In view of the unprecedented situation arising out of the Covid 19 pandemic, which is persisting, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has decided to continue benefits under various export promotion schemes by extending the Foreign Trade Policy by another six months upto September 30, 2021 which will provide continuity in the policy regime. Similar extension is made in the related procedures, by extending validity of HandBook of Procedures. This is the second extension given by the ministry and the first ended March 31, 2021.

The extended FTP has come into force from April 1, 2015, was for 5 years and was extended thereafter upto 31st March, 2021.

Exemption from payment of IGST and Compensation Cess on the imports made under Advance/EPCG Authorisations and by EOUs etc. has also been extended up to 30.09.2021. Similarly, validity period of the Status Holder Certificates is also extended. This will enable the Status Holders to continue to avail the specified facilities/benefits.

A notification for extending the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 and a Public Notice for extending the validity of the existing Handbook of Procedures 2015-20 has also been issued.