit; MSME fiscal benefit cap limits further claims.
The Interest Equalisation Scheme for pre and post shipment rupee export credit is extended for three months to 31.12.2024 on the same terms, with an additional condition that fiscal benefits to each MSME, on aggregate, will be capped at Rs.50 Lakhs for the fiscal year during the extended period. MSME exporters who have already availed Rs.50 Lakhs or more up to 30.09.2024 will not be eligible for further benefit. The extension is valid for three months or until any earlier revised approval, and applicable banking guidelines and notifications apply.

Tariff rate quota allocation for sugar export to EU affirmed; implementing agency to manage quota and certification requirements.
Allocation of a specified quantity of sugar for export to the EU under the tariff rate quota (TRQ) for the 2024-25 year is notified. Export of sugar under TRQ is 'Free' subject to the Nature of Restrictions. Certificate of Origin for preferential export shall be issued on recommendation of the implementing agency, which will operate the quota. Applicable reporting and other certification requirements in existing notifications continue to apply.

Import authorisations extended through year-end; fresh applications required for the next period subject to forthcoming guidance.
Import of specified IT hardware remains restricted; importers are permitted to apply for Import Authorisations valid up to 31.12.2024, and existing authorisations issued up to 30.09.2024 continue to be valid until 31.12.2024. All other provisions of the earlier Policy Circular remain applicable. Importers must apply for fresh authorisations for imports from 01.01.2025 subject to detailed guidance to be issued.

EPCG reporting shifted to block period certified submissions, easing compliance and streamlining export obligation evidence.
Reporting under the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme is changed from an annual online submission to a report after the first four year block period and continuously until expiry of the export obligation period; reports must include Shipping bill/Invoice/Bill of Export/FIRC details, as applicable, and be certified by a Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant, or Company Secretary to evidence fulfilment of specific and average export obligations.

Interest Equalisation Scheme cap imposed on annual net subvention per IEC, with differentiated limits and temporary effective periods.
The Interest Equalisation Scheme has been extended and, with immediate effect, the annual net subvention per IEC is subject to a fixed cap; a lower interim cap is imposed for MSME manufacturers for the current financial year, and a clarified cap applies to Manufacturer Exporters and Merchant Exporters for an earlier interim period.

Abeyance of Public Notice restores prior wastage norms and SIONs, suspending recent modifications pending further notice.
The notice places in abeyance the modifications to permissible wastage and Standard Input Output Norms for precious metal content in export items and extends that abeyance until 31st October 2024. During this interim period, wastage norms under the Handbook of Procedures and SIONs M1-M7 as they existed prior to the earlier Public Notice are restored and remain operative.

Tariff-rate quota allocation for raw cane sugar to USA: administrative operation by APEDA with Certificate of Origin controls.
Allocation of a tariff-rate quota quantity of raw cane sugar for export to the United States for US fiscal year 2025 is made under Paragraph 2.04 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023. Exports of sugar (HS Code 17010000) to the USA are treated as Free under Notification No. 3/2015-20 but remain subject to the notified nature of restrictions and reporting obligations. Certificate of Origin will be issued by the Additional Director General of Foreign Trade, Mumbai on APEDA recommendation, and APEDA, New Delhi will operate the TRQ as the implementing agency, with other certification requirements to be followed.

Interest Equalization Scheme extension for MSME manufacturing exporters continues, preserving existing terms and fund limits.
The Interest Equalization Scheme for Pre and Post shipment Rupee Export Credit is extended for one month as a fund limited scheme, applicable only to MSME manufacturing exporters and continuing on the same terms and conditions; stakeholders must follow existing central bank guidelines and notifications for implementation.

Delisting of Certificate of Origin issuer removes authorization to issue non-preferential origin certificates and deboards it from digital platform.
The Director General of Foreign Trade has removed M/s Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry from the list of agencies authorized to issue Certificate of Origin (Non Preferential), deleted its name from the regional roster in the Appendices and deboarded it from the Common Digital Platform, with immediate effect, thereby terminating its authority to issue such certificates.

Wastage norms revision: proposed higher precious metal jewellery wastage rates, with stakeholders invited to submit comments within a short window.
The Directorate has put the earlier Public Notice modifying wastage and Standard Input Output Norms for gold, platinum and silver exports into abeyance until 15th September 2024 and circulated proposed revised wastage norms by item and manufacturing method in an annexure. The proposed rates distinguish handcrafted and partly mechanized production across categories such as plain jewellery, studded jewellery, mountings/findings, medallions/coins, and religious idols. Trade stakeholders are invited to submit comments to the Norms Committee by e mail within seven days from issuance to assist finalisation.

Abeyance of wastage norm modification continues; previous SIONs and Handbook norms restored pending review and comments.
Public Notice No. 05/2024 revising permissible wastage and Standard Input Output Norms for metal-bearing exports is placed in abeyance to permit consideration of Norms Committee recommendations and stakeholder comments. Meanwhile, the pre-existing wastage norms under the Handbook of Procedures and the established SIONs for the affected items are restored and remain operative pending the review.