Track and Trace system implementation deadline extended, postponing mandatory parent-child packaging reporting for pharmaceutical exports.
Extension of the implementation date for the Track and Trace system by amending Para 2.90A of the Handbook of Procedure under Paragraph 2.04 of the Foreign Trade Policy, postponing the mandatory requirement to maintain and upload the Parent-Child relationship across packaging levels for exported drug consignments to the Central Portal; the extension applies to both SSI and non-SSI manufactured drugs.

Standardized unit quantity codes required for exports and imports; non-standard units allowed temporarily, then disallowed.
DGFT mandates standardized Unit Quantity Codes (UQCs) in its EDI and Customs' ICEGATE. No new authorizations shall use non-standard units (e.g., BoU, packs, boxes, cartons, bottles); system changes are being made. Customs will accept shipping bills against existing authorizations with non-standard units until the transition cutoff to prevent export disruption. Authorization holders must obtain conversion of non-standard units to standard units from their Regional Authority; RAs facing difficulty will consult the Norms Committee. Post-transition, imports and exports without standard UQCs will be disallowed.

Export of Finished Leather standards updated; specified categories and testing requirements govern license-free exports under foreign trade policy.
DGFT prescribes which products constitute Finished Leather for the Export Policy entry and allows those listed to be exported without licence provided they comply with specified manufacturing norms and conditions. The notice lists discrete leather categories with required operations (tanning, dyeing, fatliquoring, finishing, buffing, shaving, oiling, rolling), dimensional or density thresholds, and instrumental test criteria (chromatography, spectrophotometry, microscopic examination, CIE L measures). New types may be exported subject to testing and certification by the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI).

Re-validation policy for SCOMET technology exports: one-time six-month extension for qualifying expiring authorizations; future validity fixed.
Revalidation for SCOMET export authorizations was previously permitted in six month increments up to twelve months, with leftover export obligation as a ground. Export obligations for technology/software transfers cannot be quantified in item or value terms; therefore revalidation for such authorizations is not to be considered. As a one time relief, a single six month extension will be granted for SCOMET technology transfer authorizations expiring by 30.09.2020 upon prescribed application to DGFT(Hqrs). Going forward, validity for technology/software transfer authorizations shall be twenty four months or as per Para 2.16 of HBP FTP 2015 20, with no further revalidation.

Export controls on N-95/FFP2 masks: limited quota with online manufacturer licences requiring strict documentary proof.
DGFT restricts export of N-95/FFP2 masks to a limited allocation and mandates online applications via the DGFT ECOM system within specified dates. Only manufacturer-exporters may apply; applications are examined per the Handbook of Procedures. Licences issued have a short fixed validity. Eligibility requires documentary proof of manufacture, BIS certification for medical masks, one application per IEC, IEC copy, and purchase order/invoice, all self-attested. Incomplete or untimely submissions will be rejected.

Export quota application deadline extended for PPE coveralls after system outage, preserving existing quota rules and procedures.
Extension of the export quota application period for PPE medical coveralls to 8 August 2020 due to unavailability of the DGFT ECOM facility from 2 August evening to 5 August afternoon; all other provisions of Trade Notice No.18 dated 20.07.2020 remain unchanged and the extension is issued with competent authority approval.

Preferential Certificate of Origin submissions now required via electronic platform, replacing manual applications and issuing electronic and printed certificates.
Issuance of Preferential Certificates of Origin for exports to Thailand must be processed through the e COO Platform; exporters must submit CoO applications via the platform to designated issuing agencies (EIA, MPEDA and Textile Committee) and manual applications after the transition date are not required. The e COO will generate an electronic copy with the officer's image signature and agency stamp alongside the set of four printed copies, and exporters may obtain ink signed and stamped printed quadruplicate certificates by post or in person for submission to Thai authorities.

Export quota for surgical masks: online applications within a limited window; licences issued under eligibility and documentary checks.
A temporary export control restricts exports of 2/3 ply surgical masks to a set monthly quota and requires online applications via the DGFT ECOM system within a specified filing window. Licences are examined under the Handbook of Procedures, valid for three months, and issued subject to eligibility requirements: preference for manufacturers, one application per IEC, and submission of self attested documentary proof (purchase order/invoice, IEC) and, where applicable, a bank certificate evidencing advance payment received before the prohibition date; incomplete or untimely applications will not be considered.

Export quota on medical goggles restricts monthly shipments; approvals require online application within the designated window and eligibility.
The notice imposes an export quota on medical goggles and requires exporters to apply online through the DGFT ECOM system within a specified application window; hard copies or emails will not be considered. Applications are examined under the Handbook of Procedures, licenses have limited validity, only a single application per IEC will be considered, and manufacturers are preferred upon documentary proof. Required documents include a purchase order or invoice and a self attested copy of the IEC; incomplete or untimely applications will be rejected.

Export quota controls for diagnostic kits require manufacturers to apply online with specified documentation and eligibility attestations.
Procedure prescribes a restricted export regime for specified diagnostic kits with fixed monthly quotas and permits only manufacturers to apply online through the DGFT ECOM portal within the stipulated filing window. Applications will be examined under the Handbook of Procedures; licences are valid for three months. Eligibility requires documentary proof of manufacturing, one application per IEC per month, and submission of IEC copy, purchase order/invoice, a self attested undertaking confirming domestic commitments fulfilled, and self attested documents. Incomplete or untimely submissions will not be considered.

Export of PPE medical coverall samples permitted under limited quantity with online licence procedure and three month validity.
Permission to export samples of PPE medical coveralls for COVID-19 is authorized up to 50 units per IEC per country through online DGFT ECOM applications for non SCOMET restricted items. Applications must specify "PPE medical coveralls for COVID-19 Samples," include a copy of the IEC, documentary proof of manufacturing of textile/medical textile products or medical devices, and be self attested by an authorised person. Licences are valid for three months; incomplete applications, hard copy submissions, or email applications will not be considered.

CXL concessions quota allocation for sugar establishes export entitlement with Certificate of Origin and APEDA reporting requirement.
A preferential CXL concession quota of ten thousand metric tonnes of raw and/or white sugar is allocated for export to the European Union for 2020-21; exports are free subject to notified restrictions and APEDA reporting. Certificate of Origin for EU release will be issued by the Additional Director General of Foreign Trade, Mumbai, and the EUR Form must be endorsed by Customs at the port of shipment, with consignments to EU countries permitted from the date of notification.

Export quota for PPE medical coveralls: revised application windows and documentation requirements govern monthly authorisations.
Revised procedure imposes a monthly export quota for PPE medical coveralls and allocates export authorisations from online applications filed within prescribed three-day windows, processed electronically via the DGFT ECOM system and examined under para 2.72 of the Handbook of Procedures. Export licences will be valid for three months and issuance is contingent on specified eligibility and documentary requirements: purchase order/invoice, Chartered Engineer's certificate confirming domestic manufacture of fabric, IEC (one application per IEC per month), and product standard certification (BIS IS 17423:2020 or ISO 16603/16604 from an NABCB-accredited or notified body), with all documents self-attested.

Import authorization restrictions for power tillers impose eligibility, cap and technical compliance requirements for importers.
Allocation of import authorizations for power tillers is limited by a cumulative cap of 10% of prior year import value per firm (including components). Only manufacturers with at least three years' business presence and minimum historical sales qualify. Authorizations require valid type/batch test reports from the designated testing institute, emission approval, CMVR compliance, and proven infrastructure for training, post sales service and spare parts. Imported tillers must meet IS: 13539 or higher specifications.

Harmonization of MEIS Schedule aligns export incentive entries with updated trade classification, altering eligibility and rates.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade harmonizes the MEIS schedule with ITC(HS) 2017 effective 01.01.2020 by adding specified tariff entries with stated incentive rates for exports from that date, declaring a set of prior codes as ceased with nil benefit, and amending descriptions of certain MEIS entries to reflect revised nomenclature; exporters must apply the new codes, rates, zeroed entries, and amended descriptions for exports made with effect from 01.01.2020.

Extension of recognition validity for Pre shipment Inspection Agencies: administrative short term extension preserves inspection continuity.
The Director General of Foreign Trade, exercising powers under the Foreign Trade Policy and relaxing the Handbook of Procedure, extends the recognition validity of Pre Shipment Inspection Agencies listed in Appendix 2G of the Aayat Niryat Forms whose tenures would expire on or before the specified cutoff, granting a limited administrative extension to maintain continuity of inspection services and compliance mechanisms.

Export quota for PPE medical coveralls: monthly application window with specified manufacturer documentation and three-month licence validity.
Procedure establishes a controlled export regime for PPE medical coveralls with a fixed monthly export quota allocated through online applications filed within the first three days of each month, approvals completed by the tenth day, and export licences valid for three months. Eligibility requires the applicant be a manufacturer with registration proof, testing/accreditation from Ministry of Textiles-recognized labs, either importer's standards certificate or BIS certificate, a Chartered Engineer's certificate certifying fabrics manufactured in India, IEC copy, purchase order/invoice, and self-attested documents; only one application per IEC per month is permitted.

Digital delivery of IEC services mandates user registration and mandatory digital signature linking for online IEC processing.
An online platform for IEC services requires username/password registration linked to registered mobile and email with OTP/email authentication; users must link logins to specific IECs using Digital Signature/Aadhaar e-Sign, which is mandatory for applying or modifying IECs and managing IEC-linked users. The platform will migrate legacy data for online processing and monitoring, include a chatbot for queries, and additional trade modules will be rolled out after the first phase stabilises. Regional Authorities must ensure staff have official email accounts and updated mobile numbers for Back Office access and promote awareness and training. IEC application and modification services will be temporarily suspended for the go-live cutover.

Preferential Certificate of Origin acceptance: electronic COOs may be used for exports to Vietnam; printed signed copies available on request.
Issuance of Preferential Certificates of Origin for exports to Vietnam under the ASEAN India FTA permits an electronic copy bearing the officer's image signature and issuing agency stamp for immediate clearance; the system will also generate the set of four printed copies. COO applications (except for Thailand) must be submitted via the e COO Platform to designated issuing agencies, which will issue COOs online and provide printed, stamped, wet ink signed copies on request; physical applications will not be accepted after the transition date, though prior manual applications may be issued.

Impersonation advisory: fake DGFT websites and emails target exporters-use official portals and report suspected fraud immediately.
Advisory warns of fake websites and email IDs impersonating DGFT to solicit fees and confidential data for services such as IEC issuance. Stakeholders must use only the official DGFT websites (https://dgft.gov.in or http://dgft.gov.in), avoid sharing information or making payments to unauthorised platforms, and report incidents to the DGFT Helpdesk (toll free 1800-111-550 or [email protected]). Regional Authorities must spread awareness and notify the E-Governance & Trade Facilitation Division on receipt of reports.