EXPORT/IMPORT INDUSTRY NOTIFICATIONS - CORONAVIRUS UPDATES
RBI GOVERNOR | Major announcement amid Coronavirus impact on the economy
27 Mar 2020
RBI Governor Press Conference Highlights:
- Repo rate reduced by 75 basis points to 4.4%
- Rev repo reduced by 90 basis points to 4%
- GDP growth for Q4 19-20 and FY 20-21 to be affected
- Aggregate demand may weaken
- Future outlook uncertain and negative
- CRR reduced by 100 basis points to 3% for 1 year to release 1.37 lakh crores
- Min daily CRR balance reduced from 90% - 80% till 30/06/2020
- 3.74 lakh crore liquidity injected
- 3 month moratorium on payment of instalments of Term Loan outstanding
- Interest on WC facilities to be deferred by 3 months
- Such deferment not to be considered for NPA
- Revised DP calculations by reassessing WC cycle
- All measures not to effect credit history
- Total liquidity injection 3.4% of GDP
GOVT. OF INDIA| Major announcement for the poorer section of India
26 Mar 2020
Takeaways from Finance Minister press conference, 3 months in focus
- Finance Minister announced a stimulus package of ₹1.7 lac crores, a mix of cash transfer and food security to help migrant, Urban and rural poor.
- Insurance cover of ₹50 lac per person to health/sanitization people working tirelessly to fight the virus.
- Extra 5kg rice/wheat per person every month at no price along with 1kg pulses per household for the next 3 months.
- PM Kisan – front loading the instalment to 86.9 mn farmers of ₹2000 quarterly payment.
- MNREGA – Wage increased to ₹202 per day from ₹182 per day benefit to 50 mn workers.
- Old age, Widows/ Divyang – ₹1000 per months for three months in two instalments, 30 mn people would benefit.
- Jan Dhan Yojana - 200 mn women to get ₹500 per month for the next 3 months.
- Ujjwala - Free LPG cylinder to 80 mn women for the next 3 months.
- Women Self help group - 6.3 mn to get ₹2 mn instead of ₹1mn as collateral-free loan.
- EPFO - 24% contribution from govt. For <100 employees cos with 90% earning salary < ₹15,000 per month allow withdrawal from PF account on a non-refundable basis.
- Construction workers - 35 mn registered workers, ₹310 bn to be utilized.
- District Mineral fund - request States to use this fund for health welfare.
- While some benefits are part of current schemes, 3 months means preparing for a long battle.
Focus on social support and consumption in current measures
CMA CGM | MMD3 E-SB FACILITY- Shipping Bill / TR copy Submission
26 Mar 2020
The CMA CGM announces that due to the lockdown in effect to the COVID 19 pandemic, movement is restricted and the courier services are hampered due to which providing a hard copy of the invoice for Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Hazira, PIPAVAV loadings is almost impossible. Hence, they strongly urge their customers to use their MMD3 portal for shipping bill data and uploading documents, etc. They have also mentioned the process one can follow for the same.
SPLASH247 | Indian ports have declared force majeure
26 Mar 2020
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, the major Indian ports including Adani Ports have declared force majeure at its facilities. During this period, the port will not be responsible for any claims, damages, charges, etc. directly or indirectly. It could include vessel demurrages or any other delays. Accordingly, the discharge rate guaranteed under the agreement shall also not be applicable for all vessels to be handled at the port for any delay or disturbance.
APL | OOCL ATLANTA will be delayed by one week and is now expected to arrive Nhava Sheva on 5th April
26 Mar 2020
APL has updated that the vessel OOCL ATLANTA which was supposed to have arrived this week at Nhava Sheva will be delayed by one week and now arrives on 5th April instead due to the COVID 19 situation. They’ve asked people to plan their shipment accordingly.
CMA CGM | Completes a first transaction relating to the sale of eight port terminals to Terminal Link for USD 815 million in cash
26 Mar 2020
The world leader in shipping and logistics, CMA CGM group has closed a deal of Terminal Link joint venture with China Merchants Port (CMP) where 51% is owned by CMA CGM and 49% by CMP. According to this, the company reduce its debt increasing their liquidity. Also, they have managed to strengthen their balance sheet amidst the high uncertainty created by the global Covid-19 health crisis.
COSCO| Request to use Seaway Bill
26 Mar 2020
COSCO shipping lines company have declared that although the country is under lockdown at the moment and movement is restricted across the country due to COVID 19, they are operational and are willing to produce a hard copy of the OBL invoice if the customers need. However, they suggest that the consumers use their online services or opt for Seaway bill.
GOVT. OF INDIA| Amendment in export policy of Ventilators
25 Mar 2020
The Indian Government has banned the export of all forms of ventilators and sanitizers falling under ITCHS code with effect immediately. Artificial respiratory devices, oxygen therapy devices, breathing devices and any form of sanitizers cannot be exported overseas anymore.
CMA CGM | Counters closed across India
25 Mar 2020
A complete lockdown for 21 days in effect to the widespread of COVID 19 across the country, CMA CGM group of companies have closed down all their counters. They have also announced that the cheque and demand drafts will not be accepted until further notice and those that wish to make the payments can do so online by availing their E- payment facilities. Details for the same are available.
GOVT. OF INDIA| Amendment in export policy of Hydroxychloroquine
25 Mar 2020
According to the amendment of the export policy of Hydroxychloroquine, this commodity will not be exported from India to other countries any more. However, it can be exported going forward only if the Ministry of External Affairs approves it on Humanitarian grounds or case-to-case basis. The other conditions are mentioned in the issued notification.
HAPAG LLOYD | Middle East Operations Update
25 Mar 2020
Hapag Lloyd has made an announcement that their counters are open only where the government has been allowing. Also, with regards to the safety of their employees, they are accepting and working on transactions digitally. They have requested everyone to communicate through mails, opt for seaway invoices and conclude transactions like instant quotations, booking or sending a shipping instruction, etc… online until the COVID 19 situation comes under control.
NHAVA SEVA BANDAR KAMAGAR SANGHATANA| Total Lockdown of JNPT for next 14 days from 24th March 2020
25 Mar 2020
As social distancing is the closest remedy for containing the COVID 19 situation, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust has declared a complete lockdown for 14 days to constrain the widespread of this illness.
KOLKATA PORT TRUST| Movement exception to port and other logistic personnel
25 Mar 2020
The shipping and port activities are functioning and transportation is available for movement of essentials like food grains, LPG cylinders, medicines, etc., as an exception. Although all truckers and transport are being halted at various check posts in and around Kolkata and Haldia, since the transportation drivers from the port services are taking necessary measures of safety and carrying ID cards, the stringent police authorities are co-operating with this exception.
SAFMARINE INDIA | Revised guidelines on the Delivery Order (DO) release process pan India
25 Mar 2020
In the wake of COVID-19 outbreak, the Safmarine shipping company has been closely monitoring the situation, ensuring the safety of their employees and working towards mitigating any possible impact towards customers’ operations. Hence, the revised guidelines for the Delivery order (DO) release process has been passed to ensure smooth operations.
MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS | Clarification on the spending of CSR funds for COVID-19
25 Mar 2020
The Ministry of corporate affairs of the Indian Government has declared that the CSR funds will be utilized towards the COVID 19 situation. They have clarified that the funds will be used for healthcare promotion, sanitation and disaster management.
PSA CHENNAI | Notice for all Shipping Lines & Trade Fraternity
25 Mar 2020
PSA Chennai informs their shipping lines and trade fraternities that they will be fully functional as they fall under the essential services category. Also, they promise to take all the precautionary measures to follow health and hygiene guidelines and stay safe while providing their valuable services.
GOVT. OF INDIA| Cabinet approves extension of Rebate in Taxes on Export of Garments and Made-ups
25 Mar 2020
The continuation of Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) from 1 st April 2020 onward for apparel and made-ups. While the scheme guidelines will not change, the rates will be notified by the Ministry of Textiles. This will continue until the RoSCTL is merged with Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP).
HAPAG LLOYD | Message from CEO
25 Mar 2020
Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag Llyod explains how they have taken tremendous measures to keep their communities safe while ensuring the smooth functioning of the business as well. While he requests customers and stakeholders to understand and accept if the service will be delayed, he also urges them to use their online platform to make transactions digitally. He assures that the vessels will keep moving and business will function as usual with utmost precautions taken to contain COVID 19 situation.
APL | Nhava Sheva yard remains closed.
24 Mar 2020
API had earlier closed for Janata curfew and now, they have declared that the CFS / Empty Yards at Nhava Sheva will continue to remain closed indefinitely in the wake of COVID 19 – the Corona Virus until the situation gets better. They further request customers to plan their shipments accordingly.
SAFMARINE INDIA | Announcement regarding expecting a delay in services like the movement of containers, DO issuance and exception handling i.e. Via loadings
24 Mar 2020
According to the latest updates of the Safmarine shipping company, They urge their customers to avail their online services in the wake of a lockdown across the country due to the pandemic situation caused by the COVID 19 – the Corona Virus. However, they will be fully operational and yet claim that there would be a delay in some services like the movement of containers, DO issuance and also exception handling i.e via loadings.
JAWAHARLAL NEHRU PORT TRUST | New reliefs are extended due to current shortage of drivers transporting containers by truck
24 Mar 2020
With the COVID 19 – the Corona Virus situation causing a shortage in drivers and restriction of movements in the cities due to the lockdown, JNPT has offered relief to help with the trade and support port users and end-users. According to this, no dwell time charges will be levied for the containers moved by road, no shifting charges will be imposed for changing mode of transport until 31st March and delivery of DPD containers will be allowed from the terminal after 48 hours also.
JAWAHARLAL NEHRU PORT TRUST| Here is the list of all employees who will attend office during lockdown
24 Mar 2020
With the complete lockdown announced across the country due to severity of the COVID 19 – the Corona Virus pandemic, JNPT’s functionality will be operational but with some re-arrangements. The officers and staffs required for critical functions will continue to go to the office while the rest are requested to stay indoors at their homes and work remotely until 31st March 2020.
MAHARASHTRA POLICE | Appointment of Nodal Officer
24 Mar 2020
To ensure smooth functioning of the port activities at JNPT, Vitthal Damgude, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Port division, has been appointed as the nodal officer. He will also be in charge of ensuring transportation and logistics-related issues and can be reached on his mobile phone.
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING| Transport service for carriage of goods is declared as Essential service
24 Mar 2020
The Indian Government has issued a notice to all districts requesting them to allow movement of trucks, etc… to and from the ports to not hamper the smooth functioning of the port activity; as transport service for carriage of goods by water and any service-connected with loading, unloading, movement or storage of goods in any port are considered as essential services.
Announcement on Compliance & Regulations
24 Mar 2020
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1. Income Tax Related
- Last Date for Income Tax Return of FY 2018-19 extended till 30th June 2020
- Interest rate is 9% for delayed payments for FY 2018-19
- Delayed deposit of TDS will incur an interest rate of 9% instead of 20%
2. Vivaad se Vishswaas scheme, Aadhaar PAN linking & dates for notice filing is extended to 30 June 2020
3. GST-related Relief
- The last date for filing Mar-April-May 2020 GST returns extended to 30 June 2020
- For a company with less than Rs. 5 Crore turnover, no interest, no late fee and no penalty will be charged
- For companies with a turnover of over Rs 5 Crore will be charged with a reduced interest rate of 9%
4. Customs Clearance will operate 24*7 till 30th June 2020
5. Sabka Vishwas scheme for settling disputes in indirect tax regime is extended to 30 June 2020. During this period, people who are paying will have no interest.
6. Relaxation of a period of 60 days till the next two quarters for holding board meetings
7. No additional 10% charge on VivaasSe Vishwas scheme
8. IBC Section 7,9,10 may be relaxed
- The threshold for default has been raised to Rs 1 Crore
9. Compliance -related to Aquaculture
- The expiry date of all SIPs for import of shrimp brute and other aquaculture inputs have been extended for three months
- Delay up to one month of the arrival of shipment won't be considered as a delay
- Rebooking of quarantine cubicle for cancelled consignment in aquatic quarantine facilities in Chennai can be done without any extra cost.
- Verification of documents and grants of NOC for quarantine will be relaxed for 7 days to 3 days
10. Bank charges to be reduced for digital trade transactions for all trade finance consumers.
SAFMARINE INDIA | Migration of the form-6 issuance on Odex with immediate effect
23 Mar 2020
The Safmarine shipping company has announced that all the documents related work will take place on Odex, the online platform for shipping documents with immediate effect due to the COVID 19 – the Corona Virus situation.
VESHVI GRAMSABHA| Request to close CFS till 31st March 2020
23 Mar 2020
Veshvi village panchayat has requested all the schools, companies and CFS to close down until 31st March to contain the COVID 19 – the Corona Virus situation. They have also requested the cancellation of all the social gatherings and functions in and around the villages.
SAFMARINE INDIA | Latest updates on operations in India
23 Mar 2020
According to the latest updates of the Safmarine shipping company, they will be operational as the staffs will be working remotely in the light of the COVID 19 – the Corona Virus situation. Considering the lockdown of most of the cities pan India there will be a delay in services like the movement of containers, DO issuance and also exception handling i.e Via loadings.
ADANI HAZIRA PORT | 50% of the employees will work from ho
23 Mar 2020
The customs office of Adani Hazira Port will be operational with 50 % of their staff working from the office and the other half remotely form their homes. The list of officers working from the office has been announced and necessary arrangements have been made for them with regards to transportation, etc.
JAWAHARLAL NEHRU PORT TRUST| JNPT will work round the clock as it has been identified as essential service
23 Mar 2020
In the wake of the COVID 19 – the Corona Virus pandemic and most cities going on lockdown, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust announced that it will be fully operational and moving cargo to provide services as it falls under the essential services category. Since most of their employees reside in Mumbai city, they will be provided transport and the necessary facilities to ensure JNPT’s functionality and essential service duty.
BHARAT MUMBAI CONTAINER TERMINALS | Extension of free storage period for imports at BMCT
22 Mar 2020
While people are finding it difficult to arrange for transport to collect their deliveries of import containers due to the COVID 19 Pandemic widespread, Bharat Mumbai Container Terminals announced that they are extending the free storage period of all import containers, laden and empty, for 3 added days until 31st March 2020, to keep the trade moving in these difficult times.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY AFFAIR | Only essential services will operate in districts affected with COVID-19 cases
22 Mar 2020
The Central Government has directed the States to take urgent and effective measures after they saw an increase in the number of confirmed cases of the COVID 19 Pandemic in the country. Many decisions concerning the containment of the COVID 19 pandemic have been made and passed. According to that, only essential services and establishments will operate while everything else will remain closed indefinitely including public transport and more.
ASSOCIATION OF MULTIMODAL TRANSPORT OPERATORS OF INDIA| Circular on impacted services
22 Mar 2020
The WHO has declared the growing COVID 19 – the Corona Virus as a pandemic and the Government of India has instructed social distancing and more measures to contain the widespread of this disease due to which The EXIM Logistics sector is struggling to provide services to the customers. Association of Multimodal Transport Operators of India’s circular explains how EXIM logistics operations are impaired across the country and how they will continue to work hard and help their customers with services and solutions to cope during these difficult times.
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY| Circular regarding essential & non-essential establishment
22 Mar 2020
The government of India has issued a circular stating that all private, corporate and establishments except those providing essential services will be shut down to contain COVID 19 – the Corona Virus. For all those who are in doubt if their establishments belong to an essential category or not can rectify by reaching out to the Municipal Commissioner or the District Collector.
AHMEDABAD CUSTOM BROKERS’ ASSOCIATION | Covid 19 Recommendation for all CHAs
22 Mar 2020
Ahmedabad Custom Broker’s Association urges their CHAs/members to follow the government’s directives to stay safe and contain the pandemic COVID 19 – the Corona Virus in their circular. They have announced that only custom brokers who have shipments of Pharma Products, Medical Equipment and other essentials for these crucial times must provide their services, while the others must wait out until the situation subsides.
CMA CGM | CMA CGM groups want to keep you updated on the COVID 19 situation
21 Mar 2020
Although the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) pandemic is spreading widely across the world, CMA CGM group of companies ensure that they will be taking utmost precautions to keep operations fully functional and provide the best customer service during these challenging days. Also, they strongly suggest that customers use their digital e-business platform for transactions, price, e-signatures, original e-invoice etc… without having to visit their offices or counters. Moreover, their customer services are fully prepared to provide tailor-made solutions in the coming days.
PAGOTE GRAM PANCHAYAT | Keep CFS, Factory & Godown closed till 31st March 2020
21 Mar 2020
The Pagote village Panchayat has appealed to the Punjab conveyor state container and warehousing corporation ltd. to shut down operations at CFS, company, godown, etc… till 31st March 2020 to contain the widespread of COVID 19 pandemic. They are also demanding that the workers must get paid leave. A copy is also sent to the Uran Tahsildar and Senior Police Inspector of Uran police station.
BHARTIYA KAMGAAR SENA | Shut down Raigad Terminus till 31st March 2020
21 Mar 2020
To restrict the movement of people and impose social distancing in the light of the COVID 19 situation in India, the Bharatiya Kamgaar Sena has requested for the close down of Raigad terminus until 31st March to contain the widespread of the pandemic.
DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF SHIPPING | Instructions to all major & minor port for dealing with novel Coronavirus
20 Mar 2020
The Indian government has issued instructions on how to deal with novel coronavirus for the shipping industry where the vessels and ports in order will continue to operate and provide the citizens with essentials while not disrupting economy due to the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) pandemic. Accordingly, the master of the vessel is responsible for the people and the goods in the vessel and is in charge of reporting everybody’s health as per Maritime Declaration of Health 72 hours before arrival at the port, failing which he will be prosecuted. Also, all the vessels reaching within 14 days of departure from the international port will be sanitised and undergo quarantine for 14 days.
Safmarine Mumbai | Star Container service depot to be closed on Sunday, 22nd March 2020
20 Mar 2020
The major outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) worldwide has affected transport and delivery of Safmarine’s Star container service in India. The Star container service has declared a shutdown of their depot on Sunday, 22.03.20 in light of the Janata Curfew.
APL | Nhava Sheva yard is closed for Janata curfew on 22nd March 2020
20 Mar 2020
In light of the major outbreak of the Pandemic novel coronavirus (COVID-19) worldwide, API considers our Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi’s appeal to have Janata Curfew and declares that the CFS / Empty Yards at Nhava Sheva will remain closed on Sunday 22nd March 2020. Everyone is requested to plan their shipments accordingly.
DGFT | Government bans export of surgical masks, ventilators & Textile Raw material
20 Mar 2020
The department of commerce in Indian Government has issued a notice announcing that export of surgical/ disposable masks, ventilators and the raw materials used to make them, is prohibited indefinitely with effect immediately.
UNITED LINER | Office will be closed till 31st March 2020 as per Govt. of Maharashtra Advisory
20 Mar 2020
The global outbreak of the Pandemic, COVID-19 (Corona Virus), has majorly affected the shipping industry. The offices of United Liner Shipping Services LLP will remain closed from the 23rd March till 31st March. While billing counters for Lading and Delivery may be open with fewer people, the staff will be available on calls and emails to guide customers during such challenging times.
APL | CIX service (China India Express) will be countering a void call in week 14 ex Nhava Sheva (GTI Terminal) & Pipavav
20 Mar 2020
APL, the container and shipping company has declared a void call of their CIX service (China India Express) of vessels, APL COLUMBUS and OOCL WASHINGTON in week 14 ex Nhava Sheva (GTI Terminal) & Pipava due to the major outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) worldwide.
DIGHODI GRAM PANCHAYAT | Restriction on the entry of workers & visitors
20 Mar 2020
People, services and movement have been restricted and blocked to contain the widespread of COVID 19 by the Dighodi village panchayat. They have requested to shut down operations at CFS, company, godown, schools, etc… till 31st March 2020. They are also demanding that the workers must get paid leave.
BHANDPADA GRAM PANCHAYAT | Circular to stop truckers & CHAs from operating
20 Mar 2020
The State government has asked Bhanpada village panchayat to announce and stop all the social gatherings, Dharnas, protests and even close schools. But the companies in the village jurisdiction where many workers have come from outside haven't taken measures on those guidelines. Hence it has been ordered to stop and not allow truckers and CHAs from movement and operation.
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY | Annual Quota for of Urad import is 4 Lakh MT for the year 2020-21
19 Mar 2020
Department of Commerce and Industry has notified that the annual quota of Urad dal import is subjected to 4 lakh MT. Only Millers/Refiners will be allowed to import urad under the quota restriction as per procedure effective from 1st May 2020 to 31st March 2021.
APEDA | APEDA signs an MOU with Small Farmer Agribusiness Consortium(SFAC)
18 Mar 2020
Agri Export Policy by the Indian Govt. suggested the development of product-specific clusters in the country with the help of Farm Producer Organizations(FPOs) to reach to a large farmer base to improve the production quality and quantity of agricultural products while maintaining the consistency of supply and establishing an image of the quality supplier in the International market leading to increase in export volume and value. After lengthy dialogues between Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium(SFAC), an MoU was signed by Ms Neelkamal Darbari, Managing Director SFAC and Mr Paban Kumar Borthakur, Chairman, APEDA on 18th March 2020 to jointly work together to link up the FPOs/FPCs with the exporters, increase the export value of crops and indirectly contribute to doubling of farmers’ income.
Click Here To See The Official Notification
DGFT | New Scheme Remission of Duties & Taxes on Exported Products(RoDTEP) passed by Cabinet
13 Mar 2020
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved RoDTEP to reduce and reimburse the taxes and duties costs at the central, state and local level to increase Indian exports at competitive costs in the international markets and generate employment in various sectors. This WTO compliant scheme is completely digitized. An inter-ministerial committee will determine the rates and items for reimbursement, which will be notified by the Department of Commerce. However, certain taxes/duties/levies outside GST like VAT on fuel used in transportation, Mandi tax, etc. are non-refundable and an Information Technology based Risk Management System (RMS), would be set up to verify the records of the exporters.
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DISCLAIMER: Cogoport doesn’t authenticate the advisories. We are collating it for the help of all.