HIGHLIGHTS: Annual Foreign Trade Policy review

Following are the highlights of the annual Foreign Trade Policy review:

* Government confident of $200 billion exports this fiscal.

* Zero duty Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) scheme extended by one year to March 31, 2012; more products added.

* Duty Entitlement Passbook (DEPB) scheme extended by six months till June 30, 2011.

* Number of additional products from sectors like leather, engineering, textiles, jute added to 2 per cent interest subvention scheme.

* Additional benefit of 2 per cent bonus for 135 products under Focus Product Scheme.

* One per cent Status Holder Incentive Scheme (SHIS) for technology up-gradation extended till 2011-12; more products added in the scheme.

* Benefits under Market Linked Focus Product Scheme to garment exports to EU extended till March, 2011.

* Barmer (handicrafts), Bhiwandi (textiles) and Agra (leather goods) declared Towns of Export Excellence.

* Steps announced to reduce transaction cost of exports.

* Leather sector allowed to re-export of unsold imported raw hides and skins and semi-finished leather from public bonded warehouses, without export duty.

* List of items allowed for duty-free import of gems and jewellery sector expanded.

* Scrips issued under Served From India Scheme (for services sector) can be used for payment of duty on import of vehicles.

* Instant tea and CSNL Cardinol included for five per cent duty benefit.