India's Foreign Trade Policy 

Why are we learning about India's Foreign Trade Policy?

• To know and understand various schemes available for Indian exporters.

• To know who can apply for such schemes.

• To understand documents and eligibility criteria for such schemes.

• Ways to keep self updated about various changes happening in the Foreign Trade Policy.

Background of India's Foreign Trade Policy

1. Export Policies are made so as to make exports competitive.

2. Supplemented by Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 (Amended in 2010)

3. FTP is implemented through 38 Regional Authorities (Offices) with Headquartered in Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi. Click on the link to see the list of Regional Authorities and Special Economic Zones across India https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/1A_0.pdf

Highlights of FTP 2015-20

Following are the strategic areas focused under the FTP 2015-2020 so as to boost Indian exports. Indian Government has been providing various benefits to exporters with respect to waiver and refund of taxes and duties. Heavy focus is made on  maintaining Export Oriented Units so as to have take strong leads in export. The following operations and schemes are approved by the Directorate General Foreign Trade under FTP 2015-2020. 

1. Merchandize Exports from India Scheme (MEIS): MEIS is a merger of previous schemes like Focused Product Scheme, Focused Market Scheme, Market Linked Focused Pr0duct Scrip, Agriculture Infrastructure Incentive Scrip and Vishesh Krishi and Gram Udyog Yojana with a view to promote merchandize trade. It is applicable to notified goods including agricultural and village industry products, eco-friendly and green products, labor intensive products, industrial products, hi-tech products, pharmaceutical products, leather goods, steel products, wooden products, etc. An exporter is eligible to claim benefits under this scheme only if he exports the goods listed under MEI Scheme. As decided by the DGFT, an exporter can avail 2% to 5% duty credit scrip on realized Free On Board value of export of notified goods to notified markets which is valid for 18 months. Notified markets involve 239 countries including Europe, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, etc.

6. Approved Exporter Scheme (Self – Certification): Manufacturer exporters recognized Status Holders by the DGFT are eligible for the scheme. The scheme enables companies to to self certify the origin of goods i.e Certificate of Origin. This is one step towards ease f doing business in India where trust is placed by the Government on companies. The Schemes enables export houses to race as per preferential trade agreements.

7. Online Filing of Documents: e-Trade project initiated under FTP 2015-20 by DGFT, Seaports, Airports, Container Corporation of India, Inland Container Depot, Container Freight Stations, Banks, agents and shipping lines is a wonder to many exporters where the task of documentation has been given importance. This platform facilitates exporters to carry out their trade compliances online. Services such as:

• e-delivery of services / clearances at sea ports and air ports.

• E-filing of export / import documents by exporter, importer, agents etc.

• Electronic exchange of documents between customs and sea ports / air ports.

• e-Payment by exporter, importer, agents for Custom duties, DGFT fees and other port charges.

8. E-Commerce Exports: In order to promote e-commerce exports, the Government provides incentives on goods consigned up to Rs. 5,00,000/- applicable for handloom products, books and periodicals, leather footwear, toys an fashion garments being sent through through Foreign Post Offices / Logistics Services. These areas are entitled benefits under MEI Scheme. 

9. Quality Complaints and Trade Disputes: A new chapter been incorporated in new FTP. Committee on Quality Complaints and Trade Disputes has been set up to resolve disputes faster. The Committee (CQCTD) will be responsible for enquiring and investigating into all Quality related complaints and other trade related complaints falling under the jurisdiction of the respective Regional Authorities. Effective measures will be taken to redress exporters and importer's issues within 3 months.  

10. Duty Exemption: Exporters under Advance Licensing Scheme are subject to exemption from whole of additional duty, safeguard duty and anti-dumping duty. 

11. Export of Defense Items: Indian defense equipment buyers include 50 nations including Sri Lanka, Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, France, Russia, Nepal, Poland, Spain, Chile, Vietnam, Mauritius, Bangladesh, Oman and Afghanistan.  The major defense items being exported are Personal Protective items, Offshore Patrol Vessels, ALH Helicopter, SU Avionics, Bharti Radio, Coastal Surveillance Systems, Kavach MoD II Launcher and FCS, Spares for Radar, Electronic System and Light Engineering Mechanical Parts etc. India encountered an increase in defense exports from Rs 4,682 crore in 2017-18  to  Rs 10,745 crore in 2018-19.

Foreign Trade Policy 2023 (Handbook Link)

CHAPTER 01 - LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND TRADE FACILITATION 

CHAPTER 02 - GENERAL PROVISIONS REGARDING IMPORTS AND EXPORTS 

CHAPTER 03 - DEVELOPING DISTRICTS AS EXPORT HUBS

CHAPTER 04 - DUTY EXEMPTION REMISSION SCHEMES

CHAPTER 05 - EXPORT PROMOTION CAPITAL GOODS (EPCG) SCHEME 

CHAPTER 06 - EXPORT ORIENTED UNITS (EOUs), ELECTRONICS HARDWARE TECHNOLOGY PARKS (EHTPs), SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY PARKS (STPs) AND BIO-TECHNOLOGY PARKS (BTPs) 

CHAPTER 07 - DEEMED EXPORTS 

CHAPTER 08 - QUALITY COMPLAINTS AND TRADE DISPUTES 

CHAPTER 09 - PROMOTING CROSS BORDER TRADE IN DIGITAL ECONOMY 

CHAPTER 10 - SCOMET: SPECIAL CHEMICALS, ORGANISMS, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGIES 

CHAPTER 11 - DEFINITIONS 

Highlights of India's Foreign Trade Policy 2023

The Foreign Trade Policy (2023) is a strategic framework that combines established export promotion schemes with adaptability to evolving trade demands. Unveiled by Mr. Piyush Goyal, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Textiles, on March 31, 2023, this policy promptly took effect from April 1, 2023. It not only upholds proven export facilitation measures but also demonstrates agility in addressing trade requirements.

The new approach to the policy is based on these four pillars:

• Incentive to Remission

• Export promotion through collaboration-Exporters, States, Districts, and Indian Missions

• Ease of doing business, reduction in transaction cost, focus on e-initiatives, and

• Emerging Areas in E-Commerce, Developing Districts as Export Hubs and streamlining SCOMET policy.

1.3 E-Certificate of Origin

Revamp of the e-Certificate of Origin platform proposed to provide for self-certification of Certificate of Origins as well as automatic approval of Certificate of Origins, where feasible. Initiatives for electronic exchange of Certificate of Origins data with partner countries envisaged.

1.4 Paperless filing of Export Obligation Discharge Applications 

All authorization redemption applications to be paperless. This is in addition to application process for issuance being already paperless. With this, the entire lifecycle of the authorization shall become paperless.

Notes:

1. India has constituted National Committe on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) as pr WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement aiming on reducing transaction cost and time, reduction in cargo release and time, paperless regulatory environment, transparent and predictable legal measures and improved infrastructure.

2. Export items shall not be withheld for any reason by the Central / State Government. Even if so, an undertaking from exporter would release such consignment.

3. Implementation of Single Window System to facilitate export of perishable agricultural produce through Agriculture and Processed Food Product Export Develpment Authority (APEDA).

4. Training and mentoring for new potential exports across the nation under Niryat Bandhu Scheme.

5. Issue of e-IEC (Importer Exporter Code) by the DGFT to all potential importers and exporters.

6. DGFT has created a common digital platform for application of issuance, renewal, amendment and related processes pertaining to Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC)/ Registration Certificate (RC) issued by Registering Authorities.

7. Issue of e-CoO (Certificate of Origin) by the DGFT. A unique number i.e. UDIN (Unique Document Identification Number) and a QR code is endorsed on every e-CoO for validation and authentication by user agencies.

8. Common digital platform for handling Quality Control and Trade Disputes.

9. DGFT to capture details of realization of export proceeds directly from the Banks through e-BRC (Bank Realization Certificate) via secured electronic mode which will help smooth implementation of export schemes without physical interface.

10. RBI has also developed a comprehensive IT-based system called Export Data Processing and Monitoring System (EDPMS) for monitoring of export of goods and software and facilitating Authorized Dealer (AD) banks to report various returns through a single platform.

11. CBIC has undertaken various initiatives like:

i. 24X7 Customs clearance in 20 seaports and 17 Airports and extended clearance in Inland Container Depot (ICDs) as per the needs of the Trade.

ii. Single Window in Customs

iii. E-Sanchit – Enabling Paperless clearance environment.

iv. Pan-India Implementation of Faceless e-Assessment in imports.

v. TURANT Customs for Faceless, Paperless, and Contactless Customs 

vi. Implementation of electronic messages from Document Clearance to Cargo Movement

vii. Paperless Customs initiatives –Preparation and issuance of electronic documents like Let Export Order (e-LEO) Shipping Bill, e-Gatepass / Out of Charge (e-OOC), etc.,

viii. Contactless customs initiatives such as Turant Suvidha Kendras (TKSs).

ix. Release of ICE-DASH–Indian Customs EoDB Monitoring Dashboard

x. Direct Port Delivery (DPD) on imports and Direct Port Entry (DPE) on exports

xi. Compliance Information Portal (CIP)

xii. End to End automated and simplified procedure for Import of certain specified Goods at Concessional Rate of Duty or for specified end use.

12. The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programmes have been implemented by other Customs administrations that give AEO status holders preferential Customs treatment in terms of reduced examination, faster clearances and other benefits. Indian Customs has signed MRA with South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and US Customs to recognize respective AEO Programmes to enable trade to get benefits on reciprocal basis.

13. Marine Products and Sports Goods & Toys sectors to receive duty free entitlements with exemption of basic customs duty. Duty Scrip for Marine Sector being 1% of FOB and that for Sport Goods and Toys is 3% of FOB.

14. Status Holders to be made “partners” in providing mentoring and training in international trade which would be of 6 weeks. Two Star SH shall incorporate 5 trainees, Three Star - 10, Four Star - 20 and Five Star - 50.

2.2 Merchanting Trade Reform 

An initiative in the new FTP to boost merchanting activities from India. Merchanting trade involving shipment of goods from one foreign country to another foreign country without touching Indian ports, involving an Indian intermediary based in India is allowed subject to compliance with RBI guidelines, except for goods/items in the CITES and SCOMET list. 

2.3 Rupee Payment to be accepted under FTP Schemes

A remarkable step towards internationalization of the Indian Rupee. FTP benefits extended for rupee realizations through Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SVRA) setup as per RBI circular issued on 11 July 2022. The RBI has allowed Germany, Fiji, Botswana, Israel, Guyana, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Oman, New Zealand, Russia, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda and the United Kingdom. Further, around 20 Russian banks have opened the SVRA. The settlement through domestic currency is an additional arrangement to the existing system that uses freely convertible currencies and will work as a complimentary system. It will help to minimize reduce dependence on hard (freely convertible) currency. 

2.4 Towns of Export Excellence

• TEEs are industrial clusters that are recognized based on their export performance. Recognition to these industrial clusters is granted with a view to maximize their potential and enable them to move up the value chain and to tap new markets.

• This scheme gives thrust to cluster-based economic development.

• Four new Towns of Export Excellence (TEE) are being declared in addition to the already existing 39 towns of export excellence.

III. Districts as Export Hubs Initiative 

3.1 States and Districts as Partners in Export Promotion 

The FTP aims to create districts as Export Hubs with an intention to boost India's foreign trade by decentralizing export promotion. It is expected to bring a greater level of awareness and commitment regarding exports at the district level. Various products/services will be identified across districts and shall create institutional mechanisms at the State and District level to strategize exports (State Export Promotion Committee & District Export Promotion Committee). Focus will be on the preparation of District Export Action Plans (DEAPs) outlining the action plan to promote identified products and services in certain target market. This will make States and Districts meaningful stakeholders and active participants. 

3.2 Capacity Building at District level 

Capacity building programmes to be conducted to create new exporters and identification of new markets. Training, handholding, and outreach programs by the DGFT field offices in coordination with District Industries Centers will be extended in order to produce, perform and deploy. Regional Authorities of DGFT working with the States/UTs prepare District specific Export Plans. Export promotion outreach programs in districts to focus on branding, packaging, design and marketing of identified product & services. 

3.3 Infrastructure and Logistics Development Intervention

To address Infrastructure and Logistics bottlenecks impeding exports, several ongoing schemes will be converged to support the FTP. Districts to focus on development of logistics, testing facilities, connectivity for exports and other export-oriented ecosystem. 

IV. E-Commerce Exports

4.1 Facilitation for E-Commerce Exports

All FTP benefits to be extended to e-Commerce exports. Necessary enablement of IT systems in Department of Commerce, Post, CBIC to be undertaken in the six months. To streamline e-Commerce export facilitation - Guidelines being formulated in consultation with other ministries to facilitate further exports under e-Commerce. Special outreach and training activities for small e-commerce exporters Handholding through industry and knowledge partners Value limit for exports through courier is increased to Rs.10,00,000 per consignment. 

4.2 Dak Niryat Facilitation

Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras shall be operationalised throughout the country to work in a hub-and-spoke model with Foreign Post Offices (FPOs) to facilitate cross-border e-Commerce and to enable artisans, weavers, craftsmen, MSMEs in the hinterland and land-locked regions to reach international markets. 

4.3 E-Commerce Export Hubs 

Designated hubs with warehousing facility to be notified, to help e-commerce aggregators for easy stocking, customs clearance and returns processing. Processing facility to be allowed for last mile activities such as labelling, testing, repackaging etc. 

V. Steps to boost manufacturing

• Prime Minister Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel Parks (PM MITRA) scheme has been added as an additional scheme eligible to claim benefits under CSP(Common Service Provider) Scheme of Export Promotion capital Goods Scheme(EPCG).

• Dairy sector to be exempted from maintaining Average Export Obligation – to support dairy sector to upgrade the technology. 

• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) of all types, Vertical Farming equipment, Wastewater Treatment and Recycling, Rainwater harvesting system and Rainwater Filters, and Green Hydrogen are added to Green Technology products – will now be eligible for reduced Export Obligation requirement under EPCG Scheme.

• Special Advance Authorization Scheme extended to export of Apparel and Clothing sector on self-declaration basis to facilitate prompt execution of export orders – Norms would be fixed within fixed timeframe.

• Benefits of Self-Ratification Scheme for fixation of Input-Output Norms extended to 2 star and above status holders in addition to Authorized Economic Operators at present.

• Fruits and Vegetables exporters are being included for double weightage for counting export performance under eligibility criteria for Status House certification. This is in addition to existing MSME sector who also get double weightage.

VI. Special one-time Amnesty Scheme for default in Export Obligations

• Government is strongly committed to reducing litigation and fostering trust-based relationships to help alleviate issues faced by exporters.

• In line with the ‘Vivaad se Vishwaas’ initiative, which sought to settle tax disputes amicably, Government is introducing a special one-time Amnesty Scheme to address non-compliance in Export Obligations by Advance Authorization and EPCG authorization holders.

• All pending cases of default in Export Obligation (EO) of authorizations mentioned can be regularized by the authorization holder on payment of all custom duties exempted in proportion to unfulfilled Export Obligation and maximum interest is capped at 100% of such duties exempted under this scheme. However, no interest is payable on the portion of Additional Customs Duty and Special Additional Customs Duty.

• Amnesty scheme shall be available for a limited period, up to September 30, 2023.

VII. Emphasis on streamlining SCOMET Licensing Procedure

• The focus of FTP 2023 is on a policy for export of dual use items under Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies (SCOMET) consolidated at one place for ease of understanding and compliance by industry.

• SCOMET policy emphasizes India’s export control in line with its International commitments under various export control regimes (Wassenaar arrangement, Australia group, and Missile Technology Control Regime) to control trade in sensitive and dual use items including software and technology.

• Recent policy changes introduced such as general authorizations for export of certain SCOMET items to streamline licensing of these items to make export of SCOMET items globally competitive.

• Focus on simplifying policies to facilitate export of dual-use high-end goods/technology such as UAV/Drones, Cryogenic Tanks, certain chemicals etc.

Directorate General of foreign Trade 

The Directorate General of foreign Trade (DGFT) is the agency of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Government of India, which is responsible for formulation and execution of import and export Policies of India. It was known as Chief Controller of Imports & Exports (CCI&E) until 1991 and has been playing a crucial role in developing trade and trade relations with various nations, thereby improving the economic growth.

Role of DGFT

1. Implementation of Foreign Trade Policy: Foreign Trade Policy are protocols related to import and export of goods approved by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. The Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Government of India announces the Export-Import (Foreign Trade) Policy which is applicable for a period of 5 years with an aim to encourage exporters in the country so as to maintain favorable balance of payment. The present FTP of 2015-2020  has been made valid up to 31st March, 2021. 

2. Granting of Import Export Code: IEC Code is a must for all import and export businesses in India. It is a unique 10 digit registration code issued by the DGFT which helps in tracking and managing shipments of an exporter or an importer. The IEC Code is integrated with PAN and only one IEC can be issued against one PAN. An exporter or importer can apply for IEC Code or e-IEC online on DGFT’s website.

3. Regulator of Transit of Goods: The DGFT plays a major role in regulating transit of goods to or from India in accordance with the bilateral or multilateral treaties in effect between India and other countries.

4. Redress Quality Complaints and Trade Issues: So as to upkeep the quality of trade services provided by India, Chapter 8 of Foreign Trade Policy lay a mechanism to resolve complaints and trade disputes relating to Foreign Trade by the DGFT, where it looks into complaints received from foreign buyers against Indian exporters as well as complaints of Indian importers against foreign suppliers. Such quality complaints or trade disputes can be filed online on its website.

5. Interaction with Trade and Industry: The DGFT has set up forums to interact and guide exporters and importers. Various strategic decisions related to framing of trade policies are taken by the DGFT in consultation with Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Finance and even exporters and importers. 

6. Publications and Learning Materials: The DGFT also provides learning material under Niryat Bandhu Scheme exclusively targeting students and potential exporters so as to share export import procedural guidelines and information  for boosting interest towards exports. Trade Statistics and Analytics with respect to export, import, performance analysis, GST, etc. is made available. 

7. Facilitates RCMC Function for EPCs: Registration Cum Membership Certificate in DGFT is a membership certificate issued for 5 years by the concerned Export Promotional Councils (EPCs) or Commodity Boards of India. The certificate acts as a proof that the holder is registered with the concerned Export Promotion Council / Board. Having RCMC is mandatory for an exporter seeking benefits under schemes of FTP. This RCMC has to be details has to be furnished to the DGFT.

8. e-BRC System Services: This is electronic Bank Realization Certificate applied by exporter which is created by Bank in XML format which is uploaded in the DGFT server. The DGFT also shares the e-BRC information with various other Government Agencies. 

9. Advance Authorization Scheme: Advance Authorization Scheme allows duty free import of input goods, to be physically incorporated in an export products. In addition to input goods, packaging material, fuel, oil, catalyst which is consumed in the process of production of export product, is also allowed. The quantity of inputs allowed for a given product is based on specific norms defined for that export product, which considers the wastage generated in the manufacturing process. DGFT provides a sector-wise list of Standard Input-Output Norms (SION) under which the exporters may choose to apply. It covers manufacturer exporters or merchant exporters tied to supporting manufacturers.

10. Import Export (SCOMET) Authorization: DGFT provides platform for Import Export Authorization thereby facilitating the import and export of restricted items like Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies (SCOMET).

11. Facilitation of MEIS, SEIS and RoSCTL: DGFT provides access to apply for Merchandize Scheme, Service Scheme and even Rebate of State and Central Levies and Taxes for export of made up articles and garments. 

NEGATIVE LIST OF INDIA'S IMPORTS AND EXPORTS

I. RESTRICTED: Goods may be exported or imported only in accordance with an Authorization / Permission or in accordance with the Procedures prescribed in a Notification / Public Notice issued in this regard. Some listed items include Sea Cucumbers, Cattle, Camel, Fertilizers, Fabrics with imprint of Verses of Holy Quran, Deoiled groundnut cakes, Silver Pomfrets, Fur of domestic animals, Fodder, etc. 

II. PROHIBITED: Import and export of goods is not allowed at all with respect to certain Country, Organizations, Groups, Individuals or even Products. Some listed items are Wild Animals, Exotic Birds, Wooden Logs, Timber, Pulp, Charcoal, Plants, Human Skeletons, Animal Fat, Chemicals, Sandalwood, Red Sanders etc.

III. SCOMET: Special Chemicals, Micro-Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technology in line with important treaties and international conventions. 

IV. UNDERTAKEN BY STATE TRADING EXTERPRISES: Import and export is undertaken only by Government nominated agencies. Petroleum Products, Gum Karaya, Mica Waste and Scrap, Mineral Ores and Concentrates, Nigar Seeds, Bulk Agricultural items, Onions, etc. are traded by organizations authorized by the Government of India.

The DGFT may, through a Notification, impose restrictions on export and import, necessary for:

1. Protection of public morals;

2. Protection of human, animal or plant life or health;

3. Protection of patents, trademarks and copyrights, and the prevention of deceptive practices;

4. Prevention of use of prison labor;

5. Protection of national treasures of artistic, historic or archaeological value;

6. Conservation of exhaustible natural resources;

7. Protection of trade of fissionable material or material from which they are derived;

8. Prevention of traffic in arms, ammunition and implements of war

9. Relating to the importation or exportation of gold or silver.

Deemed Exports

As per Chapter 8 of the FTP 2015-2020, "Deemed Exports" refers to those transactions in which the goods supplied do not leave the country and the payment for such supplies is received either in Indian rupees or in free foreign exchange.

The following goods manufactured in India shall be termed as Deemed Exports:

1. Supply of goods against Advance License

2. Supply of goods to EOU, STP, EHTP and BTP.

3. Supply of capital goods to holders of licenses under the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) scheme.

4. Supply of goods to projects financed by multilateral or bilateral agencies/funds as notified by the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance under International Competitive Bidding

5. Supply of goods to any project or purpose in respect of which the Ministry of Finance, by a notification, permits the import of such goods at zero customs duty.

6. Supply of goods to the power projects and refineries not covered in the above point.

7. Supply of marine freight containers by 100% EOU (Domestic freight containers–manufacturers) provided the said containers are exported out of India within 6 months or such further period as permitted by the Customs.

8. Supply to projects funded by UN agencies.

9. Supply of goods to nuclear power projects through competitive bidding as opposed to International Competitive Bidding.

Deemed exports are eligible for any or all of the following benefits:

1. Advance License for intermediate supply/ deemed export/DFRC/ DFRC for intermediate supplies.

2. Deemed Export Drawback.

3. Exemption from terminal excise duty where supplies are made against International Competitive Bidding. In other cases, refund of terminal excise duty will be given.

Status Holders

• The objective behind certifying certain exporter firms as “Status Holder” is to recognize such exporter firms as business leaders who have excelled in international trade and have successfully contributed to country’s foreign trade. Status Holders are expected to not only contribute towards India’s exports but also provide guidance and handholding to new entrepreneurs.

• All exporters of goods, services and technology having an import-export code (IEC) number, on the date of application, shall be eligible for recognition as a status holder based on export performance. An applicant may be categorized as status holder on achieving the threshold export performance in the current and preceding three financial years, except for Gems and Jewelry sector which is current and preceding two years of FOB value.

• Export Houses are top exporters certified the DGFT for their excellence in foreign trade and earnings.

• Export Houses can be a manufacturer exporter, merchant exporter, EOU, SEZ and even STPs.

• All exporters of goods, services and technology having an import-export code (IEC) number shall be eligible for recognition as a status holder. 

• Status Holder Certificate is valid for 5 years.

• An exporter can also get double weightage in case of having a MSME Certificate, manufacturing units having ISO / BIS standards, business units set up in Sikkim, J&K and other NE states, business units in Agri Export Zones.

Benefits to Status Holders 

1. Authorization and Customs Clearances for both imports and exports may be granted on self-declaration basis;

2. Input-Output norms may be fixed on priority within 60 days by the Norms Committee;

3. Exemption from furnishing of Bank Guarantee for Schemes under FTP, unless specified otherwise anywhere in FTP or HBP;

4. Exemption from compulsory negotiation of documents through banks. Remittance / receipts, however, would be received through banking channels;

5. Two star and above Export houses shall be permitted to establish Export Warehouses as per Department of Revenue guidelines.

6. The status holders would be entitled to preferential treatment and priority in handling of their consignments by the concerned agencies.

7. Manufacturers who are also status holders (Three Star/Four Star/Five Star) will be enabled to self -certify their manufactured goods (as per their Industrial Entrepreneur Memorandum (IEM) /Industrial License (IL) / Letter of Intent (LOI) as originating from India with a view to qualify for preferential treatment under different preferential trading agreements (PTA), Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreements (CECA) and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA). 

8. Manufacturer exporters who are also Status Holders shall be eligible to self-certify their goods as originating from India.

Some Star Export Organizations in India as on 29-05-2017 

Five Star

• Reliance Industries Ltd 

• Hindalco Industries Ltd 

• Bajaj Auto Ltd 

Four Star

• ITC Ltd 

• Volkswagen India Ltd 

• Mahindra & Mahindra

Three Star

• JK Tyres and Industries 

• Ultratech Cement Ltd 

Two Star

• Pidlite Industries 

• Exide Industries 

• Esteem Industries

• Premier Mills 

One Star 

• Shalimar Wires

• Arihant International

• Ayappa Enterprises 

Towns of Export Excellence

• Objective: Development and growth of export production centres. A number of towns have emerged as dynamic industrial clusters contributing handsomely to India’s exports. It is necessary to grant recognition to these industrial clusters with a view to maximize their potential and enable them to move up the value chain and also to tap new markets.

• This Scheme gives recognition to certain strategic (manufacturing / cultivation) areas as “Towns of Excellence” to maximize export potential.

• Indian Towns are granted this recognition to maximize their manufacturing potential and enable them to move up in the value chain and grab new international markets.

• As per the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, an area/cluster that realizes an annual export turnover of Rs. 750 crores or more will be declared as ‘Town of Export Excellence. However, for TEE in handicraft, handlooms, agriculture and fisheries sector, threshold limit would be Rs. 150 crore.

Benefits to Towns of Excellence

• Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme: Recognized associations of units will be provided financial assistance under Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme, on priority basis, for export promotion projects for marketing, capacity building and technological services.

• Export Promotion Capital Goods Benefits: Benefit towards purchase of Firsthand and Secondhand Capital Goods for manufacturing export-oriented goods. Common Service Providers in these areas shall be entitled for Authorization under EPCG scheme.

•  Assistance to States for Development of Export Infrastructure Benefits: General benefits like road connectivity, infra equity, common effluent treatment facilities, power supply, freight stations.

Software Technology Parks

Introduced in 1991 by the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, STPI is a 100% autonomous export oriented scheme for development and export of computer software using data communication or physical media. The objective of STP is to encourage, promote and boost the export of software services from India. The unique feature of the STP scheme is the provisioning of single-point contact services for member units, enabling them to conduct exports operations at a pace commensurate with international practices. It mainly includes firms involved in export of professional services, software services and business process outsourcing services.

An Indian Company or a Foreign Company is eligible to become a STP Unit only after applying for registration with Software Technology Parks of India.

Benefits - Duty Free Imports, Import of Second Hand Capital Goods, Deemed Exports, Tax Holiday, Foreign Investment, Realization of unutilized materials, Conversion to EOU, Single Window Clearance for Registration, Approvals, ITC, Green Card, Attestation of S/w Declarations, Conversion, Re-export, Exit.

Benefits of STPI Scheme

1. Approvals are given under single window clearance scheme.

2. A company can set up STP unit anywhere in India.

3. Jurisdictional STPI authorities clear projects costing less than Rs.100 million with Indian Investment.

4. 100 Percent Foreign Equity is permitted.

5. All the imports of Hardware & Software in the STP units are completely duty free, import of second hand capital goods also permitted.

6. Re-Export of capital goods is also permitted.

7. Simplified Minimum Export Performance norms i.e., "Positive Net Foreign Exchange Earnings"

8. Use of computer system for commercial training purposes is permissible subject to the

9. Condition that no computer terminals are installed outside the STP premises.

10. The sales in the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) shall be permissible up to 50 Percent of the export in value terms.

11. STP units are exempted from payment of corporate income tax up to 2010.

12. The capital goods purchased from the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) are entitled for benefits like exemption of excise Duty & reimbursement of Central Sales Tax (CST).

13. Capital invested by Foreign Entrepreneurs, Know-How Fees, Royalty, Dividend etc., can be freely repatriated after payment of Income Taxes due on them, if any

14. The items like computers and computers peripherals can be donated to recognized non-commercial educational institutions, registered charitable hospitals, public libraries, public funded research and development establishments, organizations of Govt. of India, or Govt of a State or Union Territory without payment of any duties after two years of their import.

15. 100 Percent Depreciation on Capital Goods over a period of five years.

Electronic Hardware Technology Parks

Units undertaking to export their entire production of goods and services may be set up under the Electronic Hardware Technology Park (E.H.T.P.) Scheme. Such units may be engaged in manufacture and services. It is a 100% export oriented scheme for electronic hardware equipment and component manufacturing in India. It can be set up by Central, State Government, Public or Private undertakings. 

Eligibility

• MSMEs

• Minimal "Minimum Export Performance" norms i.e., US Dollar one million or three times C.I.F. Value of imported goods whichever is higher & Positive Net Foreign Exchange Earnings against Export Earnings to be achieved over a period of five years.

Benefits of EHTP Scheme

1. Electronics Hardware Technology Park unit may import free of duty all types of goods, including capital goods as defined in the Export Import (E.X.I.M.) Policy, required by it for manufacture, services, production and processing or in connection therewith.

2. The units shall also be permitted to import goods, including capital goods, free of cost or on loan from clients required for the approved activity.

3. Electronics Hardware Technology Park units may procure goods required by them for manufacture, services, production and processing or in connection therewith, duty free, from bonded warehouses in the Domestic Tariff Area set up under the Export Import (E.X.I.M.) Policy.

4. 100% FDI investment permitted through automatic route.

5. Duty free imports/ domestic procurement permissible for Capital goods, Raw materials, Components and other inputs.

6. Refund of Central Sales Tax.

Bio Technology Parks

The Department of Biotechnology, Government of India  has established Biotechnology Parks / Incubators across the country to facilitate research into products and services by providing necessary infrastructure support. These Biotechnology Parks offer facilities to Scientists and Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) for technology incubation, technology demonstration and pilot plant studies for accelerated commercial development of Biotechnology. The Department so far, has supported 9 Biotechnology Parks in various States. 

These Parks are successfully accelerating the commercialization of new technologies, nurturing and maintaining emerging ventures and assisting new enterprises to forge appropriate linkages with other stakeholders of biotechnology sector including academia and Government. The Department has come up with ‘National Biotechnology Parks Scheme’ in which it is proposed to create an ecosystem to absorb the start-ups which have graduated from the incubators and give them a platform for further scaling up their R&D activities in collaboration with the state government and industry. 

Research and Development is carried out in various areas such as vaccine, public health, nutrition, stem cells, infectious and chronic disease, agriculture, forest, environment, etc. Carries out research related to  genetic manipulation of micro-organisms for the production of antibiotics, hormones, etc.

Financial and Logistical support to new entrepreneurs with intellectual capabilities for innovation.

Check http://dbtindia.gov.in/

Just for read

Biotech Park, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Biotech Park at Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh is the first technology incubator. This has been set up jointly as a partnership between Central and State governments i.e. the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology and Government of Uttar Pradesh. The Park is continuously striving to achieve its mission to develop knowledge – based economy in biotechnology and assure benefits of biotechnology to all sections of the society. The Park aims to expand its activities by exploiting current infrastructural support besides adding resources appropriately wherever required, acquire dynamic capabilities and exploit the entrepreneurial opportunities with an endeavor to develop a sustainable ecosystem around the Park. Leveraging the human resource pool, knowledge base and facilities of the nearby Council of Scientific & Industrial Research and Indian Council of Agricultural Research institutes, like Central Drug research Institute, Central Institute of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants, Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, National Botanical Research Institute etc., the Park provides incubator facilities to entrepreneurs to perfect their technologies, up scale the products and even produce small quantity for testing and quality control at the Park. The Park has attracted 29 companies out of which 19 graduated out and presently Park is home to 10 companies. Another focus of the Park is to assist knowledge creation and promote biotech entrepreneurs through a service driven framework. The Park has several programs for Human Resource Development in Biotechnology to generate adequate and appropriate skilled manpower required for Biotechnology sector in the country. Biotech Park is an active partner with UP Skill Development Mission, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh and is providing training in the areas of Flavor, Fragrances & Perfume and Agriculture. Biotech Park is providing useful services to society by providing bio-agriculture products, biofertilizes, biopesticides and human resource. Under the partnership with Institute of Bioresource and Sustainable Development, Imphal, Park has started joint projects on “Propagation of diseasefree varieties of selected banana species of North- East India through plant tissue culture for enhancing lively hood of local farmers” and “Skill Development in Biotechnology in North India” by which most of the Famers and students from North East are being benefited.

Biotechnology Incubation Centre, Hyderabad, Telangana

This Incubation Centre has been established by CSIRIICT and Govt. of AP with support from DBT and is owned by the Society for Biotechnology Incubation Centre (SBTIC). World class facilities have been created for use by entrepreneurs on use and pay basis. DBT has provided support for current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) compliance for Pilot plant facilities, required for quality manufacturing and for minimizing contamination. The biotechnology incubator facility incorporates research laboratories, knowledge based service centres and utility generation facilities. It is mainly designed for development and scale up of bio processes and technologies. With its state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure, furnished laboratories & office space, utilities, support services and amenities, the BTIC has emerged as the best incubation center not only in genome valley but also in India, in two years of its operation. The existing infrastructure has successfully attracted more than 10 new companies in the cluster; most of them being startup/early stage companies. To provide analytical services to the biotech and allied industries, The Advanced Analytical and Characterization Resource (AACR) facility is established as a joint initiative of

• BIRAC, SBTIC and CSIR-IICT.

• TIDCO CENTRE FOR LIFE SCIENCES (TICEL)

Biotech Park, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

The Park was established by Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. (TIDCO), an undertaking of the TN State Government with support from DBT. This Park has created infrastructure for Biotech R&D on 5 and has now achieved 100% occupancy with National and International clients. The tenancy area has 74 modules, available for clients to develop their own customized R&D labs of BSL2 standards, upgradeable to BSL3, in accordance with GLP standards. Clients can install their facilities appropriate to perform their independent research. TICEL is offering the equipment for utilization by companies/scientists/entrepreneurs on nonexclusive basis for their scientific activities / process & product development / sample analysis. The consumables and chemicals / reagents for the operation of the equipment are being sourced by the clients as per their specifications and requirements. The charges for utilizing equipment will be collected from the clients. TICEL clients and external companies/scientists are using the equipment at BTCIF for their scientific activities. The detailed brochure on BTCIF, charges for utilization of equipment and booking form are available in our website, www.ticelbioPark.com.

The Golden Jubilee Biotech Park For Women, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

The Park was established by Govt. of Tamilnadu at Siruseri, Kanchipuram District with support from DBT and is fully functional since 2001 with a seed funding of Rs. 4 Cr from the Department of Biotechnology. Since its inception the Park has turned over 500 skilled women entrepreneurs, technocrats and workers; presently the Park has close to 200 women entrepreneurs & technocrats and workers with 40% of them being skilled. Presently it houses 13 companies inclusive of 5 start-ups and three incubatees. Over the last few years the Park had more than 500 interns who have benefitted from the Park and there is an increasing interest among faculty and students who desire refresher programmes and internships. The new addition to the Park is the establishment of a Incubation centre with the support from BIRAC under its BIONEST programme.

Biotech Park Technology Incubation Centre, Guwahati, Assam

The Biotech Park Technology Incubation Centre (GBPIC) has been sanctioned by the DBT in 2009 for a period of three years. An interim facility for the Incubation Centre has been built in an existing building of IIT Guwahati. This facility now has 8 modular laboratories, specialized & support facilities ready to be used. A common instrumentation facility is being equipped with sophisticated instruments. This incubator is now trying to attract companies and incubates to develop commercial products based on the rich natural products of the region. Assam Govt. has extended budgetary support for procurement of land in proximity to IIT, Guwahati and for construction of perimeter fencing and land development cost for the permanent campus of Guwahati Biotech Park.

Biotechnology Park, Bangalore, Karnataka

The project was sanctioned at a total Project Cost of Rs 32.26 Cr; with contribution from Karnataka Biotechnology & Information Technology Services (KBITS), Department of IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka and Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre (BBC) is envisioned to be a state of the art bioinnovation centre catering to the needs of startups in the broad areas of life sciences and facilitate innovation driven research. BBC is located in 10 Acre campus with total built up area of above 50,000 sq ft. It houses a state of art Central Equipment Facility as well. The Centre is nestled between thriving Academic Institutions like Institute of Biotechnology and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Centre for Human Genetics and the upcoming area for anchoring Big Companies/MNC’s. The Centre caters to the broad areas of Life Sciences i.e. Healthcare (MedTech/ Pharma/Bio-Pharma), Agriculture, Food/ Nutrition, Industrial Biotechnology and Environmental Biotechnology.

Kribs Bionest, Kochi, Kerala

The Department of Biotechnology has set up a Biotechnology Incubator Center (BTIC) at Kerala Biotechnology Park in 4 acres of land with a total built up area of 50,000 sq.ft. It has been established for accelerating and supporting the research process of entrepreneurs. A common facility lab in an area of 8000Sq.ft is also set up for the entrepreneurs as well as incubates in the biotechnology Park. Rajeev Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) is the Institutional Partner of Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) for operating the Lab. At present, Kerala Startup Mission (KUSUM) and RGCB are managing the facility. The BTIC was made operational in the year 2009 and there are 16 start-ups currently housed in the centre, five companies have graduated in the Business Enterprise Zone (BEZ). A common facility lab is being used by entrepreneurs as well as incubates.

Industrial Biotechnology Parks (IBTPS), Jammu & Kashmir UT

The two Industrial Biotechnology Parks (IBTPs) in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir” (one IBTP at Jammu and another at Kupwara, Kashmir Valley) have been sanctioned by the DBT at a total cost of 8466.00 lakhs (IBTP-Jammu: Rs. 4200.00 lakhs + IBTPKashmir: Rs. 4266.00 lakhs) to be shared between DBT (Rs. 6000.00 lakhs) and Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir UT (Rs. 2466.00 lakhs) in June 2018 for a period of three years. The establishment of these IBTPs will boost the bio-enterprise development along with employment generation for youth and students in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir. The project is being executed through CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu for setting up to IBTPs and on completion, the facility will be handed over to J&K Industrial Biotech Parks Society. The thrust areas for IBTP, Jammu have been prioritised for the current phase to include three areas: Micropropagation; Medicinal plants extract preparation and Enzymes/value-added biomolecules.

Biotechnology Park, Chhattisgarh

The Biotech Parks in the State of Chhattisgarh has been sanctioned by the DBT at a total cost of 2968.39 lakhs to be shared between DBT (Rs.1473.05 lakhs) and Govt. of Chhattisgarh (Rs. 1495.34 lakhs) in July 2018 for a period of two years. The project is being executed through Chhattisgarh Biotech Promotion Society and Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur. The State is one of the richest bio-diversity hotspots in the country with 44% of its geographical area under forests. The Biotechnology would facilitate innovation and product development through the optimal utilization of bioresources available. The Biotech Park is expected to play a key role in promotion of startups leading to commercialization of biotech products. The thrust areas for Chhattisgarh Biotech Park are:

• Biofertilizers,

• Biopesticides,

• Medicinal plant extract,

• Molecular diagnostics and industrial biotechnology.

During the year a two days event on Startup Samvaad, a workshop on Innovation, Startups and Entrepreneurship has been organized in association with Association for Innovation Development of Entrepreneurship in Agriculture (a-IDEA), National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Hyderabad and Indira Gandhi Agriculture University, Raipur. Total 15 startups presented their ideas and the best two ideas has been selected and awarded. 200 participants participated in the event.

Source: http://dbtindia.gov.in/

Integrated Industrial Areas

IIA is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) to set up industrial parks and head towards development. In Maharashtra, this area declared by MIDC where industry, residential and other facilities are integrated for increasing investment, productivity and employment generation. It applies a clause of land use of minimum 60 : 40 (Industrial : Residential). As per the IIA scheme for setting up Integrated Industrial Areas, 60% of the land should go for industrial use, 30% for residential and 10% for commercial activities. In the current scenario, Maharashtra is in lead across India. The scheme allows waiver of 50% Stamp Duty on the first agreement between promoter and buyer of the plot. 

1% of Ready Reckoner Rate (Standard Value of an immovable property) is charged by MIDC (Maharashtra) which is further subject to 50% waiver. It is also projected that 54 SEZ may get converted into IIAs soon.

• Reliance Industries signed an MOU with Navi Mumbai SEZ sub-leasing around 4000 acres of land to set up an Integrated Industrial Area. 

• Chordia Industrial Park has been set up in Shirwal, Pune under a 99 year lease with the MIDC. Several potential investors have sparked interest in the park including manufacturing companies from Germany, Thailand and the US. Companies like Asian Paints, Godrej & Boyce Appliances, Thermax, NIPRO Corporation, Finolex J Power and KSB Pumps are already operating at Shirwal industrial area. 

• MIDC has also approved an industrial park by Lodha Developers in Usatane village in Thane along with one in Bhiwandi and Talegaon.

Incentives under Integrated Industrial Area - 2018

1. Relaxation in Minimum Area Required for IIA from 40 Hectares (100 acres) to 20 Hectares (50 acres) depending on location, difficulty in land acquisition, availability, etc.

2. Relaxation in Minimum Width Approach Road from 24 Meters to 12 Meters depending on location, difficulty in land acquisition, availability, etc.

3. Concession in Stamp Duty to the extent of 50%. 

4. Grant of Government Land if the land is free from encumbrances. Such land can be transferred to MIDC, which can be allotted to the developer by the MIDC as per market rates.

5. Additional Permissible Floor Space Index under Special Township Policy.

Check: https://www.midcindia.org/

Special Economic Zones

A special economic zone (SEZ) is a geographical region having liberal economic laws compared to country's domestic economic laws. SEZ were formed in 2000 with an objective of generation of additional economic activity, promotion of exports of goods and services, promotion of investment from domestic and foreign sources, creation of employment opportunities and development of infrastructure facilities. It is also considered as a Duty Free Business Area deemed to be a Foreign Territory though located within a country's national borders.

Several SEZs in India are involved mainly in service, production, processing, assembling, trading, repair, remaking, reconditioning, re-engineering, making of gold / diamond jewelry which are exclusively sold in various external markets. Units in SEZ are also allowed to manufacture items reserved for Small Scale Industries like pickles, chutneys, mustard oil, glass bangles, wax candles, steel chairs, laundry soap, stainless steel and aluminum utensils, etc.

SEZ in India covers Free Trade Zone (FTZ), Export Processing Zone (EPZ), Free Zones (FZ), Industrial Estates (IE), Free Ports, etc. Exports from SEZs have increased from 22,840 Crores in 2005-06 to 7,96,669 Crores in 2019-20. In India SEZs are located in Kandla, Mumbai (SEEPZ), Cochin, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Falta, Noida, etc.

• View SEZ Operations on http://sezindia.nic.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Operationa.pdf

The incentives and facilities offered to the units in SEZs include:-

1. Duty free import / domestic procurement of goods for development, operation and maintenance of SEZ units.

2. 100% Income Tax exemption on export income for SEZ units under Section 10AA of the Income Tax Act for first 5 years, 50% for next 5 years thereafter and 50% of the ploughed back export profit for next 5 years. 

3. Exemption from GST an other taxes. Supplies made to SEZs (Deemed Exports) are zero rated under IGST Act, 2017.

4. Single window clearance for Central and State level approvals.

For more read: http://sezindia.nic.in/

Agriculture Export Zone

The Government of India, in March 2011 announced a policy of setting up of Agri Export Zones (AEZs) across the country with a primary objective of boosting exports. At present, 60 AEZs have been sanctioned with 40 agricultural commodities being operated across 20 Indian states. Efforts are put to identify potential products, the geographical region in which these are grown and adopting an end to end approach of integrating the entire process, right from the stage of production till it reaches the market. 

Setting up of such AEZs shall lead to:

1. Strengthening of backward linkages with a market oriented approach

2. Product acceptability and its competitiveness abroad as well as in the domestic market

3. Value addition to basic agricultural produce

4. Bring down cost of production through economy of scale

5. Better price for agricultural produce

6. Improvement in product quality and packaging

7. Promote trade-related research and development

8. Increase employment opportunities.

9. Promotes trade related research and development, quality improvement, better prices, value addition, product acceptance abroad, increase in employment opportunities, improved packaging of agri produce.

Some Agri Export Zones in India - Examples:

1. Mango, Mango Pulp, fresh vegetables, Gherkins and Chilli are the focused products in various regions of Andra Pradesh namely Medak, Mahaboobnagar, Chittor, Guntur, Barpeta, Nagaon, etc.

2. Horticultural products and medicinal plants in certain regions of Kerala.

3. Potatoes, Onion and garlic in Madhya Pradesh.

4. Pune, Nashik, Kolhapur and sangli of Maharashtra for flowers.

5. Ratnagiri, Sindhudurgh, Raigadh and Thane of Maharashtra for Alphonso Mangoes.

6. Amritsar and Jalandar of Punjab for Basmati Rice.

Benefits to Agri Export Zones in India

1. Central, State Government and their agencies are providing a variety of financial assistance towards Training and Extension, R&D, Quality Upgradation, Infrastructure and Marketing etc. so as to boost agriculture export.

2. Benefits of Export promotion Capital Goods Scheme is also provided to Agri Export Zone exporters.

3.  Exporters of value added agri products will be eligible for sourcing duty free fuel for generation of power, provided the cost component of power in the ultimate product is 10% or more and the input-output norms are fixed by the advance licencing committee of the DGFT. 

The following places are notified as Agriculture Export Zones for the products mentioned therein. 

1. Pineapple - West Bengal: Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Uttar Dinajpur, Cooch Behar, Howrah

2. Gherkins – Karnataka: Tumkur, Bangalore Urban, Bangalore Rural, Hassan, Kolar, Chitradurga, Dharwad and Bagalkot

3. Lychees – Uttranchal : Udhamsingh Nagar, Dehradun and Nainital

4. Cut Flowers - Tamil Nadu: Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri

5. Grape & Grapevine : Maharashtra Nasik, Sangli, Sholapur, Satara, Ahmednagar

6. Mango Pulp & Fresh Vegetables : Andhra Pradesh,Chitoor

7. Pineapple - Tripura: Kumarghat, Manu, Melaghar, Matabari and Kakraban Blocks

8. Mangoes-Maharashtra :Rantagiri, Sindhudurg, Raigarh and Thane

9. Apples-Jammu & Kashmir: Srinagar, Baramula, Anantnag, Kupwara, Kathua and Pulwama

10. Potatoes, Onion and Garlic-Madhya Pradesh: Malwa, Ujjain, Indore, Dewas, Dhar, Shajapur, Ratlam, Neemuch Mandsaur and Khandwa

11. Cabbage, Broccoli, Okra, Peas, Carrot, Baby Corn, Green Chillies, Green Beans, Tomato –Punjab: Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Sangrur, Ludhiana and Ropar, Abohar, Bhatinda, Muktsar & Hoshiarpur

12. Potatoes-Uttar Pradesh: Agra, Hathras, Farrukhabad, Kannoj, Meerut, Baghpat and Aligarh, Janpad Badaiyun, Rampur, Ghaziabad, Firozabad & Etawah

13. Mangoes and Vegetables-Uttar Pradesh: Lucknow, Unnao, Hardoi, Sitapur and Barabanki

14. Mangoes-Uttar Pradesh :Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnaur, Meerut, Baghpat and Bulandshahr, Jyotibafulenagar

15. Potatoes-Punjab:Singhpura, Zirakpur Distt. Patiala and satellite centres at Rampura Phul, Muktsar, Ludhiana, Jullundur

16. Kesar mango-Maharashtra: Aurangabad, Beed,Jalna,Ahmednagar and Latur

17. Flowers-Maharashtra: Pune, Nasik, Kolhapur and Sangli

18. Walnut-Jammu & Kashmir: Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam,Kupwara, Srinagar, Doda, Poonch, Udhampur, Rajouri and Kathua 124

19. Lychee-West Bengal: Murshidabad, Malda, 24 Pargana(N) and 24 Pargana(S)

20. Lychee & Vegetables-Bihar: Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Hajipur, Vaishali, East and West Champaran, Bhagalpur, Begu Sarai, Khagaria, Sitamarhi, Saran and Gopalganj

21. Mango & Grapes-Andhra Pradesh: Rangareddy, Medak, Mehboobnagar

22. Mangoes & Vegetables-Gujarat: Ahmedabad, Khaida, Anand, Vadodara, Surat, Navsari, Valsad, Bharuch, Narmada

23. Potatoes-West Bengal: Hooghly, Burdhwan, Midnapore (W), Midnapore(E), Uday Narayanpur, Howrah

24. Flowers-Uttranchal: Dehradun, Pantnagar,udhamsingh Nagar, Nainital and Uttarakashi

25. Flowers (Orchids)& Cherry Pepper-Sikkim: East Sikkim

26. Ginger-Sikkim:North, East, South & West Sikkim

27. Rose Onion –Karnataka: Bangalore (Urban), Bangalore (Rural), Kolar

28. Flowers-Karnataka: Bangalore (Urban), Bangalore (Rural), Kolar, Tumkur, Kodagu and Belgaum

29. Apples-Himachal Pradesh: Shimla, Sirmaur, Kullu, Mandi, Chamba and Kinnaur

30. Basmati Rice-Punjab: Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur And Nawanshahar

31. Flowers-Tamilnadu :Nilgiri

32. Mangoes-Andhra Pradesh: Krishna

33. Onion-Maharashtra :Nasik, Ahmednagar, Pune, Satara, Jalgaon, Solapur

34. Ginger and Turmeric-Orissa: Kandhamal

35. Vegetables-Jharkhand: Ranchi, Hazaribagh and Lohardaga

36. Seed Spices-Madhya Pradesh: Guna, Mandsaur, Ujjain, Rajgarh, Ratlam, Shajapur and Neemuch

37. Basmati Rice-Uttaranchal: Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, Dehradun and Haridwar

38. Mango-West Bengal: Maldah and Murshidabad

39. Vegetables-West Bengal:Nadia, Murshidabad and North 24 Parganas

40. Mangoes-Tamil Nadu: Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Virudhunagar and Tirunelveli

41. Wheat-Madhya Pradesh: Ujjain Zone (Neemuch, Ratlam, Mandsaur and Ujjain), Indore Zone (Indore, Dhar, Shajapur and Dewas) and Bhopal Zone ( Sehore, Vidisha, Raisen, Hoshangabad, Harda, Narsinghpur and Bhopal) & Sagar

42. Horticulture Products-Kerala: Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Alapuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Thiruvanthapuram, Idukki and Pallakad

43. Fresh and Processed-Assam: Kamrup, Nalbari, Barpeta, Darrang, Nagaon, Morigaon, Karbi Anglong and North Cachar 125 Ginger

44. Basmati Rice-Uttar Pradesh: Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, Rampur, Badaun, Bijnor, Moradabad, JB Phulenagar, Sharanpur, Mujjafarnagar, Meerut, Bulandshahr, Ghaziabad And Baghpat

45. Medicinal & Aromatic Plants-Uttaranchal:Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Dehradun And Nainital, Haridwar and Uddamsinghnagar

46. Dehydrated onion & Garlic-Gujarat: Bhavnagar, Surendranagar, Amreli, Rajkot, Junagadh and Jamnagar districts

47. Gherkins-Andhra Pradesh: Mahboobnagar, Rangareddy, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Ananthapur and Nalgonda

48. Pomegranate-Maharashtra: Solapur, Sangli, Ahmedabagar, Pune, Nasik, Osmanabad, Satara, Latur

49. Banana-Maharashtra: Jalgaon, Dhule, Nandurbar, Buldhana, Parbhani, Hindoli, Nanded and Wardha

50. Oranges-Maharashtra: Nagpur, Amraoti, Wardha, Buldhana, Yeotmal;, Washin, Yeotmal

51. Lentil and Grams-Madhya Pradesh: Shivpuri, Guna, Vidisha, Raisen, Narsinghpura, Chhindwara

52. Oranges & Vegetables-Madhya Pradesh: Chhindwara, Hoshangabad, Betul

53. Cashewnut-Tamil Nadu: Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Pudukottai and Sivaganga

54. Sesame seeds-Gujarat: Amerali, Bhavnagar, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Jamnagar

55. Vanila-Karnataka: Districts of Dakshin Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Shimoga, Kodagu, Chickamagalur

56. Chilli-Andhra Pradesh: Guntur District

57. Medicinal Plants-Kerala: Districts of Wayanand, Mallapuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Idduki, Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam

58. Darjeeling Tea-West Bengal: Darjeeling

59. Coriander-Rajasthan: Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar and Chittor

60. Cumin-Rajasthan: Nagaur, Barmer, Jalore, Pali and Jodhpur

For more info: http://agriexchange.apeda.gov.in/