Non-requirement of hard copy submissions for Advance Authorisation and EPCG applications; online uploads suffice and RAs will process.
Non-requirement of hard copy submissions for Advance Authorisation and EPCG Authorisation is mandated: exporters must upload prescribed supporting documents via the ECOM module using the new upload facility so that Regional Authorities will examine and process applications on the basis of online filings and issue authorisations within the laid down timelines; RAs may raise online deficiency letters where documents are missing and exporters should reply online and by email for prompt processing.

Administrative review of adjudication orders to improve order quality and require corrective action and reporting by adjudicating authorities.
Addl. DGFT-level administrative reviews will be conducted for selected adjudication orders within appellate jurisdiction as an advisory oversight to correct deficiencies in reasoning, quantification of contraventions, analysis of submissions, and natural justice compliance. Regional authorities must upload all orders to the DGFT website; the Directorate will identify orders quarterly for review, receive observations from reviewers, and require adjudicating authorities to implement and report corrective action. This process is administrative and does not alter the quasi-judicial proceedings.

TRQ import deadline extended for feed grade maize, allowing STEs additional time to apply for duty preferenced quota for poultry use.
The notice corrects the referenced financial year and extends the filing deadline for Special Trading Entities to submit applications under the Tariff Rate Quota for feed grade maize intended exclusively for poultry firms on an actual user basis, permitting additional time to apply for concessional customs treatment under the TRQ scheme, issued with Competent Authority approval.

MEIS claim procedure amended: bank letter or exporter declaration and payment proof now required where e BRC is absent or via vostro.
Applications for MEIS rewards must be filed online with digital signature in ANF 3A and linked to shipping bills and e BRCs. If an e BRC is in INR and payment was effected under the Vostro mechanism, a bank letter confirming receipt via Vostro must be submitted. If e BRCs could not be generated for shipments to OFAC jurisdictions, the exporter must submit a declaration plus self attested proof of payment. Regional Authorities will process such applications after hard copy submission of the required documents.

Discontinuation of physical RCMC submission - DGFT will verify validity from its database; exporters must ensure EPCs upload RCMCs.
The requirement to submit a physical Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) with DGFT applications for incentives under the Foreign Trade Policy is discontinued; DGFT will verify RCMC validity from its central database and exporters must ensure their valid RCMCs are uploaded and kept current by their respective Export Promotion Councils.

Registration of contracts for peas: bill of lading date governs shipment validity and regional authorities may revalidate contracts.
Registration of contracts for peas imports permits specified minimum consignments per contract subject to registration with Regional Authorities. An RC covers any shipment whose bill of lading date is on or before the RC's expiry, with the bill of lading date treated as the shipment date for import clearance. If Customs questions RC validity, Regional Authorities may revalidate RCs without referring the case to headquarters so long as the bill of lading date predates the RC expiry.

Self-Ratification scheme for Advance Authorizations urged to increase use to reduce transaction time and costs.
Self-ratification under para 4.07A of the Foreign Trade Policy allows Authorized Economic Operators to obtain Advance Authorizations on self-declaration where SIONs are not notified, bypassing Norms Committee ratification; AEOs using duty exemption schemes are urged to use this facility and Export Promotion Councils and DGFT Regional Authorities should disseminate information to increase uptake and reduce transaction time and costs.

Import allocation process for peas and pulses: EFC to allocate quantities to eligible applicants and publish decisions.
Applications for import of specified peas and pulses will be scrutinised and verified against the specifications and eligibility criteria in Trade Notice No.06/2019-20. Thereafter the matter will be placed before the EFC, which will allocate import quantities to eligible applicants; the EFC's allocation decisions will be uploaded on the DGFT website and its meeting minutes made available on the stated weblink.

MEIS claim entry limit increased for ANF 3D filings, allowing more shipping bill and airway bill entries per application.
Amendment increases the allowable number of shipping bill and airway bill entries that may be submitted in a single online ANF 3D application for claiming the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS), revising filing instructions so applicants can feed multiple consignments and related export document details in one application.

SEIS documentation requirements updated: local currency payment certification required and consolidated invoice-FIRC option permitted for specific services.
Applicants claiming SEIS benefits for payments in local currency must submit a CA/CWA/CS certificate certifying that such payments have been scrutinised and are approved under RBI guidelines as deemed to be received and earned in foreign exchange. For Medical and Dental Services, Hospital Services and Hotels and Restaurants (including catering), invoice-wise matching with FIRC/proof of payment is not required; a consolidated statement of invoices and FIRCs/proofs of payment may be submitted.

Online complaint filing for international trade enables Indian entities to lodge and track quality disputes through a centralised module.
The upgraded online module permits Indian entities to file and track quality complaints and trade disputes against foreign entities via the DGFT portal, requiring upload of specified documents, selection of the jurisdictional Regional Authority/SEZ and Indian Mission, and issuance of a Unique Reference Number for all future correspondence; a public status link and an 'Update Status' feature enable complainant and agency tracking, while Regional Authorities/SEZs and Missions must log in to manage, update, and reassign cases to the correct jurisdiction as needed.

Online Filing of Quality Complaints enables digital submission and tracking; parties may still pursue other legal remedies.
An online mechanism requires Indian or foreign entities to file quality complaints and trade disputes on the DGFT portal to jurisdictional Regional Authorities/SEZs and Indian Missions; a Unique Reference Number is generated and supporting documents may be uploaded. Regional CQCTD units and Missions will engage respondents, update status online, and facilitate amicable resolution. The process is reconciliatory in nature, parties retain freedom to pursue other remedies, and disputes solely between two Indian parties or two foreign parties are excluded.

Certificate of Origin requirement for Mozambique pulses imports enables NOC-based customs clearance under MOU, subject to port restrictions.
Imports of pigeon peas and other pulses from Mozambique under the MOU are allowed for the 2019-20 fiscal year subject to conditions: import only through five specified ports; mandatory Certificate of Origin from the Institute de Cereais de Moc ambique with authorised signatures and stamps; the issuing authority must send a scanned copy to DGFT email addresses; the Indian importer must also send the scanned certificate to DGFT to obtain an NOC, which DGFT will grant after comparing the documents, enabling Customs clearance.

Import quota allocation for pulses-application, capacity proof, and monthly reporting required under the specified import regime.
Prescribes annual import quantities for Peas, Moong dal, Urad dal and Pigeon Peas and prescribes an allocation regime: online applications by millers/refiners using ANF-2M with fee and self certified proof of refining/processing capacity; allocation by the Empowered Framework Committee based on processing capacity and applications, with quota distributed equally or up to applied quantity; monthly shipment arrival statements required and DGFT retains discretion to amend allocations.

Document verification requirement triggers rectification notice and potential IEC suspension unless deficiencies corrected within specified time.
Verification for online IEC applications requires RAs to confirm submitted address proof and cancelled cheque / Bank Certificate match prescribed documents. If variances are detected, RAs must email the applicant, allow a specified rectification period, and may suspend the IEC if deficiencies are not corrected. Modifications require payment of the usual modification fee. RAs must furnish a monthly report to the Policy-2 Division with a copy to the EDI Cell on IEC verifications and outcomes.

Recognition as Pre-Shipment Inspection Agencies: fresh enlistment invited with specified application, equipment details, and lease proof required.
Invitation for recognition as Pre-Shipment Inspection Agencies under Appendix 2G after IMC review; applicants (existing and new) must submit physical ANF 2L applications and may email copies, furnish instrument/explosive-detector details in the prescribed Excel format, indicate desired area of operation, and provide lease/rent agreements for head office and branch offices within the limited application period.

End Use Certificate requirements tightened for SCOMET exports: new proformas mandate technical detail, end use and non diversion certifications.
Amendment requires new standardized End Use Certificates (Appendix 2S(i), 2S(ii), 2S(iii)) for exports under the SCOMET Control List, substituting prior forms with immediate effect. Each appendix prescribes applicability by SCOMET category, fields for entity and item details, technical identifiers, explicit declarations of specific end use, non diversion and non retransfer without Government consent, mandatory authorised signatory contact information, and supplemental requirements for technology/software and Category 1 chemicals to enable post shipment verification and compliance with Chemical Weapons Convention obligations.

Extension of Pre shipment Inspection Agency recognition-validity for Appendix 2G agencies extended to cover expirations on or before June 30.
The Director General of Foreign Trade, invoking paragraph 2.04 of the Foreign Trade Policy, relaxes Para 2.55(d) of the Handbook of Procedure and extends recognition validity of Pre shipment Inspection Agencies listed in Appendix 2G whose three year tenure is complete or whose recognition would expire on or before 30.06.2019, such that their validity is continued up to 30.06.2019.

Application fee for Transport and Marketing Assistance set for reimbursement applications under the Foreign Trade Policy.
An amendment to Appendix 2 K of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2015-2020 inserts a new serial entry prescribing the scale of application fee for reimbursement claims under the Transport and Marketing Assistance scheme, thereby notifying the fee payable for filing applications and aligning such claims with the Appendix that governs application fees and deposit/refund procedures.

Export authorisation validity extended for restricted non-SCOMET goods under FTP, increasing the permitted duration with immediate effect.
The Hand Book of Procedures of FTP 2015-20 is amended to revise paragraph 2.16(a)(i), increasing the validity period of export authorisations for restricted (Non-SCOMET) goods; the change, made under paragraph 2.04, takes immediate effect and updates the authorised duration for export licences under the FTP framework.