Notification No. 3 dated 31^st March 2000

In exercise of powers conferred under section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 read with paragraph 1.3 and 4.1 of the Export and Import Policy, 1997-2002, the Central Government hereby makes the following amendments in the ITC (HS) Classifications of Export and Import Items, 1997-2002 published on 31st March, 1997 (RE-98) as amended from time to time, namely �

1.     A new chapter namely �"1 A: General notes regarding import policy" shall be inserted in the schedule 1 of ITC (HS) Classifications of Export and Import Items, 1997-2002, as per Annexure A to this notification.

2.     Following new entries shall be inserted at the end of appropriate Exim Code:

3.     After amendment Column 5 of the following will read as under:

4.     After amendment the following will read as under:

5.     This issues in Public Interest.

ANNEXURE A

1A: GENERAL NOTES REGARDING IMPORT POLICY

1.     Hereinafter, any item importable under Special Import Licence (SIL) shall be importable on surrender of SIL equivalent to five times the c.i.f. value of imports, except in those cases where the requirement of surrender of SIL is more than five times the c.i.f. value of imports.

2.     Subject to compliance with the provisions of any other law for the time being in force, imports may also be made without a licence by the categories of importers specified below, provided the imports do not involve foreign exchange remittances:

i.      Import of goods by officials of the United Nations Organisation and its specialised agencies who are I exempt from payment of customs duty under the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947;

ii.     Import under Baggage Rules of used professional equipment, instruments or apparatus by professionals and doctors returning to India for permanent settlement;

iii.     Goods imported as baggage by the members of foreign mountaineering expedition teams, subject to the condition of export of such items except items consumed;

iv.     Paintings and other display articles required for competitions or exhibitions, subject to the condition of export of such items except consumables;

v.      Food-stuff, medicines, clothing and blankets received by any charitable organisation registered with Ministry of Welfare and Ministry of Home Affairs under Foreign Contribution Regulation Act as a gift from any philanthropic organisation or person abroad, for free distribution either by itself or other charitable organisations to the poor and needy without any distinction of caste, creed or colour;

vi.     Import of food parcels (except alcohol and tobacco) by foreign citizens, ordinarily residing in India, subject to a limit of Rs. 1,00,000 per year for their own use;

a.  Goods received as free gifts by the Indian Red Cross Society from abroad provided such goods are exempt from customs duty;

b.    Relief supplies and packages received as gifts through a Government agency or any other approved agency covered by an agreement entered into by the Government of India with a foreign Government provided they are exempt from customs duty;

c.    Articles donated to the National Defence Fund or to the Government of India for use of the Defence personnel and wool/ woollen fabrics and woollen apparels donated to the Indian Red Cross Society provided the same are exempt from Customs duty;

vii.    Equipment and raw films imported by foreign TV companies coming to India on visits sponsored by the Ministry of External Affairs/ Ministry of Information and Broadcasting or Department of Tourism on re- export basis.