Newsletter V1 (8/1/25)

1. Import Policy Of Soda Ash

The Import Policy and Policy Conditions for Disodium Carbonate (Soda Ash), classified under Chapter 28 of the ITC (HS) Schedule, have been revised through DGFT Notification No. 46/2024-25, dated 30.12.2024.

Under the amended policy, the import of Soda Ash, which was previously freely importable, is now restricted. However, an exception allows for the free import of Soda Ash provided the CIF value is ₹20,108 or above per metric tonne.

The relevant HSN Codes for Soda Ash are 28362010, 28362020, and 28362090.

This amendment will remain in effect until 30.06.2025, after which Soda Ash will revert to being freely importable.

2. Export Policy Of Honey

The export of Natural Honey, classified under HSN Code 04090000, is permitted without restriction. However, the Central Government has imposed a Minimum Export Price (MEP) condition, effective from 14.03.2024, vide Notification No. 75/2023 dated 14.03.2024.

Initially, the MEP requirement of US$ 2,000 per metric tonne was applicable until 31.12.2024. This timeline has now been extended to 31.12.2025 through Notification No. 45/2024-25 dated 30.12.2024.

3. Export Authorisations For Restricted Seeds And Planting Materials

A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been formulated by the DGFT vide Trade Notice No. 26/2024-25 dated 30.12.2024 for availing the Restricted Export Authorizations for seeds and planting materials categorized as ‘Restricted’ under Export Policy.

For Export of Seeds for Sowing Purpose and Planting Material, applicant has to submit the following at the time of application for Export Authorization –

1. Detailed specification of seed / planting material along with its source

2. Details of Raw Material used in production of seed

3. Affidavit confirming that no Indian germplasm has been used in developing the seeds

4. Conditional Affidavit confirming that exported material is proprietary and complies with the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

5. Affidavit confirming compliance with conditions specified in Notification No. 23/2015-2020 dated October 7, 2015.

For Export of Seeds for Non-Sowing Purpose, applicant has to submit the following at the time of application for Export Authorization –

1. An Affidavit stating that export material is not intended for sowing or planting and it is meant solely for consumption purposes

4. Quantitative Restriction On Import Of Low Ash Mettalurgical Coke

DGFT has inserted a new Policy condition in Chapter 27 of ITC (HS) Schedule, 2022 changing the import policy of “Low Ash Mettalurgical Coke (HS Codes 27040020, 27040030, 27040040, 27040090) having ash content below 18%, excluding coke fines / coke breeze and ultra low phosphorus mettalurgical coke with phosphorus content up to 0.030% with size upto 30 mm with 5% size tolerance for use in ferroalloy manufacturing” to ‘Restricted’.

Quantities of Import allowed for the above product specification along with the list of Countries from which import may take place have been specified by the DGFT vide Notification No. 44/2024-25 dated 26.12.2024. Import is allowed only from these identified countries during the period 01.01.2025 to 30.06.2025 subject to the issuance of Import Authorization by the DGFT.

Metallurgical coke with ash content above 18% is Freely Importable.

5. Voluntary E-Payment Mechanism On Icegate Portal

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), through Circular No. 27/2024 dated 23.12.2024 has introduced a voluntary e-payment mechanism on the ICEGATE Portal, replacing the existing TR-6 challan system. TR-6 is a manual payment mechanism currently used for customs payments.

The new e-payment system will be available as a post-login feature on the ICEGATE Portal. Users must register on the portal to access this functionality. The mechanism can only be used for purposes specified in Annexure A, as outlined in the circular.

The manual TR-6 payment system will be discontinued after 31.12.2024, except in cases explicitly approved by the concerned jurisdictional Commissioner of Customs.