Page 47 - GSTL_14th May 2020_Vol 36_Part 2

2020 ] RELAXATIONS/EXTENSIONS OF COMPLIANCE DEADLINES ANNOUNCED J47
sue the digitally signed certificates to the exporters on this
platform as also keep a uniform fee for certificates even if
they are issued retrospectively. The platform issues digitally
signed certificates and we have been successful in getting the
trading partners to accept these digitally signed certificates.
This would ensure that our preferential exports are facilitated
even during this lockdown period.
(ii) Most of the exporters to the European Union (EU) avail of the
EU Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) Scheme wherein
they get tariff preferences on exports. While the EU GSP is on
a self-certification basis, the exporters have to apply to the
prescribed agencies in India for getting a REX (registered ex-
porter) number. In view of the closure of the offices of these
agencies, Trade Notice 61, dated 2-4-2020 has prescribed the
acceptance of scanned documents for getting the REX num-
ber so that the exporter has no physical interface with the
agencies. This would ensure that exporters to EU under the
EU GSP who have not got the REX number can apply elec-
tronically to the agencies (also known as Local Administra-
tors for registration).
(J) Facilitation by the Directorate General Trade Remedies (DGTR)
Submission of documents in the Trade remedies investigation pro-
cess has been done online or through digital transmission without
having to submit physical copies. This has been enabled for both
new investigations and ongoing investigations. Also the hearings
and consultations are being carried out through Video conferencing.
Further, the DGFT has issued Public Notices to provide relaxations
to the Exporters as under :
Export obligation time limit extended : The DGFT vide Public
Notice No. 1/2015-20, dated April 7, 2020, which further extends
the time-limit to receive the requests in RAs for block-wise exten-
sion and further extends the export obligation period and submis-
sion of installation certificate up to March 31, 2021. However the
additional composition fees of ` 5,000/- is not required to pay.
Scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Prod-
ucts : The DGFT vide Trade Notice No. 3/2020-21, dated April 15,
2020, with the approval of the RoDTEP scheme by Cabinet on 13th
March, 2020, to replace the ongoing MEIS scheme as publicized
vide PIB Press Note dated 13th March, 2020, this Directorate had
been receiving queries from the members of the trade, as to in
what manner benefits under MEIS will be available under the FTP
beyond 31-3-2020, the then envisaged end date of the FTP 2015-20,
which has since been extended till 31-3-2021.
It is further, clarified that without prejudice and subject to changes
that may be deemed necessary in public interest from time to
time, that :
(a) Benefits under MEIS for any item/tariff line/HS
Code currently listed in Appendix-3B, Table 2 (MEIS
Schedule) will be available only up to 31-12-2020.
GST LAW TIMES  14th May 2020  47