Presented byAlankrita Ayushi Gaurav

Indian EXIM Policy contains various policy related decisions taken by the government in the sphere of Foreign Trade, i.e., with respect to imports and exports from the country and more especially export promotion measures, policies and procedures related thereto. EXIM Policy of the Indian Government is regulated by the Foreign Trade Development and Regulation Act, 1992.DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) is the main governing body in matters related to Exim Policy. India's Export Import Policy, generally aims at developing export potential, improving export performance, encouraging foreign trade and creating favorable balance of payments position.

To accelerate the economy from low level of economic activities to high level of economic activities by making it a globally oriented vibrant economy and to derive maximum benefits from expanding global market opportunities. To stimulate sustained economic growth by providing access to essential raw materials, intermediates, components,' consumables and capital goods required for augmenting production. To enhance the techno local strength and efficiency of Indian agriculture, industry and services, thereby, improving their competitiveness. To generate new employment. Opportunities and encourage the attainment of internationally accepted standards of quality. To provide quality consumer products at reasonable prices.

New government had decided to terminate the five-year Exim Policy,2002-07 and replace it with a Foreign Trade Policy for a five-year term beginning on fiscal 31st August 2004. It is for the first time that a comprehensive Foreign Trade Policy has been notified. The Foreign Trade Policy takes an integrated view of the overall development of Indias foreign trade.

 (i)

(ii)

The objective of the Foreign Trade Policy is two-fold: to double Indias percentage share of global merchandise trade by 2009; and to act as an effective instrument of economic growth by giving a thrust to employment generation, especially in semi-urban and rural areas. The key strategies are: (i) Unshackling of controls; (ii) Creating an atmosphere of trust and transparency.

(a)

Sectors with significant export prospects coupled with potential for employment generation in semi-urban and rural areas have been identified as thrust sectors, and specific sectoral strategies have been prepared. Further sectoral initiatives in other sectors are announced from time to time. Special Focus Initiatives have been prepared for Agriculture, Handicrafts, Handlooms, Gems & Jewellery and Leather & Footwear sectors. The threshold limit of designated Towns of Export Excellence is reduced from Rs.1000 crores to Rs.250 crores in these thrust sectors.

(b)

(c)

The Foreign Trade Policy for the period 2009-2014 was announced on 27th August 2009 at a time when the world was emerging from the shadow of a challenging economic period, the worst we have seen in the last 7 decades. Therefore,the key objective for the Foreign Trade Policy was to arrest the declining exports and reverse the trend. A multipronged strategy was adopted to provide stability of policy and giving additional support, especially to employment intensive sectors. Market diversification strategy has been designed to reach out to non-traditional destinations in Africa, Latin America and Asia since our traditional markets in the developed world witnessed a sharp contraction in demand. It also aims at technological upgradation of exports and undertake an exercise of simplification of procedures for reducing transaction costs.

Assistance to States for Infrastructure Development of Exports (ASIDE)

Under this scheme the State Governments shall be encouraged to participate in promoting exports from their respective States. For this purpose suitable provisions are made in the Annual Plan of the Department of Commerce for allocation of funds to the states on the twin criteria of gross exports and the rate of growth of exports. The States shall utilise this amount for developing infrastructure such as roads connecting production centres with the ports, creation of new State level export promotion industrial parks/zones, augmenting common facilities in the existing zones, equity participation in infrastructure projects, development of minor ports and jetties, assistance in setting up of common effluent treatment facilities, stabilizing power supply and any other activity as may be notified by Department of Commerce from time to time.

Market Access Initiative (MAI)

The Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme is intended to provide financial assistance for medium term export promotion efforts with a sharp focus on a country and product. The financial assistance is available for Export Promotion Councils, Industry and Trade associations , Agencies of State Governments , Indian Commercial Missions abroad and other eligible entities as may be notified from time to time. A whole range of activities can be funded under the MAI scheme. These include market studies, setting up of showroom/ warehouse, sales promotion campaigns, international departmental stores, publicity campaigns, participation in international trade fairs, brand promotion, registration charges for pharmaceuticals and testing charges for engineering products etc. Each of these export promotion activities can receive financial assistance from the Government ranging from 25% to 100% of the total cost depending upon the activity and the implementing agency

Marketing Development Assistance (MDA)

Under MDA Scheme, financial assistance is provided for a range of export promotion activities implemented by EPCs and Trade Promotion Organizations on the basis of approved annual action plans. The scheme is administered by DOC. Assistance includes, amongst others, participation in: i. Trade Fairs and Buyer Seller meets abroad or in India, and ii. Export promotions seminars. iii. Financial assistance with travel grant is available to exporters travelling to focus areas, viz., Latin America, Africa, CIS region, ASEAN countries, Australia and New Zealand. In other areas, financial assistance without travel grant is available.

A number of towns have emerged as dynamic industrial clusters contributing handsomely to Indias exports. It is necessary to grant recognition to these industrial clusters with a view to maximizing their potential and enabling them to move higher in the value chain and tap new markets. Selected towns producing goods of Rs. 750 Crore or more will be notified as TEE based on potential for growth in exports. However for TEE in Handloom, Handicraft, Agriculture and Fisheries sector, threshold limit would be Rs 150 Crores. (i) Recognized associations of units will be provided financial assistance under MAI scheme, on priority basis, for export promotion projects for marketing, capacity building and technological services. (ii) Common Service Providers in these areas shall be entitled for EPCG scheme. (iii) The projects received from TEEs shall be accorded priority by SLEPC for financial assistance under ASIDE.

Zero Duty EPCG Scheme

Zero duty EPCG scheme allows import of capital goods for preproduction, production and post production (including CKD/SKD thereof as well as computer software systems) at zero Customs duty, subject to an export obligation equivalent to 6 times of duty saved on capital goods imported under EPCG scheme, to be fulfilled in 6 years reckoned from Authorization issue-date. The scheme will be available for exporters of engineering & electronic products, basic chemicals & pharmaceuticals, apparels & textiles, plastics, handicrafts, chemicals & allied products, leather & leather products, paper & paperboard and articles thereof, ceramic products, refractories, glass & glassware, rubber & articles thereof, plywood and allied products, marine products, sports goods and toys. Capital goods shall include spares (including refurbished/reconditioned spares), tools, jigs, fixtures, dies and moulds. Second hand capital goods, without any restriction on age, may also be imported under EPCG scheme.

The focus market scheme was introduced by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry in the Foreign Trade Policy from Apr. 01, 2006 with a view to diversify India`s export base as this scheme has showed substantial increase in country`s export to a large number of countries which have been included under the Scheme. This scheme covers the Latin American, African, Asian & Oceania countries etc. According to a study on the impact of focus market scheme, in respect of 82 countries out of 110 countries included by the Government from time to time under the Scheme in African, Latin American, CIS and Eastern Europe Block, in respect of 46 countries, India`s export showed better result.

DOC provides for reimbursement of charges/expenses for fulfilling statutory requirements in the buyer country, including registration charges for product registration for pharmaceuticals, bio-technology and agro-chemicals products on recommendation of EPCs. Financial assistance is also provided for contesting litigation(s) in the foreign country concerning restrictions/anti dumping duties etc on particular product(s) of Indian origin, as provided under the Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme of DOC.

IBEF (originally called India Brand Equity Fund and later renamed as India Brand Equity Foundation) was set up by the Ministry of Commerce on 11th July, 1996, with the primary objective to promote and create international awareness of the Made in India label in markets overseas. IBEF aims to promote India as a business opportunity by creating positive economic perceptions of India globally as well as effectively present the India business perspective and leverage business partnerships in a globalised market-place. DOC provides funds for capacity building for up-gradation of quality to national level Institutions and EPCs to organize training programmes for the skill improvement of the exporters for quality up-gradation, reduction in rejection, product improvement etc. as provided under the Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme of DOC.

TEST HOUSES

Central Government will assist in modernization and upgradation of test houses and laboratories to bring them at par with international standards.

QUALITY COMPLAINTS / DISPUTES

Regional Sub-Committee on Quality Complaints (RSCQC) set up at Regional Offices of the DGFT shall investigate quality complaints received from foreign buyers.

With a view to continuously increase our percentage share of global trade and expanding employment opportunities, certain special focus initiatives have been identified/continued for Market Diversification, Technological Upgradation, Support to status holders, Agriculture, Handlooms, Handicraft, Gems & Jewellery, Leather, Marine, Electronics and IT Hardware manufacturing Industries, Green products, Exports of products from North-East, Sports Goods and Toys sectors.