Scheduled Downtime of Export Portals

Dear Exporters & Importers,

Please note that due to the financial year-end closure, certain export-related websites and platforms will undergo scheduled maintenance and will be temporarily unavailable during the following period:

  1. DGFT Portalwww.dgft.gov.in
    Downtime: From March 31, 2025, 8:00 PM to April 1, 2025, 8:00 AM

  2. Trade Connect Portalwww.trade.gov.in
    Downtime: From March 31, 2025, 8:00 PM to April 1, 2025, 8:00 AM

We advise all stakeholders to plan their activities accordingly to avoid any inconvenience.

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Annual RoDTEP Return Filing Online Module Activated

In continuation of DGFT Public Notice No. 27/2024-25, exporters with RoDTEP claims of ₹1 crore or more in FY 2023-24 must now file their Annual RoDTEP Return through the newly activated online module.

DGFT, via Trade Notice No. 27/2024-25 dated 29th January 2025, has released a detailed manual & FAQs to guide exporters through the filing process.

🚨 Key Compliance Points:
Exporters must file separate returns for DTA(Appendix 4R) and AA/SEZ/EOU(Appendix 4RE) exports as per Policy.

✅ Seperate returns are required only for HS Codes with ₹50 lakh+ RoDTEP benefits or single return for the highest accrued 8 digit HS code must be filed.

Pro-rata tax calculation is required and must be justifiable if scrutinized.

Only non-refunded taxes/levies should be reported (GST/exempted taxes excluded).

✅ Exporters must submit HS Code, UQC, product description, export quantity, and FOB
value
.

✅ Transport costs should include VAT & Excise duty for both inbound and outbound (road & rail).

✅ Additional costs like electricity duty, stamp duty, and captive fuel duty must be reported.

Merchant exporters with ₹1 crore+ RoDTEP claims are also required to file the annual return with data support from their manufacturers. 

Fuel tax claims can be approximated based on transporters’ data and should be maintained for verification.

✅ Filing is mandatory if RoDTEP claim value exceeds ₹1 crore, even if the actual claim received is lower.

📌 Deadline: Exporters must file their returns by 31st March 2025 to avoid penalties or late fees.

🔗 Visit the DGFT Portal to file your RoDTEP Annual Return and refer to the Manual & FAQs for guidance.

Amendments for Online Certificate of Origin (eCoO) System

In alignment with the online issuance of Certificates of Origin (CoO) for both Preferential and Non-Preferential categories through the new platform https://trade.gov.in, DGFT has issued Public Notice No. 43/2024-25, dated 27th January 2025. The notice amends specific paragraphs of the Handbook of Procedures to ensure consistency with the implementation of the new eCoO system.

Key Changes Introduced

  1. Deletion of Para 2.91(d)
    • The provision allowing the Export Inspection Council (EIC) to print blank certificates and issue them under a specific procedure has been deleted.
  2. Amendment to Para 2.93(c)
    • For the issuance of Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin, only the Invoice and Packing List need to be uploaded online.
    • The fee for each CoO is fixed at ₹200, which includes the attestation of any additional documents.
  3. Addition to Para 2.93(d)
    • A provision has been added to allow the issuance of in-lieu Certificates of Origin (CoO) by the same issuing agency for corrections in previously issued eCoOs.
  4. New Para 2.93(f)
    • A provision has been added to permit the issuance of Back-to-Back Certificates of Origin (Non-Preferential) for goods not of Indian origin that are being re-exported, transshipped, or used for merchanting trade purposes.
    • These certificates will be issued based on documentary evidence confirming the original foreign country of origin.
    • The details of the supporting documents must be explicitly mentioned on the back-to-back CoO issued.

Effective Date

  • The Public Notice is applicable with immediate effect.

Action Required

Exporters are advised to refer to Public Notice No. 43/2024-25, dated 27th January 2025, available on the DGFT website, for detailed information and compliance guidelines

New DGFT Update: Electronic Submission of Appendix 4H Certificates for Advance Authorisation

For quite some time, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has been transitioning its procedures to online platforms and digital systems. As per Para 1.04(f) of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP), electronic systems must be introduced to facilitate the uploading of digitally signed documents by certifying authorities such as Chartered Accountants (CAs), Company Secretaries (CSs), and Cost Accountants.

Now, through DGFT Trade Notice No. 21/2024-25, dated October 17, 2024, the DGFT has announced a new facility for certifying authorities (i.e., CAs, CSs, and Cost Accountants) to digitally link Appendix 4H for Advance Authorisation applications and DFIA (Duty-Free Import Authorisation) schemes.

The Trade Notice outlines the workflow for both exporters and certifying authorities. Key highlights include:

  1. Online Submission: Exporters can now fill in Appendix 4H-related data online through the DGFT website.
  2. Forwarding to Certifying Authorities: Exporters can forward draft Appendix 4H data to their certifying authority online via the certifying authority’s registration number.
  3. Registration of Certifying Authorities: Certifying authorities (CAs, CSs, Cost Accountants, etc.) can register on the DGFT platform under the category “Certifying Authority.”
  4. Viewing and Approval: Once the exporter submits the data to the certifying authority through the DGFT website, the certifying authority can view and approve the Appendix 4H using their DGFT credentials.
  5. Digital Signature: The certifying authority can digitally sign and approve Appendix 4H.
  6. Exporter Access: The approved Appendix 4H will be available for viewing and downloading by the exporter and will be automatically linked to the redemption application for the Advance Authorisation and DFIA schemes.

This new digital feature for Appendix 4H is a significant enhancement for exporters, as it streamlines the process and reduces the time required for application and redemption under the Advance Authorisation & DFIA Schemes.

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RoDTEP Scheme Extension and New Rates

The DGFT, via Notification No. 32/2024-25 dated 30.09.2024, has extended the RoDTEP Scheme as follows:

  1. The RoDTEP Scheme for goods manufactured by Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) units has been extended from 30.09.2024 to 30.09.2025 (one year).
  2. The RoDTEP Scheme for the export of goods manufactured by Advance Authorisation Holders, Export Oriented Units (EOUs), and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) has been extended from 30.09.2024 to 31.12.2024.

The notification also specifies that, in both cases, the scheme beyond 30.09.2024 will adhere to the budgetary framework, ensuring that the expenditure remains within the approved budget.

Additionally, new RoDTEP rates, based on the recommendations of the RoDTEP Committee, will be notified with effect from 10.10.2024 under the revised Appendix 4R and Appendix 4RE which will be uploaded on DGFT website.

For exports made between 01.10.2024 and 09.10.2024, the existing rates will continue to apply.

Exporters are requested to refer to the notification and the revised appendices available on the DGFT website or via the following links:

1. Notification No. 32/2024-25 Dt. 30.09.2024

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One Month Extension for Interest Equalization Scheme (IES)

DGFT vide its Trade Notice No. 16/2024-2025 dated 31st August 2024 has extended the Interest Equalization Scheme for Pre & Post Shipment Rupee Credit from 31st Aug 2024 to 30th Sept 2024.

However, this extension is only for MSME Manufacturers who can claim IES @ 3%.

Apart from the extension of the date, all terms remain same as per relevant RBI Notifications.

MSME Manufacturer Exporter can continue to avail the benefit for 1 more month under IES.

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Bulk Upload & API Integration for eBRC starts from 20.08.2024

In Continuation of Online Self Certification Process of eBRC, DGFT has introduce two additional functionalities.

1. Bulk Upload
2. API Integration

The Bulk Upload will allow exporters to generate Multiple eBRCs concurrently through the bulk upload functionality. The exporter can upload the spreadsheet with data in the required specified template.

The Application Programming Interface (API) Integration allows exporters to connect their own ERP or Accounting Software, directly to DGFT eBRC System and thereby generate and verify the eBRCs. A detailed process to activate and authenticate the API usage needs to be followed.

Both the above facilities will be effective from 20th Aug 2024.

Exporters must refer to DGFT Trade Notice No. 12/2024-25 Dated 14th August 2024 in this regard.

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New SIMS Module 2.0 Launched


New Platform for Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) is been launched.
Trade Notice [TN 10/2024-25 Dt. 25.07.2024] issued by DGFT on 25.07.2024, hereby informs that a New System Steel Import Monitoring Systems (SIMS) 2.0 is launched with immediate effect.

The New SIMS 2.0 is effective immediately. [https://sims.steel.gov.in]

All applications from 25.07.2024 after 2pm will not be made on DGFT (dgft.gov.in) website but from the New SIMS 2.0 portal – https://sims.steel.gov.in

Applications already submitted until this change, will be available for download from the DGFT website until further notice.

A dedicated SIMS 2.0 Helpdesk is also made available via telephone and email

Helpdesk No. 01123213945 / 01123214201
Helpdesk Email: simshelpdesk@mstcindia.in

Importers of the Steel Products who need to register for SIMS must note this new change.

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DGFT grants extension for mandatory e-filing of Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin (CoO)

In continuation to the earlier Trade Notice, DGFT has now further extended the transition period for mandatory filing of applications for Non – Preferential Certificate of Origin (e-CoO) via Common Digital Platform (coo.dgft.gov.in) until
31st December 2024

The Exporters will have option to apply the CoO with the respective Agencies as notified under Appendix 2E of FTP in manual /paper mode as well.

However, exporters are encouraged to apply online eCoO and all the required Manual and FAQs are made available on the portal.

Exporters may refer to the Trade Notice No. 36/2023-24 for further details

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DGFT launches Upgraded eBRC System for Exporters

With the commitment to facilitate exports and imports and focus of transparent and accountable delivery system – DGFT launches an upgraded eBRC System for self certification by exporters.

The new upgraded system will mean that the Banks will now have to transmit the electronic Inward Remittance Message (IRMs) to the DGFT portal.

These IRMs will be accessible to relevant IEC holder upon logging into the DGFT Website – www.dgft.gov.in.

Exporters will create eBRCs by matching the IRM with relevant shipping bills, SOFTEX or Invoice details.

Multiple IRMs may be grouped under one eBRC or One IRM can be split amongst several eBRCs. The eBRCs can be generated via the system for Goods Exports, Services Exports and Deemed Exports.

The RBI Purpose Code and other fields mentioned in the IRM shall be used to validate the eBRC fields

Banks will have access to all eBRCs created by exporter against the IRMs they input.

The Soft (pilot) launch of the revamped system is proposed with effect from 15th November 2023.

Starting the given date (i.e 15.11.2023) each bank will set its cut-off on their readiness for the new system.

Both the upgraded system and the legacy eBRC system will operate simultaneously until all banks transition to the new system.

The DGFT website will host list of banks with their respective IRM cut-off dates for reference of all the stakeholders.

A Mandatory migration to API integration by the bank is also envisaged in the Trade Notice by all banks latest by 31st January 2024.

The Trade Notice No. 33/2023-24 Dated 10th Nov 2023 can be downloaded from the link below:
https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/dgftprod/95f28e2b-6594-4d26-9b2c-8c3e9583a9d6/TN33%20Pilot%20Launch%20Revamp%20of%20eBRC.pdf

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