Foreign Trade Procedure 2015-20

CHAPTER 6

EXPORT ORIENTED UNITS (EOUs), ELECTRONICS HARDWARETECHNOLOGY PARKS (EHTPs), SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY PARKS
(STPs) SCHEME AND BIO-TECHNOLOGY PARKS (BTPs).

(Relevant Policy Chapter 6)

Policy relating to EOUs, EHTPs, STPs and BTP Biotechnology Parks Schemes is given in Chapter 6 of Foreign Trade Policy (FTP).

(a) For setting up an EOU, three copies of application as in ANF 6A of Appendices & ANFs may be submitted to DC Development Commissioner.
(b)   (i) Applications for setting up units under EOU scheme shall be approved or rejected by Units Approval Committee within 15 days, as per criteria indicated in Appendix 6A of Appendices & ANFs and sector specific conditions relating to approval as in Appendix 6B of Appendices & ANFs. In other cases, approval may be granted by DC Development Commissioner after clearance by BOA Board of Approval.

(ii) On approval, a Letter of Permission (LoP) / Letter of Intent (LoI) shall be issued by DC Development Commissioner / designated officer to EOU/ EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park unit. LoP / LoI shall have an initial validity of 2 years to enable the Unit to construct the plant & install the machinery and by this time the unit should have commenced production. In case the unit is not able to commence production in initial validity of 2 years, an extension of one year may be given by the DC Development Commissioner for valid reasons to be recorded in writing. Subsequent extension of one year may be given by the Unit Approval Committee subject to condition that two thirds of activities including construction, relating to the setting up of the Unit are complete and Chartered Engineer’s certificate to this effect is submitted by the Unit. Further extension, if  necessary, will be granted by the Board of Approval.³[All such LOPs/LOIs whose original or extended validity expires on or after 1^st March 2020, may be deemed to be valid up to 31^st December, 2020] Once unit commences production, LoP / LoI issued shall be valid for a period of 5 years for its activities. This period may be extended further by DC Development Commissioner for a period of 5 years at a time.

(c) Proposals for setting up EOU requiring industrial licence may be granted approval by DC Development Commissioner after clearance of proposal by BOA Board of Approval (as per Appendix 6C of Appendices & ANFs) and Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion within 45 days on merits.

(d) STP / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park complexes can be set up by Central Government, State Government, Public or Private Sector Undertakings or any combination thereof, duly approved by Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee (IMSC) in Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Department of Electronics & Information Technology - DeitY). Application for setting up EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP unit shall be in format prescribed by DeitY Department of Electronics and Information Technology and shall be submitted to officer designated by DeitY Department of Electronics and Information Technology.

(e) BTP Biotechnology Park can be set up by Central Government, State Government, Public or Private Sector Undertakings or any combination thereof. Application for setting up of BTP Biotechnology Park shall be submitted to Department of Bio-Technology (DoBT) and such applications which meet guidelines prescribed by DoBT Department of Bio-Technology will be approved and recommended to DGFT for notification. Application
for setting up of BTP Biotechnology Park unit shall be submitted to officer designated by DoBT Department of Bio-Technology
.
(f) LoP / LoI shall specify item(s) of manufacture / service activity, annual capacity, projected annual export  for first five years in dollar terms, Net Foreign Exchange (NFE) earnings, limitations,
if any, regarding sale of finished goods, by-products and rejects in DTA and such other matter as may be necessary and also impose such conditions as may be required.

(g) LoP / LoI issued to EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park units by concerned authority would be construed as an authorization for all purposes. Standard format for LoP for EOU is given in Appendix 6D of Appendices & ANFs.

(h) EOUs shall have separate earmarked premises for separate LoP. Similarly, EOUs may be approved on leased premises provided lease has been obtained from Government Department / Undertaking / Agency. However, in case lease is obtained from private parties, it shall have a validity period of five years from date of LUT Legal Undertaking and DC Development Commissioner shall satisfy himself of genuine nature of lease.

(i) On completion of approval period as provided for in Paragraph 6.05 of FTP, it shall be open to unit to continue under scheme or opt out of scheme. Where unit opts to continue, DC Development Commissioner will extend approval period. If no intimation in this regard is received from unit within a period of six months of expiry of approval period, DC Development Commissioner will take action, suo motu, to cancel approval under EOU scheme and take further action in this regard. Where units give their option to continue after expiry of six months as stipulated above, DC Development Commissioner will grant extension after obtaining approval of BOA Board of Approval.

(a) Approved EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park unit shall execute an LUT Legal Undertaking with DC Development Commissioner / Designated Officer concerned as in Appendix 6E of  Appendices & ANFs.

(b) All EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park units should have permanent e-mailaddress. No LUT Legal Undertaking for new units shall be executed unless unit has its permanent e-mail address and digital signature on said e-mail ID. In event of an EOU not having permanent e-mail address and digital signature, further imports  and DTA sale shall not be permitted by  DC Development Commissioner

6.03 Export  of Goods and Services 

(a) Software units may undertake exports  using data communication links or in form of physical exports (which may be through courier service also), including export  of professional services.179

(b) EOUs shall be permitted to export  jewellery on basis of a notional rate certificate issued by nominated agency. This rate will be based on prevailing Gold / US$ rate and US$ / INR rate in notional rate certificate. Certificate issued by nominated agency should not be older than 7 working days of date of shipment.

(c) Exporter shall have flexibility to fix price and repay gold loan within 180 days from date of export  . Price shall be communicated to nominated agencies who will issue a certificate showing final confirmation of rate to bank negotiating document, to ensure export  proceeds are realized at this rate.

(d) Gems & Jewellery EOUs may re-export imported goods and export domestically procured goods, including goods generated out of partial processing / manufacture. Besides, supply of unsuitable / broken cut and polished diamonds, precious and semi-precious stones upto 5% of value of imported or indigenously procured goods to DTA against valid Gems & Jewellery REP Replenishment as applicable on payment of appropriate duty is also permitted.

6.04 Imports  / Domestic Procurement of Goods

Goods permitted to be imported / procured from DTA shall include:

(a) Raw materials, components, consumables, intermediates, spares and packing materials .

(b) Capital goods, whether new or second-hand, including inter-alia following and their spares:

(1) DG sets, captive power plants, transformers and accessories for all above.
(2) Pollution control equipment.
(3) Quality assurance equipment.
(4) Material handling equipment, like fork lifts and overhead cranes, mobile cranes, crawler cranes, hoists and stackers.
(5) Un-interrupted Power Supply System (UPS), Special racks for storage, storage systems, modular furniture, computer furniture, anti- static carpet, teleconference equipment, Servo Control System, Air-conditioners / Air conditioning system, panel for electricals and special data transmission cable.
(6) Security Systems
(7) Tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, moulds, dyes, instruments and accessories.

(c) Raw materials for making capital goods for use within unit.

(d) Others including:

(1) Prototypes and technical samples for existing product(s) and product diversification development or evaluation.
(2) Drawings, blue prints, charts, microfilms and technical data.
(3) Office equipment, including PABX, Fax machines, projection system, Computers, Laptop and Server. (e) Spares and consumables for above items.

(e) Spares and consumables for above items.

(f) Any other items not mentioned above with approval of BOA Board of Approval.

EOUs may import  plain / studded gold / platinum or silver jewellery for export after repairs / remaking.

6.06 Conditions of Import 

Import  of goods by EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park units shall be subject to following conditions:

(a) Goods shall be imported into EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park premises. However, agriculture and allied sectors and granite sector units in EOU may supply / transfer capital goods and inputs in farm / fields / quarries with prior intimation to jurisdictional Customs authorities, provided ownership of goods rests with EOUs. Granite sector would also be allowed to take spares upto 5% of value of Capital Goods to quarry site.

(b) Procedure as prescribed under Customs/Central Excise rules for EOUs and units in EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park will be followed, and appropriate bond executed with Customs/Central Excise Authorities.

(c) (i) The period of utilisation of goods, including capital goods, shall be co-terminus with the validity of LoP.
     (ii) However, imported tea shall be utilized within a period of 6 months from date of import  . Similarly, export obligation against import of items {covered by Chapter 9 of ITC (HS)} and coconut oil shall be fulfilled within a period of 90 days from the date on which first import  consignment is cleared by Customs Authorities.

³[In case the export obligation period expires during 1^st March 2020 to 30^th June 2020, it would deem to be valid upto 30^th September, 2020]

(iii) Further, in case of import  of spices for VA Value Addition purpose like crushing / grinding / sterilization or for manufacture of oils and oleoresins of pepper, cardamom and chillies (and not for simple cleaning, grading, re-packing etc.), EO Export Obligation shall be fulfilled within 120 days from the date of importation of first consignment. In case of import  of spices (other than pepper, cardamom and chillies) for manufacture of spice oils and oleoresins, EO Export Obligation shall be fulfilled within 12 months.

(d) Goods already imported / shipped / arrived before issue of LoP / LoI are also eligible for clearance as provided under para 6.01 (d) (ii) of FTP 2015-20 under EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park scheme without payment of duty and/or taxes as applicable, provided, the said duties and/or taxes has not been paid and goods have not been cleared from Customs.

(e) Consumption of inputs by the EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park unit shall be based on the Standard Input Output Norms (SION) provided that:

(i) where no SION have been notified, generation of waste, scrap and remnants upto 2% of input quantity shall be allowed;

(ii) where additional items other than those given in SION are required as inputs or where generation of waste, scrap and remnants is beyond 2% of input quantity, use of such inputs shall be allowed by the jurisdictional DC Development Commissioner within a period of three months from the date of and based on self declared norms, with the unit undertaking to adjust self-declared / ad hoc norms in accordance with norms as finally fixed by Norms Committee in DGFT;

(iii) in case of any difficulty in fixation of SION as above, BOA Board of Approval in consultation with Norms Committee in DGFT, will decide on a case to case basis.

(a) EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park units may install one fax machine at a place of its choice, outside premises of unit, subject to intimation of its location to concerned Customs authorities.

(b) EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park units may, temporarily take out of premises of unit, duty and/or tax free laptop / computers and video projection systems for working upon by authorized employees.

(c) EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park units may install personal computers not exceeding two in number, imported / procured duty and/or tax free in their registered / administrative office subject to DoR Department of Revenue guidelines.

(d) For IT and IT enabled services, persons authorized by software units may access facility installed in EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park unit through communication links.

Person(s) / employee(s) authorized by a unit of (i) IT related EOU or (ii) STP or (iii) EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park or (iv) BTP Biotechnology Park may work from a place outside the said unit, subject to the following conditions:

(i) There must be an Authorisation from the unit specifying the duration of such authorization.
(ii) Responsibility for carrying out the work and supervision, if any, be that of the unit, which will be liable for any misuse.
(iii) Export  of the resultant products / services  would take place only from the premises of the unit.

Value of imported capital goods financed through leasing companies or obtained free of cost and / or on loan / lease basis, shall also be taken into account for purpose of calculation of NFE Net Foreign Exchange as defined in FTP.

(a) EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park unit shall be a positive net foreign exchange earner. NFE earnings shall be calculated cumulatively in the block period as per Paragraph 6.04 of FTP, according to the formula given below. Items of manufacture for export  specified in LoP / LoI alone shall be taken into account for calculation of NFE.

Positive NFE = A – B> 0

Where

‘NFE’ is Net Foreign Exchange;

‘A’ is FOB value of exports by EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park unit; 

‘B’ is sum total of CIF value of all imported inputs and CIF value of all imported capital goods, and value of all payments made in foreign exchange by way of commission, royalty, fees, dividends, interest on external borrowings / high sea sales during first five year period or any other charges. It will also include payment made in Indian Rupees on high sea sales.

“Inputs” mean raw materials, intermediates, components, consumables, parts and packing materials.

(b) If any goods are obtained from another EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park / SEZ unit, or procured from an international exhibition held in India, or bonded warehouses or precious metals procured from nominated agencies, value of such goods shall be included under ‘B’.
 
(c) If any capital goods are imported duty and/or tax free or leased from a leasing company, received free of cost and / or on loan basis or transfer, CIF value of capital goods shall be included pro-rata, under ‘B’ for period it remains with units.

(d) For annual calculation of NFE, value of imported capital goods and lump sum payment of foreign technical know- how fee shall be amortized as under:

1st - 10th year : 10%.

Provided that above amortization rates would be applicable only if an undertaking is given by a unit that it will not exit to DTA in the first 10 years. For existing units, proportionate Customs and excise duty must be paid where NFE is less than depreciation already claimed, before exit.

²[(a) EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park unit shall maintain proper account, and shall file digitally signed quarterly and annual report as prescribed in Annexure to Appendix 6E of Appendices & ANFs to DC Development Commissioner / Designated Officer in MeitY / DoBT Department of Bio-Technology and Customs and Central Excise authorities. In addition, STP unit shall file, every month, report of services exports  in respect of the services classified in Annexure V of Appendix 6E of Appendices & ANFs in the 'Service Exports Reporting Form (SERF)' prescribed in Annexure VI of Appendix 6E of Appendices & ANFs to the designated officer in STP. Use of SERF would be limited to capturing information on services exports from STPs.]

^old[(a) EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park unit shall maintain proper account, and shall file digitally signed quarterly and annual report as prescribed in Annexure to Appendix 6E of Appendices & ANFs to DC Development Commissioner / Designated Officer in DeitY Department of Electronics and Information Technology / DoBT Department of Bio-Technology and Customs and Central Excise authorities.]

(b) Unit shall be able to account for entire quantity of each category of homogenous goods imported / procured duty and/or tax free, by way of exports  , sales / supplies in DTA or transfer to other SEZ / EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park units and balance in stock. However, at no point of time, units shall be required to correlate every import  consignment with its exports  , transfer to other SEZ / EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park /STP / BTP Biotechnology Park units, sales in DTA and balance in stock. Any matter for clarification as to whether goods are homogenous or not shall be decided by Units Approval Committee.

6.12 Monitoring of NFE

6.13 Conversion of Scrap / Dust / sweeping of Gold / Silver / Platinum into Standard Bars

6.14 DTA Supplies

Notwithstanding provision of DTA sales in Paragraph 6.08 of FTP, such DTA sales shall not affect application, to any goods, of any other prohibition or regulation affecting import  thereof in force at the time, when such goods are imported. This also does not confer any immunity, exemption or relaxation at any time from any commitment or compliance with any requirements to which importer may be subject to under other laws or regulations.

6.15 Supplies to other EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / SEZ / BTP Biotechnology Park Units

6.16 Transfer of Power from one Unit to another

6.17 Supply of Precious / Semiprecious / Synthetic Stones from DTA

6.18 Application for grant of entitlements

6.19 Export  through Other Exporters

An EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park unit may export  goods manufactured / software developed by it through other exporter, or any other EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park/ STP / BTP Biotechnology Park / SEZ unit subject to condition that:

(a) Goods shall be produced in EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park unit concerned.

(b) Level of NFE or any other conditions relating to imports  and exports  as prescribed shall continue to be discharged by EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park unit concerned.

(c) Export orders so procured shall be executed within parameters of EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park schemes and goods shall be directly transferred from unit to port of shipment.

(d) Fulfilment of NFE by EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park units in regard to such exports  shall be reckoned on basis of price at which goods are supplied by EOUs to other exporter or other EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park / SEZ unit.

(e) All export  entitlements, including recognition as Status Holder would accrue to exporter in whose name foreign exchange earnings are realized. However, such export  shall be counted towards fulfilment of obligation under EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park scheme only.

6.20 Others Entitlements

(a) FOB value of export of an EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park unit can be clubbed with FOB value of exports of its parent company in DTA or vice versa for the purpose of according Export House and Trading House status.

(b) Sectoral norms as notified by Government shall apply to FDI in service activities.

(c) STP Units / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park Units / Software EOUs may also use all duty and/or tax free equipment / goods for training purpose (including commercial training), subject to condition that no duty free
equipment / goods shall be installed outside premises of the unit for this purpose.

(d) Export  of iron ore shall be subject to decision of Government. Requirements of other conditions of exports like  minimum export price / export  in consumer pack etc. as per ITC (HS) Indian Trade Classification (Harmonised System) for Export & Import Items shall apply in case raw materials are sourced from DTA and exported without further processing / manufacturing by EOU. Export  of textile items shall be covered by bilateral agreements. Wood based units shall comply with direction of Supreme Court contained in its order dated 12.12.1996 in Writ (civil) No 202 of 1995- T.N.Godavarman Thirrumulppad v/s Union of India and others with WP (Civil) No 171 of 1996 in regard to use of timber / other wood.

6.21 Sub – Contracting

(i) Goods, finished or semi finished, including studded jewellery, taken out for sub - contracting shall be brought back to unit within 90 days.

(ii) No cut and polished diamonds, precious and semiprecious stones (except precious, semi- precious and synthetic stones having zero duty) shall be allowed to be taken out for sub - contracting.  

(iii) Receive plain gold / silver / platinum jewellery from DTA / EOU / SEZ units in exchange of equivalent quantity of gold / silver/platinum, as the case may be, contained in said jewellery.  

(iv) EOUs shall be eligible for wastage as applicable as per Paragraph 4 .60 of HBP for sub - contracting and against exchange.

(v)  DTA unit undertaking job work or supplying jewellery against exchange of gold / silver / platinum shall not be entitled to deemed export benefits under Chapter 7 of FTP.

(b) Facility of getting job work done from DTA unit will be available subject to condition that goods are brought back to premises of unit on completion of job work.

(c) Export  of finished goods from job worker’s premises may be permitted, provided such premises are registered with Central Excise/GST authorities. Where job worker is SEZ / EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park unit, export  may be effected either from job worker’s premises or from premises of unit. Export of such products from job worker’s premises shall not be allowed through third parties as provided in FTP.

(d) EOUs may be permitted to remove moulds, jigs, tools, fixtures, tackles, instruments, hangers and patterns and drawings to premises of sub - contractors, subject to condition that these shall be brought back to premises of units on completion of job work within a stipulated period. Raw materials may or may not be sent along with these goods.

(e) In case of sub - contracting of production process abroad, goods may be exported from sub - contractor premises subject to conditions that at the time of clearance of goods, the EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / BTP Biotechnology Park / STP unit shall declare (i) the transaction value of the finished goods to be cleared from the sub - contractor’s premises abroad; (ii) job work charges to be paid to the sub - contractor abroad; and (iii) value of intermediate goods; supported with documents like (a) sale price contract / or invoice for the finished goods, (b) job work contract and (c) the basis of arriving at the value of intermediate goods. The EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / BTP Biotechnology Park / STP unit shall also ensure full repatriation of foreign exchange declared as the transaction value of the finished goods cleared from the sub - contractor’s premises abroad.

6.22 Contract Farming

(a) Supply of inputs by EOUs to contract farm(s) shall be subject to input-output norms approved by DGFT / BOA Board of Approval.

(b) There shall be contract farming agreement between EOU and DTA farmer(s).

(c) Unit has been in existence for at least two years and engaged in export  of agriculture / horticulture / aquaculture products; otherwise it shall furnish bank guarantee equivalent to duty and/or taxes foregone on capital goods / inputs proposed to be taken out, to Deputy / Assistant Commissioner of Customs, till unit completes two years.

6.23 Export  through Exhibitions / Export Promotion Tour

EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park units may export goods for holding / participating in exhibitions abroad, with permission of DC Development Commissioner, subject to following conditions:

(a) Unit shall produce to Customs authorities letter in original, or its certified copy containing approval of DC Development Commissioner. For gems and jewellery items, a self certified photograph of products shall also be submitted.

(b) In case of re - import  , such items, on arrival shall be verified along with export documents before clearance

(c) Items not sold abroad shall be re - imported within 60 days of close of exhibition. However, in case exporter is participating in more than one exhibition within 45 days of close of first exhibition, then 60 days shall be counted from date of close of last exhibition. In case of exhibition in USA, the time period shall be 90 days instead of 60 days mentioned above.

(d) In case of personal carriage of goods and for holding / participating in overseas exhibitions, value of such gems and jewellery shall not exceed US $ 5 million.

Personal carriage of gold / silver / platinum jewellery, cut and polished diamonds, precious, semi-precious stones, beads and articles as samples upto US $ 1 million for export promotion tours, and temporary display / sale abroad by EOUs, is also permitted with approval of DC Development Commissioner subject to following conditions:

(a) EOU shall bring back goods or repatriate sale proceeds within 45 days from date of departure through normal banking channel.

(b) Unit shall declare personal carriage of such samples to Customs while leaving country and obtain necessary endorsement.

6.25 Export  through Show-rooms abroad / Duty free shops

Export  of goods is also permitted for display / sale in permitted shops set up abroad or in showrooms of their distributors / agents. Items not sold abroad within 180 days shall be re-imported within 45 days.

EOUs may set up showrooms / retail outlets at International Airports for sale of goods in accordance with procedure laid down by Customs authorities. Items remaining unsold after a period of 60 days shall be exported or returned to respective EOUs.

6.27 Personal Carriage of Import  / Export  Parcels including through Foreign Bound Passengers

(a) For Personal carriage of jewellery by foreign bound passenger, following documents shall be submitted by EOUs as proof of exports  :

(i) Copy of shipping bill filed by EOUs;
(ii) A copy of Currency Declaration Form filed by Foreign buyer with Customs at time of his arrival; and
(iii) Foreign Exchange Realisation / Encashment Certificate from Bank.

(b) In addition to this, Personal Carriage by foreign bound passenger on Document Against Acceptance (DA) / Cash On Delivery (COD) basis is also allowed. EOUs will have to furnish following documents as proof of exports  :-

(i) Copy of Shipping Bill;
(ii) Bank Certificate of Export  and Realisation.

(c) Procedure for personal carriage of Imports  parcels will be same as for import of goods by airfreight except that parcels shall be brought to Customs by EOUs / foreign national for examination and release. Instructions issued by Customs authorities in this regard should be followed mutatis mutandis.

(d) Personal carriage of parts by foreign bound passengers shall be allowed in case same are required for repairs of exported goods at customer site. Following documents should be submitted as proof of exports  :

(i) Permission letter from Customs for exports  .
(ii) Invoice with value (for payment or free of charge).

(a) Units may send capital goods abroad for repair with permission of Customs authorities. Any foreign exchange payment for this purpose will also be allowed. However, no permission will be required for sending capital goods for repair within country.

(b) EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park units may, on basis of records maintained by them and prior intimation to Customs authorities:

(i) Transfer goods to DTA / abroad for repair / replacement,testing or calibration and return.

(ii) Transfer goods for quality testing / R&D purpose to any recognised laboratory / institution upto Rs.5 lakh per annum without payment of duty and/or taxes as applicable in such cases on giving suitable undertaking to Customs for return of goods. However, if goods have been consumed / destroyed in process of testing etc. a certificate from laboratory / institution to this effect be furnished to Customs.

(a) EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park units may on basis of records maintained by them, and on prior intimation to Customs authority, supply or sell samples in DTA for display / market promotion on payment of excise duty, if applicable, and/or payment of GST and compensation cess alongwith reversal of duties of Customs leviable under First Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, if availed on inputs.

(b) Remove samples without payment of duty and/or taxes on furnishing a suitable undertaking to Customs authorities for bringing back samples within a stipulated period.

(c) An EOU may export  free samples, without any limit, including samples made in wax moulds, silver mould and rubber moulds through all permissible mode of export including through courier agencies / post. For statutory requirement of Stability & Retention sample with manufacturer, an EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / BTP Biotechnology Park / STP unit may reimport with or without payment of duties/taxes as provided at para 6.01(d)(ii) of FTP those samples, which were exported by it, under intimation to Custom Authorities, and FOB value of such samples shall not be counted for NFE purpose and other export  benefits, if any.

(d) An EOU, on basis of records maintained by them and on prior intimation to Customs authorities, may send samples to other EOUs for display on returnable basis within a period of 30 days.

EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park unit may be allowed by Customs authorities concerned to donate imported / indigenously procured (bought or taken on loan) computer and computer peripherals, including printer, plotter, scanner, monitor, keyboard and storage units without payment of duty other than applicable taxes under GST Law, two years after their import  / procurement and use by units, to a school run by Central Government, or Government of a State or, a Union Territory or, a local body; an Educational Institution run on non-commercial basis by any organization; a Registered Charitable Hospital; a Public Library; a Public Funded Research and Development Establishment; a Community Information Center run by Central Government or, Government of a State or, a Union Territory or local body; an Adult Education Center run by Central Government or, Government of a State or, a Union Territory or a local body; or an organization of Central Government or, a Government of a State or, a Union Territory as per Customs / Central Excise notification.

If an industrial enterprise is operating both as a domestic unit as well as an EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park unit, it shall have two distinct identities with separate accounts, including separate bank accounts. It is, however, not necessary for it to be a separate legal entity, but it should be possible to distinguish imports  and exports  or supplies effected by EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park units from those made by other units of enterprise.

(a) Composition of Unit Approval Committee shall be as under:

     Development Commissioner                 : Chairperson 
 
     Jurisdictional Commissioner of
     Central Excise & Customs or nominee  : Member
 
     Joint DGFT or nominee                        : Member
 
     Joint / Deputy Development
     Commissioner of the Zone                    : Member

   Any other nominee of any Department / Agency as special invitee

(b) Powers and functions of Unit Approval Committee of EOUs shall be as under:

(i) To consider applications for setting up EOUs. Items of manufacture requiring industrial licence under Industrial (Development & Regulation) Act, 1951 shall be considered by BOA Board of Approval.
(ii) to consider and permit conversion of units in SEZ to EOU;
(iii) to monitor performance of units;
(iv) to supervise and monitor permission, clearances, licences  granted to units and take appropriate action in accordance with law; 
(v) to call for information required to monitor performance of unit under permission, clearances, licenses granted to it;
(vi) to perform any other function delegated by Central Government or its agencies;
(vii) to perform any other function as may be delegated by State Governments or its agencies; and
(viii) to grant all approvals and clearances for establishment and operation of EOUs

6.33 Approval of EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park Units

In case of units under EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP scheme, necessary approval / permission shall be granted by officer designated by DeitY Department of Electronics and Information Technology / Director  (STPI). Designated officer shall also exercise powers of adjudication under Section 13 read with Section 11 of FT (D&R) Act, as amended , in respect of STP / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park as mentioned in Gazette Notification No. S.O. 106 (E) dated 30-1-2006. Similarly in case of units under BTP Biotechnology Park, necessary approval / permission shall be granted by officer designated by DoBT Department of Bio-Technology. However, designated officers shall adopt criteria for automatic approval of new units as laid down in Appendix 6A of Appendices & ANFs.

DC Development Commissioner / Designated Officer shall have following powers in respect to units. Jurisdiction of DC Development Commissioner is given in Appendix 6J of Appendices & ANFs.

(1) Conversion of sick / closed DTA unit into EOU;

(2) Conversion of EOU to STP / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / BTP Biotechnology Park and vice-versa as per prescribed procedure;

(3) To allow increase in value of capital goods in terms of Indian Rupees, on account of foreign exchange rate fluctuations;

(4) To permit capacity enhancement without any limit in case of delicensed industries only;

(5) Permit broad-banding for similar goods and activities mentioned in LoP or to provide for backward or forward linkages to existing line of manufacture;

(6) Authorize change in name of company or implementing agency and change from a company to another provided new implementing agency / company undertakes to take over assets and liabilities of existing unit;

(7) Permit change of location from place mentioned in LoP to another and / or include additional location provided that no change in other terms and conditions of approval is envisaged and that new location is within territorial jurisdiction of DC Development Commissioner / Designated Officer; 

(8) Extend validity period of LoP beyond initial validity period of LoP (except in case where there is a restriction on initial period of approval, like setting up of oil refinery projects) as per Paragraph 6.05 (a) of FTP;

(9) Cancel LoP wherever warranted;

(10) Permit merger of two or more units into one unit provided units fall within jurisdiction of same DC Development Commissioner / Designated Officer subject to condition that activities are covered under provision of broad banding; 

(11) Exercise powers of adjudication under Section 13 read with Section 11 of FT (D&R) Act Foreign Trade ( Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 (22 of 1992), in respect of EOUs as mentioned in Gazette Notification No. SO. 194(E) dated 6.3.2000;

(12) Do valuation of exports  declared on SOFTEX form by EOUs as per RBI A.D. (M.A Series) Circular AP (DIR series Circular No.9 dated 25.10.2001);

(13) Issue eligibility certificates for grant of employment visa to low level foreign technicians to be engaged by EOUs as per Ministry of Home Affairs letter No. 25022 / 7 / 99- F.1 dated 20.9.1999;

(14) ¹[Registration-cum  Membership Certificate: “Function as a Registering authority for EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park unit. A separate Registration - cum - Membership Certificate shall not be required in their cases as provided for in Paragraph 2.55 of FTP.”]

^old [Registration - cum - Membership Certificate Function as a Registering authority for EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park unit. A separate Registration – cum – Membership  Certificate shall not be required in their cases as provided for in Paragraph 2.44 of FTP except in case of spices. In case of  spices, it would be mandatory for units to get themselves registered with Spices Board also;]

(15) Importer Exporter Code No. Allot Importer - Exporter Code number  for EOUs, if same has already not been allotted to entity; 

(16) Green Card Issue of  Green Card automatically after execution of LUT Legal Undertaking;

(17) Grant / renewal of Status Certificate in respect of EOUs provided it does not involve clubbing of FOB value of exports of its parent company in DTA;

(18) Publicity of EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park Scheme under their jurisdiction.

BOA Board of Approval may consider change of location of EOU / EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park unit from place mentioned in LoP to another and / or to include additional location outside territorial jurisdiction of original DC Development Commissioner / Designated Officer, subject to such conditions as BOA Board of Approval may decide.

Clearance of capital goods, including second hand, in DTA shall be allowed as per para 6.15(b) of FTP and import  policy in force on date of such clearance

Depreciation up to 100% is permissible for Computers and Computer peripherals in 5 years and 10 years in case of other items.

(a) Depreciation Norms for Computers and Computer Peripherals:

Depreciation for computers and computer peripherals shall be as follows:

10% for every quarter in first year;
8% for every quarter in second year; 
5% for every quarter in third year;
1% for every quarter in fourth and fifth year.

(b) Depreciation Norms for Other Capital Goods:
For capital goods, other than above, depreciation rate would be as follows:

4% for every quarter in first year;
3% for every quarter in second and third year;
2.5% for every quarter in fourth and fifth year;
2% for every quarter thereafter.

(a) Existing DTA units, may also apply for conversion into an EOU /EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park unit, but no concession in duties and taxes would be available under scheme for plant, machinery and equipment already installed. For this purpose, DTA unit may apply to DC Development Commissioner / Designated Officer concerned in same manner as applicable to new units. In case there is an outstanding export commitment under EPCG scheme / Advance Authorization Scheme, it will follow the procedure laid down in Appendix 6M of Appendices & ANFs.

(b) Existing EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park units may also apply for conversion / merger to EOU unit and vice-versa. In such cases, units will continue to avail permissible exemption in duties and taxes as applicable under relevant scheme. EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park units desiring conversion as an EOU may apply to DC Development Commissioner concerned through Officer designated by DeitY Department of Electronics and Information Technology / DoBT Department of Bio-Technology in same manner as applicable to new units. Likewise, EOU desiring conversion into EHTP Electronic Hardware Technology Park / STP / BTP Biotechnology Park may apply to officer designated by DeitY Department of Electronics and Information Technology / DoBT Department of Bio-Technology through DC Development Commissioner concerned.

(c) An EOU may be shifted to SEZ with approval of DC Development Commissioner provided EOU has achieved pro-rata obligation under EOU scheme.

Subject to a unit being declared sick by appropriate authority, proposals for revival of unit or its take over may be considered by BOA Board of Approval. Guidelines on revival of sick units are given in Appendix 6L of Appendices & ANFs.

(a) Eligibility:

EOUs having a status holder certificate under FTP shall be eligible for Fast Track Clearance Procedure.

(b) Examination of Import  Cargo:

Status holder units shall be exempted from examination of import  cargo at port of import. However, jurisdictional Commissioner of Customs may examine consignments at unit’s place on random basis.

(c) Deleted

(d) Installation of Fax Machine / Computers:

Eligible EOUs may install one fax machine and two computers in their administrative / registered office outside premises of the unit under prior intimation to jurisdictional Asstt. / Deputy Commissioner of Customs .

(e) Procurement of DG sets:

Procurement of DG set of capacity commensurate with actual requirement of unit shall be permitted under intimation to DC Development Commissioner and jurisdictional Customs authority.

(f) Temporary removal of Capital Goods:

Eligible EOU may remove their capital goods or parts thereof for repairs under prior intimation to jurisdictional Asst. / Deputy Commissioner of Customs or Central Excise.

(g) Personal carriage of samples:

Personal carriage of samples of Gems & Jewellery by status holder EOUs are allowed subject to limit fixed in Paragraph 6.24 without a need for prior permission from DC Development Commissioner / Customs.

(h) Activities which do not require permission:

In respect of following activities of a status holder, permission will not be required from DC Development Commissioner or jurisdictional Central Excise/Customs authority:
DTA sale of finished products in terms of Paragraph 6.08(a) of FTP; Participation in exhibition and Personal carriage of Gems & Jewellery for export promotion tours subject to fulfilment of conditions of Paragraph 6.24 of HBP. However, prior intimation thereof needs to be given.

DC Development Commissioner shall dispose of applications expeditiously. Following time schedule  shall normally be followed to dispose of applications provided application is complete in all respects and is accompanied with prescribed documents
 

S.NO	Category of Application	Time limit for disposal (days)
1	Issue of LoP / LoI	15
2	Conversion of LoP / LoI	15
3	Acceptance of LUT Legal Undertaking	3
4	Renewal of LUT Legal Undertaking	3
5	Permission for broad banding / Diversification	3
6	Permission for change in locations	7
7	Permission for Advance DTA sale	2
8	Permission for merger of units	7
9	Permission for enhancement of production capacity	3
10	Cancellation of LoP	3
11	Permission for debonding / exit	7
12	Permission for DTA sale	2
13	Eligibility certificate for employment visa for lower level technicians	2
14	Issue of Green Card	2
15	Renewal of Green Card Same day	Same day
16	Permission to lease CG	1
17	Permission for disposal of scrap / waste	2
18	Permission for change in name	2
19	Inter Unit Transfer	2
20	Wastage Norms, ad-hoc	2
21	Permission for re-import	Same day
22	Permission for re-export	Same day
23	Permission for replacement / repair of goods	Same day
24	Allotment of I.E. Code	1
25	Authorization of softex form	1
26	Reimbursement of CST claims	7
27	Issue of GSP Certificate	Same day
28	Permission for conversion of EOU to STPI Software Technology Park of India, EPCG	5
29	Permission of final exit of EOU	5
30	Permission of extension of EOU	5
31	Permission to allow increase in value of CG	2
32	Permission for export  through exhibition / tour	2
33	Reimbursement of Duty Drawback / TED Terminal Excise Duty	7

1. Substituted Vide: Public Notice No.27/2015-2020 dt. 26-08-2019

2. Substituted Vide: Public Notice No.45/2015-2020 dt. 26-11-2019

3.Inserted Vide: Public Notice No.67/2015-2020 dt. 31-03-2020