EPCG Scheme harmonized to permit zero duty capital goods imports subject to export obligations and eligibility conditions.
Notification harmonizes Chapter 5 of the Foreign Trade Policy to consolidate EPCG Scheme variants. The Zero Duty EPCG permits import of capital goods at zero basic customs duty subject to an export obligation calculated as a multiple of duty saved, to be fulfilled within a prescribed period. The chapter prescribes exclusions (Status Holder Incentive interaction, prohibition on second hand goods), computation rules for duty saved, treatment of spares and tooling, project and retail sector coverage, eligibility including CSPs, Actual User condition, EO calculation and discharge mechanisms, technological upgradation rules, post export duty credit scrips, and reduced EO for specified regions and green technology products.

Export prohibition on edible oils narrowed by enumerated exemptions and limited branded pack exports under a minimum export price.
The Government amends the prohibition on export of edible oils by expanding specified exemptions: castor oil; coconut oil from EDI ports and notified LCS; deemed exports of edible oils from DTA to 100% EOUs as inputs for non edible exported goods; DTA supplies to SEZs for processed food manufacture subject to value addition norms; certain minor forest produce edible oils (ITC[HS] codes enumerated); and an annual allocation for organic edible oils under existing conditions. Branded consumer pack exports (up to 5 kg) are permitted subject to a Minimum Export Price, and peanut butter remains outside the prohibition.

Export prohibition on pulses extended with exceptions for kabuli chana and certified organic pulses under APEDA conditions.
Prohibition on export of pulses is extended to 31.03.2014 by amendment to the Foreign Trade Policy notifications, while excluding Kabuli Chana. Exports of organic pulses and lentils are allowed subject to an annual quantity ceiling and conditions: certification as organic by the designated organic certification authority; prior registration of export contracts with the designated export promotion agency; and shipment only from Customs EDI ports.

SCOMET export amendments update controlled categories, require export licences, DTA SEZ reporting, and prior govt permission for foreign site visits.
The notification replaces Appendix 3 to Schedule 2 of the ITC (HS) Classification with an amended SCOMET Annexure, revising entries across multiple categories and confirming that export of SCOMET items is permitted only against an export licence unless otherwise specified. Supplies from DTA to SEZ require reporting to the SEZ Development Commissioner and an annual report to the SCOMET Cell; physical exports from SEZs require export permission. Prior Central Government permission is mandatory before entering arrangements that permit foreign governments or third parties to undertake site visits, on site verification or access to records, subject to treaty exceptions. A detailed glossary and the Category 0 note on Atomic Energy Act licensing accompany the Annexure.

Import of Used Rails now free subject to pre-shipment radiation inspection and contractual assurance against radioactive contamination.
Import of used rails under ITC(HS) Code 7302 is permitted as a free import provided the importer produces a Pre-shipment inspection certificate from an approved agency certifying radiation levels do not exceed natural background (with background and maximum values stated) and a copy of the contract with the exporter affirming the consignment contains no radioactive contaminated material, to be presented at customs clearance.

Import policy for second hand goods: specified capital items restricted; refurbished spares free with engineer certification.
The Foreign Trade Policy amendment revises Para 2.17 to classify second hand goods and specify import conditions: specified second hand capital goods (including personal computers/laptops, photocopiers, air conditioners, diesel generating sets) are restricted and importable against authorization; refurbished/reconditioned spares of capital goods are free subject to a Chartered Engineer certificate verifying at least eighty percent residual life; all other second hand capital goods are free; non-capital second hand goods are restricted and importable only against authorization.

Export restriction: suspension of stone aggregate shipments to Maldives under Foreign Trade Policy effective immediately.
Export of stone aggregate to the Republic of Maldives is suspended by amendment to the prior notification, withdrawing the previously permitted exports for 2011-12 through 2013-14 and stopping further exports under that authorization with immediate effect until further notice.

Basic customs duty remission as freely transferable duty credit scrips limited to capital goods, mirroring Chapter 3 features.
Remission under the Post Export EPCG Scheme is limited to Basic Customs Duty paid on capital goods and shall be remitted by issuance of freely transferable duty credit scrips; such scrips will be issued only in respect of Basic Customs Duty and will have the same features as Chapter 3 duty credit scrips.

Export prohibition on edible oils revised: exemptions and conditions permit certain branded, sectoral and deemed exports under conditions.
The amendment maintains a general prohibition on export of edible oils until further orders while expanding specific exemptions: castor oil; coconut oil via EDI ports and notified LCS; deemed exports from DTA to 100% EOUs for non edible export production; DTA to SEZ supplies for processed food manufacture subject to value addition norms; and specified minor forest produce oils. Branded consumer packs up to five kilograms are permitted for export subject to a Minimum Export Price; peanut butter remains exempt.

Exemption of processed agricultural products preserves exportability despite bans on raw farm produce under the foreign trade policy.
The Central Government exempts specified processed and value added agricultural products from export restrictions or bans under the Foreign Trade Policy; covered categories include cereal flours and preparations, cereal groats and meals, worked cereal grains, other cereal items, dairy and milk products (casein, butter, cheese, curd), value added onion products, and peanut butter, such that these exports remain permitted even if exports of the basic farm produce are restricted.

Bonded warehouse rules for gems and jewellery allow import and re export in SEZ/DTA subject to minimum value addition.
Authorises Private/Public Bonded Warehouses in SEZ and DTA for import and re export of cut and polished diamonds, cut and polished coloured gemstones, and uncut and unset precious and semi precious stones, subject to achieving a minimum value addition.

Registration exemption for pharmaceutical and specialty sugar allows direct export while other sugar remains subject to prior registration.
The amendment to Sl. No. 93 in Chapter 17 of Schedule 2 ITC(HS) exempts specified pharmaceutical grade sugar and a defined list of specialty sugar products from the DGFT prior registration requirement; general sugar exports remain free but require prior registration of quantities, and preferential quota sugar to EU and USA must be exported through a designated export corporation subject to quantitative ceilings notified by DGFT.

Export certification: APEDA registration and aflatoxin testing required for grapes and groundnut exports; some destinations need pre shipment certification.
Export of fresh grapes and groundnuts/peanuts and their products is permitted subject to certification requirements: grapes to the European Union require registration with APEDA; groundnuts and products require APEDA registration plus a controlled aflatoxin level certificate from APEDA-recognized laboratories for most destinations; exports to certain destinations continue to require pre-shipment quality certification issued by listed laboratories or other agencies as notified.