Tnc Rajagopalan

War-delayed cargo, export mission schemes and a curious court ruling

Experts explain insurance limits on cargo delays due to war disruptions, clarify DGFT export schemes for large firms, and decode the Supreme Court ruling on DEEC benefits and licence validity

Trade and govt respond to Gulf war disruptions in shipping, energy

As the Iran conflict threatens shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, exporters step up risk management while the government moves to cushion trade and energy shocks

EXIM Matters: Deferred duty payment scheme extended to eligible importers

Now, CBIC has prescribed the eligibility criteria not only for manufacturers but also for traders who send imported goods to job-workers registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) laws

Chatroom: Consider ICC Code and local laws before advertising abroad

TNC Rajagopalan answers SME queries related to GST, export and import matters

Exim Matters: Rodtep rates cut as remissions rise amid flat export growth

Govt halves Rodtep benefits to rein in rising payouts amid stagnant exports, tighter Budget allocations, while exempting agriculture and pushing exporters to improve compliance with annual returns

Export Promotion Mission thoughtfully structured; impact uncertain

DGFT rolls out Export Promotion Mission guidelines and seeks feedback on digital trade reforms, signalling intent to boost exports, though impact will hinge on execution

Chatroom: Ecotems define 16 terms for circular economy in global trade

Rajagopalan answers readers' SME queries related to GST, export and import matters

India-US trade deal: Transparency on constraints and commitments needed

As questions linger over Russian oil, tariffs and market access, clarity on India's constraints and commitments is key to managing perceptions of the US trade deal

Union Budget 2026-27 surprises that faded amid India-US trade deal noise

The most visible reform that affects all international travellers arriving in India and a pleasant surprise is the introduction of the Baggage Rules, 2026

FTP Para 4.14 vs Para 2 of 22/2023-Customs, mismatch trips importer

Customs notifications override FTP provisions on duty exemptions, while advance authorisation imports can bypass MIP for deemed exports if inputs aren't sold in the DTA

Exim Matters: Trade deals help but competitiveness delivers export growth

As India courts global trade deals like the EU pact, the Economic Survey flags competitiveness-not protection-as the real key to sustainable export growth

Exim Matters: Republic Day, Customs Day and limits to executive power

On Republic Day and International Customs Day, a reminder that vigilance in enforcement must remain anchored in constitutional limits, due process and the rule of law

SME chatroom: Para 4.15 of FTP vs ANF 7A - Procedure defeats policy intent

DGFT procedures and ANF 7A requirements risk undermining Foreign Trade Policy benefits, raising concerns over deemed exports, duty drawback claims and delayed rollout of interest subvention

'A spirit of dialogue' at WEF, Davos, amid Trump's unilateralism

As donald trump completes one year of his second term, the world economic forum at davos opens amid rising tariffs, geopolitical fragmentation and a renewed push for global dialogue

Reimport after 1 year: Need permission under notification 45/2017-Cus

Exporters can reimport goods after one year under notification 45/2017-cus by surrendering duty drawback and rodtep benefits, subject to customs approval

Strong start to year but deregulation holds key to competitiveness

From the finance ministry came a mix of revenue-raising and trade-defence actions. Taxes on tobacco products will increase from the beginning of next month

2025: When multilateralism weakened, but global trade remained resilient

In 2025, multilateral trade rules weakened as the US raised tariffs, yet global trade stayed resilient, led by strong supply chains, China's leverage and India's adaptive policy response

AIA: Notification 21/2023-Cus more useful for advance authorization

Para 5.04 (f) of the FTP clearly says that 'eexport obligation may be fulfilled both by physical exports as well as deemed exports'

Exim matters: US reform proposals challenge WTO's basic principles

US proposals to reform the WTO question core principles like MFN and special treatment for developing nations, deepening divisions and raising doubts over the future of rules-based trade

Beyond digital fixes: Why Indian Customs needs an integrity overhaul

Corruption persists despite automation; calls grow for accountability, staff protection, and evidence-based reforms