REPORT BY THE SECRETARIAT: SECTION III: TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE: (2) MEASURES DIRECTLY AFFECTING IMPORTS: Paragraph 8:
"Importers (Indians and foreign nationals), with a few exceptions, must register with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and obtain an importer exporter code (IEC) number to be able to import commercially."
Question 24: Please clarify which of the following understandings best describes how importers can be allowed to engage in import and export business: 1) Registering with the DGFT and obtaining an IEC number; 2) Registering with the DGFT and then registering with the customs to obtain another code.
Reply: No export or import shall be made by any person without an IEC number unless specifically exempted under paragraph 2.8 of the Handbook of Procedure related to the Foreign Trade Policy. These publications are available in the DGFT website http://dgft.gov.in. Once IEC is received, the same becomes applicable for import and export clearance at the customs end.
China 25:
REPORT BY THE SECRETARIAT: SECTION III: TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE: (2) MEASURES DIRECTLY AFFECTING IMPORTS: Paragraph 12
"In addition, importers with a good track record and complying with qualifying criteria, are entitled to be accredited for special clearance procedures under the Accredited Client's Programme (ACP). As at early 2011, 250 ACP importers are allowed to self assess their consignments with no need for examination, in line with India's commitments to simplify and harmonize Customs' procedures under the revised Kyoto Convention."
Question 25: Please clarify whether the ACP was formulated in accordance with the WCO's AEO system and make further elaborations on the ACP, including its criteria, accredited procedures and relevant facilities.
