Amendment in Policy Condition no 4 of Chapter 84 of schedule 1 import policy of ITC HS 2022

Last updated: 25 October 2023

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This notification introduces amendments to the import policy for IT hardware. Specifically, IT hardware manufactured in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) can now be imported into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) without an import authorisation, provided applicable duties are paid. Furthermore, private entities importing IT hardware for defence or security purposes for central or state government agencies are also exempt from import authorisation, subject to providing an End User Certificate. The policy also clarifies exemptions for R&D, testing, and repair purposes.

MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(Department of Commerce)
(DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF FOREIGN TRADE)
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 19th October, 2023
No. 38 /2023

Subject: Amendment in Policy Condition no. 4 of Chapter 84 of schedule 1 (import policy) of ITC (HS), 2022 -reg.

S.O. 4578(E).— In exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 and Section 5 of Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, read with paragraph 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, as amended from time to time, and referring to previous Notifications 23/2023 dated 03.08.2023 & Notification 26/2023 dated 04.08.2023, the following changes in Import Policy Conditions are hereby notified:

1. Additional conditions are introduced under Policy condition 4 of Chapter 84 of Schedule I of ITC (HS), 2022 as follows:

vii. IT hardware restricted for Import vide Notification 23/2023 dated 03.08.2023 which are manufactured in Special Economic Zones (SEZ) may be imported into Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) without an Import Authorization, on payment of applicable duties (if any). Activities such as re-packing, labelling, refurbishing, testing, and calibration alone within the SEZ are not considered as manufacturing for the purpose of availing this exemption from Import Authorization.

viii. Private entities importing the said IT Hardware for supply to –

a. Central Government or agencies, undertakings owned and controlled by the Central Government, for Defence or Security purposes;

b. State Government for Security purposes; are exempt from requiring an import authorization. However, these private entities at the time of import, must provide to the Customs Authorities, a valid End User Certificate issued by the relevant government entity.

2. Policy Condition 4(iv) of Chapter 84 of Schedule-I of ITC(HS) 2022 is amended as follows –

Existing Condition

Revised Condition

Exemption from import licence is provided for up to 20 such items per consignment for the purpose of R&D, Testing, Benchmarking and Evaluation, repair and reexport, Product Development purposes. Given imports shall be allowed subject to condition that the imported goods shall be used for the stated purposes only and will not be sold. Further, after the intended purpose, the products would either be destroyed beyond use or reexported.

Exemption from import authorisation is provided up to 20 items per consignment for R&D, Testing, Benchmarking and Evaluation, Product Development purposes. Exemption is further provided for import for repair and/or return and/or replacement of IT Hardware sold earlier as well as re-import of such items repaired abroad on self certification basis.

Effect of the Notification: Import of IT Hardware manufactured in SEZ into DTA shall be exempt from an Import Authorisation. Import by private entities on behalf of Central & State Government Entities, for Defence & Security purposes, shall be exempt from an Import Authorisation.

This is issued with the approval of Minister of Commerce & Industry.

[F. No. 01/89/180/39/AM-13/PC-2[A]/E-2261]
SANTOSH KUMAR SARANGI, Director General of Foreign Trade &
Ex- officio Addl. Secy.

FAQ :

IT hardware manufactured in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) can now be imported into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) without requiring an Import Authorisation, upon payment of applicable duties.

Yes, activities like re-packing, labelling, refurbishing, testing, and calibration alone within the SEZ are not considered manufacturing for the purpose of this exemption.

Private entities importing IT hardware for supply to Central Government or agencies for Defence or Security purposes, or to State Government for Security purposes, are exempt.

These private entities must provide a valid End User Certificate issued by the relevant government entity to the Customs Authorities at the time of import.

Exemptions are provided for up to 20 items per consignment for R&D, Testing, Benchmarking, Evaluation, and Product Development. It also covers repair and/or return/replacement of previously sold IT hardware and re-import of items repaired abroad on a self-certification basis.