Duty free import of spices limited to genuine value addition; export obligation must be fulfilled within a fixed short period.
Duty free import of spices under advance licence and EOU/SEZ provisions is limited to specified value addition processes such as crushing, grinding, sterilization or manufacture of oils and oleoresins and excludes simple cleaning, grading or re packing. Export obligation arising from such imports must be fulfilled within a prescribed short period measured from the date the first import consignment is cleared by customs, and EOU/SEZ units face an explicit minimum value addition requirement.

Amendment to trade procedures updates Certificate of Origin issuer details and removes RBI approval requirement for IEC filings.
The Handbook of Procedures (Vol. I) amends Appendix 4C to modify the listed agency entry for issuance of Certificate of Origin (Non-Preferential) and deletes from the Aayaat Niryaat Form guidance the requirement for a self-certified copy of RBI approval where non-resident interest with repatriation benefits exists for IEC applications.

Vishesh Krishi Upaj Yojana eligibility extended for cashew exports, expanding the period during which exports qualify for benefits.
Exports of cashew under ITC (HS) Codes 080131, 080132 and 20081910 are entitled to Vishesh Krishi Upaj Yojana benefits for exports made in the expanded eligibility period specified by the circular; the earlier policy circular is modified to reflect this extended period of entitlement for the named commodity codes.

Amendments to Standard Input Output Norms update Handbook of Procedures, adding and correcting SION entries and related import export norms.
The Director General of Foreign Trade amends Vol. II of the Handbook of Procedures to revise, correct and add Standard Input Output Norms (SION). Annexure A lists corrections to existing norms, adjusting import item descriptions and input quantities for specified export products across chemical, engineering and food categories. Annexures B-D add new SION entries for chemicals, an engineering ceiling fan, and refined sunflower oil, each specifying permitted import components and quantities and noting compliance with prevailing PFA specifications and EODC conditions.

Certificate of Origin Non-Preferential: agencies must use the prescribed official format or face delisting from authorised list.
Agencies listed in Appendix 4 C are authorised to issue Certificate of Origin (Non Preferential) only in the Annexure II format notified in the Handbook of Procedure (Vol. I). Certificates omitting the term "Non Preferential" or using the generic description create an impression of preferential origin and facilitate misuse. Agencies must strictly follow the prescribed official format; failure to do so will invite action, including possible delisting from Appendix 4 C.

Vishesh Krishi Upaj Yojana application requirements: applications limited to a maximum number of shipping bills and to one Customs House.
Vishesh Krishi Upaj Yojana credit applications must be filed in the Aayaat Niryaat Form with prescribed documents; applicants may submit multiple applications provided each application stays within the permitted maximum number of shipping bills and all shipping bills in a single application pertain to exports from the same Customs House. The filing deadline for exports made during the 2004-05 period is 31 March 2006.

Online DEPB and Advance/EPCG licence filing required with digital signature and electronic fund transfer for processing and transmission.
DGFT will extend automated online processing of DEPB shipping bill submissions and licence issuance to ten additional EDI ports under Policy Circular 28; where manual DEPB shipping bills are used or a third party claims DEPB, manual applications in Aayaat Niryaat Form with originals and full fee must be submitted to the Regional Licensing Authority and no ECOM application will be entertained. All Advance Licence (except specified exceptions), Advance Licence for Annual Requirement and EPCG Licence applications must be filed only via the DGFT website with digital signature and payment by Electronic Fund Transfer; applications must include complete descriptions and correct 8 digit ITC(HS) codes, and amendments for EDI ports will be transmitted electronically to Customs to take effect.

Tariff rate quota application deadlines set; allocation by Exim Facilitation Committee follows annual timetable process.
Eligible entities must apply using the Aayaat-Niryaat Form with prescribed documents by the annual application deadline preceding the quota year; the Exim Facilitation Committee will evaluate applications and allot quota shares by the end of the preceding financial year, creating an annual submission and allocation cycle for the Tariff Rate Quota.

Advance licence compliance: documentary alternatives and indemnity required to discharge export obligations when DEEC books are unavailable.
Guidelines set documentary and procedural alternatives for discharge of export obligation on advance licences issued before 31.03.2002 when logged DEEC books are unavailable. For Quantity and Value Based Advance Licences RLAs must obtain endorsed shipping bill copies, bank realization proof, an affidavit cum indemnity, and MODVAT/CENVAT non availment evidence (or specified alternatives); additional value licence steps include shortfall regularisation and price data reliance where customs valuation comment is absent. Customs must verify exports before bond redemption and RLAs must forward E.O. discharge letters and monthly reports to customs. Exclusions apply for fraud, marble licences permitting rough marble imports, and cases with prior adjudication.