Subject: Amendment in Import Policy of Mercury under ITC HS Code 28054000 and insertion of Policy Condition No. 03 in Chapter 28 of ITC(HS), Schedule l(lmport Policy).

In exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 read with Section 5 of FT (D&R) Act, 1992, read with paragraph 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2015-2020, as amended from time to time, the Central Government hereby amends the Import Policy of Mercury under ITC HS Code 28054000 and also inserts a new Policy Condition 3 in Chapter 28 of ITC HS classification (Import Policy Schedule I) as under:

2. A Policy Condition No. 03 is added in the Chapter-28 of ITC(HS), Schedule I (Import Policy):

"A Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure as per the provisions of the Minamata Convention on mercury is to be obtained from the National Focal Point of Minamata Convention in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in case of import/export of mercury. Details of PIC procedure can be accessed from the website of MoEF&CC: http://moef.gov.in/ (Divisions -> Environment Divisions-> Flazardous Substance Management Division -> Import/Export)"

Effect of the Notification: Import policy of Mercury has been revised from 'Free' to 'Restricted' subject to obtaining Prior Informed Consent from MoEF&CC.

This issues with the approval of Minister of Commerce & Industry.

(Amit Yadav)

Director General of Foreign Trade &

Ex- officio Addl. Secretary to the Government of India

(File No.01/89/180/38/AM-12/PC-2(A)/E-26617)