State Government of Tamil Nadu exempts certain activities, services from COVID-19 lockdown
The Revenue and Disaster Management Department of Tamil Nadu in its order dated 23rd April 2020 has decided to relax the restrictions for certain activities and services within the state.
The government exempts shops of educational books, movement of Indian seafarers at Indian ports from lockdown restriction
The Ministry of home affairs in its order dated 21st April 2020 has extended relaxation to several agricultural and commercial industries from the lockdown restrictions.
Ministry of Commerce and Industry reviews FDI policy to curb takeovers/acquisitions of Indian companies due to COVID-19
All FDI proposals from countries sharing border with India under the government approval route. Companies whose beneficial ownership is vested in such countries will also have to undergo government scrutiny for any change in foreign holding.
Ministry of Shipping notifies the Deendayal Port Trust (Licensing of Stevedoring and Shore Handling) Regulations, 2019
The Ministry of Shipping on 19th march 2020 has published the Deendayal Port Trust (Licensing of Stevedoring and Shore Handling) Regulations, 2019 in supersession of the Deendayal Port Trust (Licensing of Stevedores) Regulations, 2010.
CBIC issues clarification on clearance of goods under India’s Trade Agreements without original Certificate of Origin
The import consignments for which preferential treatment of goods under a Free Trade Agreement has been claimed but the original hard copy of certificate of origin (CoO) has not been submitted or only digitally signed copy or unsigned copy of CoO is submitted, may be assessed and cleared.
FSSAI further extends the provision of Provisional NOC
FSSAI vide notification dated 16th April,2020 has extended the Provision of Provisional NOC for other imported food products in view of the extension of lockdown due to COVID 19.
Amendment in Export Policy of formulations made from Paracetamol (including FDC’s)
The Director General of Foreign trade vide notification dated 17th April, 2020 has amended Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020 to revise the export policy of Paracetamol from restricted to free.
Department of Commerce eases lockdown hardships of exporters through a number of relaxations / extensions
Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry has vide a no. of notifications, has introduced several relaxations and extensions in with regard to compliances and deadlines mandated under its Regulations and directions.
DGFT extends the validity of Foreign Trade Policy till 31st March 2021.
Directorate General of Foreign Trade in its Notification dated 31st March, 2020 has decided to continue relief under various export promotion schemes by granting extension of the existing Foreign Trade Policy by another one year i.e. up to 31st March, 2021 due to unprecedented current situation arising out of the pandemic Novel COVID-19.
CBIC Issues measures to facilitate Trade during the lockdown period.
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs in its Circular dated 3rd April 2020 has taken measures for a temporary period under section 143AA of the Customs Act, 1962 to expedite Customs clearance of goods and to maintain balance between Customs control and facilitation of legitimate trade.
