BY: MEGHA HANDA

 DGFT or Directorate General Of Foreign Trade is a government organization in India responsible for the formulation of exim guidelines and principles for indian importers and indian exporters of the country  Headquarters at Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi.  Before 1991, DGFT was known as Chief Controller of Imports and Exports  Officials DGFT works in close coordination with other related economic offices like Customs Commissionerates, Central Excise authorities, DRI authorities and Enforcement Directorate.Central Excise

 4 zonal offices at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.  36 regional offices.

 To implement exim policy and foreign trade policies by introducing various schemes and guidelines.  To grant Importer Exporter Code number to indian exporters and indian importers.  To promote trade with neighboring countries.  Plays an important role in controlling DEPB rates.

 DGFT also controls setting up of standard input output norms.  Any changes or formulation or addition of new codes in ITC HS CODES are also carried out by DGFT.  Maintains SCHOMET list.  Acts as a trade facilitator

 There are certain products which come under the list of Special Chemicals, Organisms, Material, Equipment and Technologies or SCHOMET.  India’s SCHOMET list include eight categories of sensitive items that could be used for both military and civilian purposes; export of all these items is strictly regulated by DGFT.  The list includes toxic chemical agents, micro- organisms, toxins, aerospace systems, information technology,nuclear materials, nuclear related other material, equipment and technology.

 ITC-HS Codes or better known as Indian Trade Clarification based on Harmonized System of Coding was adopted in India for import-export operations. Indian Customs uses an eight digit ITC-HS Codes to suit the national trade requirements.  Commodity description, weeding out of defunct codes, addition of new codes, change of product description etc., are taken up periodically as a part of the ongoing process towards perfection.

 SCHEDULE I describe the rules and guidelines related to import policies where as SCHEDULE II describe the rules and regulation related to export policies.  SCHEDULE I- 98 chapters.  SCHEDULE II – 97 chapters.

 IEC Code is unique 10 digit code issued by DGFT – Director General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce, to Indian Companies.  To import or export in India, IEC Code is mandatory. No person or entity shall make any Import or Export without IEC Code Number.  Can be submitted manually* as well as online.

 Covering Letter on your company's letter head for issue of new IEC Code Number.  Two copies of the application in prescribed format must be submitted to your regional Jt.DGFT Office.  Each individual page of the application has to be signed by the applicant.  Part 1 & Part 4 has to be filled in by all applicants. In case of applications submitted electronically.  No hard copies of Part 1 may be submitted. However in cases where applications are submitted otherwise, hard copy of Part 1has to be submitted

 Rs Bank Receipt (in duplicate)/Demand Draft/EFT details evidencing payment of application fee.  Certificate from the Banker of the applicant firm in the format.  Self certified copy of PAN issuing letter or PAN (Permanent Account Number) Card issued by Income Tax Authority.  Two copies of passport size photographs of the applicant duly attested by the Banker of the applicant.  Self addresses envelope with Rs.25/- postal stamp for delivery of IEC certificate by registered post or challan/DD of Rs.100/- for speed post.

 PART-A, PART – B, PART-C, AND PART-D, ORIGINAL IEC NUMBER, along with the documentary proof of required change, the application of modification change should be made within 60 days of such change, otherwise a fee of Rs.200 will be charged.

Ministries/Departments of the Central or State Government. Persons importing or exporting goods for personal use not connected with trade or manufacture or agriculture. Persons importing/exporting goods from/to Nepal provided the CIF value of a single consignment does not exceed Indian Rs.25,000. Persons importing/exporting goods from/to Myanmar through Indo-Myanmar border areas provided the CIF value of a single consignment does not exceed Indian Rs.25,000. However, the exemption from obtaining Importer- Exporter Code (IEC) number shall not be applicable in case of SCHOMET list.