Subject: Relaxation in applicability of provision in Para 6 (b) of General Notes Regarding Import Policy Schedule -I (Imports) of the ITC(HS) 2017, Schedule - I (Import Policy).

The following communications have been received regarding the import of crushed and de-oiled GM soya cake (Non-living organism only):-

1 (i) Vide DO No. R-43011/2/2021-Anim Dadf dated 27.7.2021, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying sought permission/approval of MOEF&CC for allowing import of 12 Lakh MT crushed and dc-oiled GM soya cake (Non-living organism) upto 31st October 2021, or earlier;

(ii) In response to the above, MOEF vide OM dated 6.8.2021, has clarified that, "Since soya de-oiled and crushed (DOC) cake does not contain any living modified organism, this Ministry has no concerns and no objection for import of soya cakes from environmental angle";

(iii) DoCA vide F. No. M-1/1/2020-PMC dated 16.8.2021 and Corrigendum dated 16.8.2021 has conveyed the approval of the Competent Authority to facilitate the import of 12 Lakh ton of GM soya de-oiled cake; and

(iv) DAHD vide letter dated 19.8.2021 has communicated those imports may be facilitated at 2 ports namely, Nhava Sheva (sea port) and Petrapole border (land port);

2. Therefore, in exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 read with Section 5 of FT(D&R) Act, 1992 and paragraph 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2015-2020, as amended from time to time, the Central Government hereby relaxes the provision in Para 6 of General Notes Regarding Import Policy, Schedule - I (Imports) of the ITC(HS), 2017.

3. Accordingly, Condition No. 6 (b) of General Notes Regarding Import Policy Schedule -I (Imports) of the ITC (HS) 2017 will not apply to the import of 12 Lakh Metric ton of crushed and de-oiled GM soya cake (only Non-living organism) under ITC HS codes 23040020 and 23040030 Last date of shipment or Bill of Lading date ( in case of permitted seaports) or Lorry Receipt date ( in case of LCS Petrapole)" shall be 31.10.2021 or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Further, import consignments of these items with Bill of Lading/Lorry Receipt issued on or before 31sl October, 2021 shall not be allowed by Customs beyond 31st January 2022. , whichever is earlier, only from Nhava Sheva (INNSA1) port, LCS Petrapole (INPTPB), Mumbai Sea Port (INBOM1), Tuticorin Sea Port (INTUT1), Vishakhapatnam Sea Port (INVTZ1), Ghojadanga LCS (INGJXB) and Kolkata (INCCU1), Ranaghat Railway Station (INRNG2).

4. Strict monitoring of import quantity of the above items through the designated ports shall be carried out by CBIC through the customs authorities at the respective ports to ensure that the quantity of 12 lakh Metric ton is not breached.

i. For import of remaining Quantities of 5.5 Lakh MTs the last date of imports is extended to 30th September 2022, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. The import of given consignments may be considered for Bill of Lading or Lorry Receipt dated on or before 30th September, 2022. Furthermore, 'Out of charge' may be authorised by the Customs Authorities on or before 31st December, 2022.

ii. It is reiterated that import is allowed only through the (8) ports as notified earlier i.e., Nhava Sheva Port (INNSA1), LCS Petrapole (INPTPB), Mumbai Sea Port (INBOM1), Tuticorin Sea Port (INTUIT), Vishakhapatnam Sea Port (INVTZ1), Ghojadanga LCS (INGJXB), Kolkata (INCCU1) and Ranaghat Railway Station (INRNG2).

iii. Strict monitoring of import quantity to be ensured by Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAH&D) so that the mandated quantity of 5.50 lakh MT is not breached.

Effect of the Notification: Application of provision as in Condition 6(b) of General Notes Regarding Import Policy Schedule - I (Imports) of the ITC (HS) 2017 is relaxed to allow imports of 12 Lakh Metric ton of crushed and de-oiled GM soya cake (only Non-living organism) under ITC HS codes 23040020 and 23040030 from Nhava Sheva (INNSA1) port and LCS Petrapole (INPTPB), till 31st October, 2021 or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

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

(Amit Yadav)

Director General of Foreign Trade

Ex- officio Addl. Secretary to the Government of India

(F. No. M-5012/300/2002/PC-2[A]/Part-VI/e-9019)