Foreign Trade Policy: Chapter-3
Foreign Trade Policy: Chapter-3
Foreign Trade Policy: Chapter-3
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Honble Minister for Commerce and Industry, Shri Anand Sharma chairing the Second Meeting of the reconstituted Board of Trade, in New Delhi on November 25, 2010. The Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia and the Commerce Secretary, Shri Rahul Khullar are also seen.
additional duty credit scrip to status holders. Thereafter, as promised in FTP, to continue regular interaction with stakeholders to maintain a close watch on the performance of the policy in the field, a number of interactions were held with members of Board of Trade, Open Houses with exporters and sectoral reviews with EPCs. Constant dialogues were held with all key stakeholders in industry and the exporting community for sectoral assessment of exports at regular intervals. The first review was undertaken in December 2009 and thereafter in February 2010, which demonstrated that some sectors were still facing difficulties. Need-based additional support measures were announced in January, 2010, March, 2010 and on 11th February, 2011 for certain product groups / products.
The recovery has been fragile and economies around the world are still emerging out of the shadows of a grim recessionary period. The IMF projections indicate that the world economy is recovering at varying speeds for different regions. Though, there had been marginal improvement in some of the developed economies like US, UK, Germany, France, Japan etc., the nervousness continued in the markets about the fiscal situation and sovereign indebtedness in several high income countries of Europe. In this setting, it was expected that the developed countries would aim at economic recovery through consolidation and export led growth, which would pose a challenge to Indian exporters in accessing overseas markets for their products. The uncertainty surrounding Indian exporters prospects, therefore, continued to linger.
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Though the exports growth moved towards the positive trajectory from October, 2009 onwards, our exports were not yet out of the woods. Under this global situation of slow recovery, it was necessitated to take stock of the situation so as to make mid course corrections. Accordingly, sectoral reviews were continued in the current financial year 2010-11, and the first such review for 2010-11 was undertaken in July 2010. It was observed that despite the measures announced in the FTP and additional support extended in January and March, 2010, some sectors continued to face difficulties. It was also realized that there was a shroud of uncertainty continuing over the fragile nature of global economic recovery. Even as global economic rebalancing had been proceeding apace, it was not going to be an easy patch for Indian exporters. In view of resource constraints, it was not simply possible to sustain support to
The Commerce Secretary, Dr. Rahul Khullar briefing the press after releasing the Strategy Paper for the growth of Auto and Auto Component Exports: 2010-2014, in New Delhi on April 28, 2010.
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Box 3.1 Trade Policy Measures taken under Foreign Trade Policy 2009-14 and thereafter
A. Market and product diversification and expansion of markets: I. Measures undertaken in FTP 2009-14, January / March, 2010 and in Annual Supplement, 2010-11:
27 new markets added under Focus Market Scheme (FMS) with incentive of duty credit scrip @
3% of exports. Market Linked Focus Product Scheme (MLFPS) with incentive of duty credit scrip @ 2%, has been significantly broadened by inclusion of a large number of products linked to their markets. Full Africa, Latin America and large part of Oceania covered under FMS & MLFPS (13 countries added in MLFPS at the time of release of FTP, 2009-14 in August, 2009 and 2 countries added in January, 2010). The incentive available under FMS has been raised from 2.5% to 3%; and for Focus Product Scheme (FPS) & MLFPS from 1.25% to 2%; and Special Focus Products Scheme @ 5%.
Additional benefit of 2% bonus, over and above the existing benefits of 5% / 2% under FPS,
allowed for about 135 existing products, which had suffered due to recession in exports. Major sectors include all Handicrafts items, Silk Carpets, Toys and Sports Goods (all of which were earlier eligible for 5% benefits), Leather Products and Leather Footwear, Handloom Products and some of the Engineering Items including Bicycle parts and Grinding Media Balls (all of which were earlier eligible for 2% benefit). 256 new products added under FPS (at 8 digit level), which became entitled for benefits @ 2% of FOB value of exports to all markets. Major Sectors / Product Groups covered are Engineering, Electronics, Rubber & Rubber Products, Other Oil Meals, Finished Leather, Packaged Coconut Water and Coconut Shell worked items. Instant Tea and CSNL Cardinol included for benefits under Vishesh Krishi and Gram Udyog Yojana (VKGUY) @ 5% of FOB value of exports.
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Nearly 300 products (at 8 digit level) from the readymade garment sector incentivised under
MLFPS for further 6 months from October, 2010 to March, 2011 for exports to 27 EU countries. II. Additional measures announced on 11th February, 2011:
Under Market Linked Focus Product Scheme (MLFPS):-
1.
2.
335 New Products incentivised under MLFPS at 8 digit level, eligible for benefits @ 2% of FOB value of exports to 15 specified markets like Agricultural Tractors of more than 1800 cc, all inorganic chemicals and inorganic / organic compounds of metals, Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers and Narrow Woven Fabrics; 71 new products of Chapter 63 (Textile Made ups) at 8 digit level for exports to EU (27 Countries).
1. 147 products incentivised for Bonus Benefits (additional 2%) under FPS at 8 digit level, henceforth eligible for benefits @ 4% or 7% of FOB value of exports to all markets. These includes Engineering items, Electronic items, Stationery items, Handmade carpets and other Floor Coverings under Chapter 57 (7%); 2. 57 New products incentivised under FPS at 8 digit level, eligible for benefits @ 2% of FOB value of exports to all markets. These include products from Sectors viz. Engineering, Chemical, paper products etc. Under Special Focus Products Scheme (SFPS), Egg powder included for benefit @ 5% of FOB value of exports. Under Vishesh Krishi and Gram Udyog Yojana (VKGUY), 6 New products (Castor Oil Meal Defatted Variety and Instant Coffee) incentivised under VKGUY at 8 digit level, eligible for benefits @ 5% of FOB value of exports to all markets. B. Support for Technological up-gradation
Zero duty Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) scheme and Status Holder Incentive Scrip
(SHIS) scheme introduced in 2009 for limited sectors and valid for only 2 years initially, extended by one more year till 31.3.2012 and the benefit of the scheme expanded to additional sectors.
3 Additional Towns of Export Excellence (TEEs) announced, bringing the list upto 24.
of exports namely handloom, handicrafts, carpet, SMEs and a few products from the sectors namely engineering, textiles, leather and jute. Interest rates on export credit in foreign currency reduced to LIBOR + 200 basis points in February 2010 from the earlier LIBOR+350 basis points. D. EOUs / STPIs:
Section 10A and 10B (Sunset clauses for STPI and EOU schemes respectively), extended for the
financial year 2010-2011. Anomaly removed in Section 10AA relating to taxation benefit of unit vis--vis assessee.
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Served From India Scheme (SFIS) from 5% to 10% of foreign exchange earnings. F. Others:
Duty Entitlement Passbook (DEPB) scheme extended beyond 31.12.2010 till 30.06.2011. Time period of export realization for non-status holder exporters increased to 12 months, at par
with the Status holders. This facility has been extended upto 31.3.2011.
Advance Authorization for Annual Requirement now exempted from payment of Anti-dumping
& Safeguard duty. The Scheme has been made more flexible for import of required inputs.
Value limit on duty free import of commercial samples enhanced from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 3 lakh
per annum.
DEPB and Freely Transferable Incentive Schemes provisionally allowed without awaiting receipt
about the quality of Indian pharma products to prospective importers, requirement of affixing bar codes has been made mandatory w.e.f. 01.07.11.
A new facility of Input combination for pharma products manufactured trough Non-Infringing
process, allowing actual quantum of duty free inputs required for manufacturing such export product, has been introduced. This will facilitate pharma manufacturers to work towards getting a major share of exports of such products to potential regulated markets such as US or EU.
Facilitation of Trade through various Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) initiatives taken on online
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The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Anand Sharma releasing the Foreign Trade Policy, in New Delhi on August 23, 2010. The Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, and the Commerce Secretary, Shri Rahul Khullar are also seen.
Government followed a mix of policy measures including fiscal incentives, institutional changes, procedural rationalization, enhanced market access across the world and diversification of export markets. Improvement in infrastructure related to exports; bringing down transaction costs, and providing full refund of all indirect taxes and levies, became the three pillars, which would support to achieve the objectives of exports.
used or the duty component on inputs used. There are two categories of these schemes namely, preexport schemes and the post-export schemes. Brief of these schemes alongwith the amendments carried out during the current year are given below.
Scheme-wise details
Duty neutralization / remission schemes are based on the principle and the commitment of the Government that Goods and Services are to be exported and not the Taxes and Levies. Purpose is to allow duty free import / procurement of inputs or to allow replenishment either for the inputs
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In its endeavour to keep upto the commitment on the underlying principle that goods and services should be exported and not the taxes and levies, imports under Advance Authorization for Annual Requirement has been also exempted from payment of Anti-dumping & Safeguard duty. Exporters shall now have the flexibility to Club Advance authorisation with Advance Authorisation for Annual Requirement for the purpose of account closure. Adhoc Norms ratified under Advance Authorisation scheme shall henceforth apply to all cases for the same export product upto one year not only prospectively but also retrospectively. Chartered Engineer Certificate for Advance Authorisation on self declared basis, has been dispensed with. This will reduce documentation and the transaction cost. Value addition norms requirement for petroleum products have been reduced to 8% from the earlier 15%, as per actuals.
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Vishesh Krishi And Gram Udyog Yojana (Special Agriculture And Village Industry Scheme) [VKGUY]
Keeping in view the objective of Foreign Trade Policy 2009-14 to promote employment generation in rural and semi urban areas, Vishesh Krishi And Gram Udyog Yojana has been expanded to include export of Agricultural Produce and their value added products; Minor Forest Produce and their value added variants; Gram Udyog Products; and Other Products, as notified from time to time. Duty Credit Scrip benefits are granted with an aim to compensate high transport costs, and to offset other disadvantages. Exporters, of products notified in Appendix 37A of Hand Book of Procedures Vol.1, shall be entitled for Duty Credit Scrip equivalent to 5% of FOB value of exports (in free foreign exchange) for exports made from 27.8.2009 onwards. However, reduced rate of 3% is applicable in such cases where exporter has also availed benefits of Drawback, at rates higher than 1%; or Specific DEPB rate (i.e. other than Miscellaneous Category Sr.Nos. 22D & 22C of Product Group 90); or Advance Authorization or Duty Free Import Authorization for import of inputs (other than
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(excluding finished leather); Textiles and Jute Sector; Handicrafts; Engineering Sector (excluding Iron & Steel, Non-ferrous Metals in primary or intermediate forms, Automobiles & two wheelers, nuclear reactors & parts and Ships, Boats and Floating Structures); Plastics; and Basic Chemicals (excluding Pharma Products), and expanded for exports in 2010-11 and 2011-12 of additional sectors listed in para 3.10.8 of Hand Book of Procedures vol.1, in the form of duty credit [subject to prescribed exclusions as specified in Policy] for procurement of capital goods for technology upgradation, with actual user condition. This shall be over and above any duty credit scrip claimed/ availed under Chapter-3 of FTP. This facility is available upto 31st March, 2012. (iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vii)
(ii)
(viii)
(ix) (x)
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(xvi)
(xii)
(xiii)
manufactured/service applicant.
rendered
by
of other goods manufactured or services provided by the same firm/ company/ group companies.
Exports shall be physical exports. Certain
(xiv)
shall be over and above, the average level of exports achieved by the EPCG authorization holder in the preceding three licensing years for the same and similar products within the overall export obligation period including extended period, other than the
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categories exempted for this purpose.
No average EO condition for certain sectors
like handicraft, handlooms, cottage, tiny sector, agriculture, aqua-culture, animal husbandry, floriculture, horticulture, pisciculture, poultry and sericulture.
Extension in EO period may be granted
for a period of 2 years + 2 years subject to certain conditions specified in Para 5.11 of HBP.
For BIFR units, EO period may be extended
as per BIFR package or 12 years, if not specified by BIFR. Import of Capital Goods shall be subject to Actual User Condition till EO is completed. Capital Goods imported (excepting tools) for manufacturing of export products relating to handicraft, handlooms, cottage, tiny sector, agriculture, aqua-culture, animal husbandry, floriculture, horticulture, pisciculture, poultry and sericulture are not transferable for a period of five years from date of import even if EO is fulfilled. However, transfer of capital goods is allowed within group companies within five years from the date of import after fulfillment of EO under intimation to RA and jurisdictional Central Excise Authority.
This Unit
Appendix carried constitution of Unit Approval Committee for SEZs. separately notified by DOC.
In Appendix ANF 8, a format of disclaimer
by Development Commissioners and Commissioners of Customs/Central Excise. With the constitution of Unit Approval Committee for EOUs as well, joint monitoring of EOUs will be done.
Members have the option to depute a
Deemed Exports
Para 8.3.1(i) of the HBP amended to read as An application in ANF 8 along with prescribed documents, shall be made by Registered office or
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Link on DGFTs website for e-RCMC project has been provided on DGFTs server and transmission of RCMC data by EPCs has started in August, 2010.
Two additional Certifying Authorities i.e. M/s. 3 i Infotech Consumer Services Ltd (Brand Name eMundhra) and M/s. TCS Ltd have been permitted to issue Digital Signature Certificates to the users of DGFT system. M/s. 3 i Infotech Consumer Services Ltd has since signed MOU to initiate this activity. Indian Bank has also been included for Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) facility for DGFT users. An offline data entry module has been provided for Advance Authorization and EPCG applications in August, 2010 to provide flexibility in filing applications by exporters, and reducing online server time which would improve efficiency and reduce cost.
EDI Initiatives
DEPB Scheme is completely online. The message exchange between DGFT and Customs for Advance Authorization and EPCG licenses has been implemented for all EDI Ports. Modalities for message exchange for Chapter 3 schemes and variants of Advance Authorization i.e. Annual Advance Authorization & DFIA discussed with Customs. Exchange Formats have been frozen. Software for Chapter 3 Schemes is being finalized at NIC-Customs end. Test messages for Annual Advance Authorization (AAA) and Duty Free
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as per provision of the para 2.49 of FTP 20092014 and para 9.9 of the Handbook of Procedures Volume-I. These committees can be approached for redressal of the grievances of Trade & Industry. Besides these committees, a Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC) headed by the Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce has also been set up to facilitate speedy redressal of grievances of trade and industry particularly to exporters and importers. The Exporters may send their grievance to the Committee in Electronic form, besides all other normal mode. Representations to the Committee can be forwarded by post addressed to the Chairman of the Committee. The application of the aggrieved party must contain the name of
Box: 3.2 Amendments/ Changes made in item-wise import policy during the year 2010 11 (after 10.2.2010)
Import policy of worn clothing and other worn articles amended to withdraw the exemption allowed to units in Special Economic Zones to sell worn clothings in the Domestic Tariff Area. (Notification No. 43, dated 19.5.2010) Import of radial tyres (Code : 4011 20 10) and articles of iron and steel (Code : 7326 90 99) made free. (Notification No. 47, dated 26.5.2010 and Notification No. 52 dated 8.7.2010)
Import of Multichannel GSM/CDMA receivers, transmitters and transreceivers capable of receiving or transmitting or both in two or more frequencies simultaneously made restricted. (Notification No. 53, dated 15.7.2010) Import of Fish Body Oil made restricted instead of prohibited. (Notification No. 8, dated 8.10.2010) The prohibition on import of milk and milk products from China extended for a period of one year with effect from 24.12.2010. (Notification No. 16, dated 3.1.2011)
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Annual Report 2010-11 Box: 3. 3 Commodity Specific Measures Exports The policy provisions as on 26.11.2010 are as under:(i) Edible oil
Export of edible oils prohibited w.e.f. 17.3.08. Vide Notification No. 7 dated 30.09.2010, ban on export of Edible Oil has been extended up to
30.9.2011.
With effect from 20th November, 2008, export of edible oils was permitted in branded consumer
packs of up to 5kgs. subject to a limit of 10,000 tons during the period from 20.11.2008 to 30.9.2010 from Customs EDI Ports which was further extended for export during the period from 1.11.2009 to 31.10.2010 with a fresh limit of 10,000 tons. The same dispensation has been further extended till 31.10.2011 vide Notification No. 9(RE-2010)/2009-14 dated 01.11.2010.
(ii)
Rice
Export of non-basmati rice was initially prohibited vide Notification No. 38 dated 15.10.2007
and was completely prohibited vide Notification No. 93 dated 1st April, 2008. However, export of PUSA-1121 variety of non-basmati rice was allowed w.e.f. 3.9.08. With effect from 5th November, 2008, PUSA-1121 variety of non-basmati rice was categorized as Basmati rice and it became exportable as basmati rice subject to applicable Minimum Export Price (MEP) and other conditions.
MEP for export of Basmati rice was reduced from US$ 1100 PMT to US $ 900 per ton or Rs.
(iii)
Pulses
Vide notification No. 15 (RE-2006)/2004-2009 dated 27th June, 2006 export of pulses had been
prohibited initially for a period of six months but extended till 31.3.2007 vide Notification No. 17 dated 3.7.2006.
Export of pulses except Kabuli Chana is prohibited till 31.3.2011 (Vide Notification No.35 dated
30.03.2010)
(iv)
Wheat
Export of wheat and wheat products was prohibited vide Notification No. 33 dated 8th October,
2007.
Vide Notification No. 116 dated 3.7.2009 export of Wheat Flour (Maida), Semolina (Rava/Sirgi),
Wholemeal Atta and resultant tta has been permitted freely subject to a limit of 6,50,000 MTs upto 31st March, 2010; export is allowed only from Customs EDI Ports. This permission has been extended upto 31.3.2011 vide Notification No. 41 dated 18.05.2010.
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Vide Notification No. 38 dated 9.4.2010 contracts for exports of cotton yarn was subjected to
contracts for 720 million Kgs of cotton yarn, further registration of contracts was suspended by them. Thereafter, it was decided to place the export of cotton yarn on Restricted list and for the present only 720 million Kgs would be allowed for export during the year 2010-11(i.e. upto 31.03.2010).
Accordingly, DGFT issued Notification No. 14 dated 22.12.2010 restricting the export of Cotton
Yarn (Tariff code 5205, 5206 & 5207). Modalities for filing of applications and grant of licence by DGFT are under finalization and the same will be issued once the firm data of export of cotton yarn w.e.f. 01.04.2010 to 30.11.2010 are finalized.
(vi)
Cotton
Vide Notification No.44 dated 21.5.2010 export of raw cotton of all types has been restricted.
Vide Notification No. 46/2009-14 dated 24.5.2010, it was notified that the transitional arrangements under para 1.5 of Foreign Trade Policy shall not be allowed. However, keeping in view the relations with the neighbouring countries, export of raw cotton only to Bangladesh and Pakistan was allowed initially against the registered but un shipped contracts with the Textile Commissioner prior to imposition of restriction.
Export of raw cotton to other countries was allowed for approximately 5 lakh bales of registered
but unshipped quantity against the contracts revalidated by the Textile Commissioner.
Vide Notification No. 58 dated 17.8.2010 export of raw cotton of all types (Tariff Codes 5201,
5202 & 5203) was allowed to be freely exportable w.e.f. 01.10.2010 subject to registration of contracts with Textile Commissioner, which has subsequently been modified to allow free exports w.e.f. 01.11.2010 vide Notification No. 6 dated 30.9.2010.
The office of Textile Commissioner, Mumbai had registered export contract for 55 lakh bales and
therefore further registration was stopped. Textiles Commissioner had allowed exports of raw cotton on the basis of EARC till 15.12.2010 ( 45 days period given by the Textile Commissioner to the exporters for effecting exports).
It was decided that the export contracts for cotton will now be registered by the DGFT instead
of Textile Commissioner. Accordingly, Notification No. 12 dated 16.12.2010 has been issued through which DGFT will be the registering authority for export of cotton (Tariff code 5201, 5202 & 5203).
The Task Force had a broad based composition with representatives of FICCI, FIEO & CII in addition to Government officials. The Task Force chose to adopt a quantitative approach so that important issues and initiatives could be objectively prioritized.
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Special Focus Products: 1 product (Egg powder) under Special Focus Product at 8 digit level eligible for benefits @ 5% of FOB value of exports to all markets.
Procedural Simplifications
The report of the Task Force on transaction costs has been released by Honble Finance Minister on the 8th February 2011. Action on 23 issues by different line ministries is likely to reduce transaction cost to the tune of Rs. 2100 crores in perpetuity. In order to make filing and issuance of IE Code hassle free with minimum human interface between the applicant and the Regional Offices, an additional facility of filing on-line application for obtaining IEC introduced. The scope of Advance authorization for Annual Requirement enlarged to allow a maximum of five authorizations in a licensing year (instead of only one at present) for the product(s) falling within the same product group. Technical characteristics / quality etc of certain specified items of imports shall be required to be declared at the time of clearance of import consignment and not at the time of filing application (current stipulation) for annual advance authorization to Regional authority. By this facility, the exporter shall have the flexibility to import the relevant inputs, without the need to approach the Regional authority of DGFT to amend the authorization for clearance of such consignment. The period to fulfill the export obligation under advance authorization scheme 36 months from the date of issuance of the authorization. However this period is shorter for products being manufactured from certain duty free imported inputs, which are sensitive from domestic angle. In such cases, the period for fulfillment of export obligation is presently counted from the date of clearance of first import consignment even when a number of consignments have been cleared in different dates. Henceforth, with a view to provide greater flexibility, Export obligation period in such shorter EO period cases of advance authorizations shall be counted from the date of clearance of each consignment and not the first consignment. This will allow a more reasonable time period for EO fulfillment to exporters. Improving Quality and deepening market access Initiatives for pharma sector are as under: Exporters of pharmaceutical products will be required to affix barcodes on their export products, with effect from 1st July 2011, as per GS 1 global standards, to facilitate tracing and tracking of their products. This will provide assurance about the quality of Indian pharma products to prospective importers. We are providing a new facility of Input combination for pharma products manufactured through NonInfringing process, allowing actual quantum of duty free inputs required for manufacturing such export product. This will facilitate our pharma manufacturers to work towards getting a major share of exports of such products to potential regulated markets such as US or EU.
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Table: 3.1 Number and Value Of Various Categories of Authorisations Issued During April-December, 2009 And Its Comparison With Authorisations Issued During April-December, 2010
2009-2010 APRIL 2009 to DEC 2009
Category
Advance Authorisation Advance Authorisation for Annual Requirements DEPB-Post Export DFRC for Deemed Export Served from India scheme DFCE for Status Holder Duty Free Import Authorisation (DFIA) Duty Free Replenishment Certificate Import licence for negative list of import items Target Plus Scheme Focus Market Scheme Focus Product Scheme Vishesh Krishi and Gram Udyog Yojana Status Holder Incentive Scrip EPCG Concessional Duty 03% Zero duty EPCG Scheme Gem & Jewellery
Number Share to CIF / Duty FOB (Rs Number Share to CIF / FOB (Rs Number CIF / FOB (Rs the total credit (Rs Crore) the total Duty Crore) Duty Crore) number Crore) number credit credit (Rs (Rs Crore) Crore) 13438 9.1% 52922 100721 14560 8.7% 169788 212036 8.3% 220.8% 110.5% 60 0.0% 1953 2212 81 0.0% 32388 36818 35.0% 1558.2% 1564.8%
0.4%
13.1%
20.4%
32 1243
0.0% 0.8%
315 13434
395 0
31 768
0.0%
213
268 0
0.5% 10591
74
13
8880 74373
7478 72664
5.9% -15.8%
-2.3%
1382 35
0.9% 0.0%
1561 8
9774 86
4476 48
2.7% 0.0%
6997 41293 7 62
TOTAL
148239
100%
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