Tnc Rajagopalan

Exim matters: Buyer's failure to pay should not undo export tax rebates

Export tax remissions should not be recovered when genuine foreign buyers default, as the goods have already left India and the underlying duties and taxes have been borne

SME chatroom: Clearing doubts on deferred Customs duty and PVC import curbs

Key compliance clarifications on using RoDTEP scrips for deferred customs duty and MIP rules for PVC imports under the Advance Authorisation scheme.

Exim Matters: RBI must rethink matching every trade entry with remittances

RBI's trade monitoring framework should move from universal transaction matching to risk-based scrutiny, balancing foreign exchange controls with ease of doing business

1991 reforms trusted mkts; now RBI should trust exporters and importers

The government responded to a grave foreign exchange crisis by progressively liberalising, rather than perpetuating restrictions on access to foreign exchange and imports

India-UK Ceta concession available for qualifying goods in transit

This week's SME Q&A explains India-UK CETA duty benefits, SRVA trade data, and the process for claiming customs duty refunds on overvalued imports

Discreet diplomacy may shield India from tariff threats over Russia oil buy

Quiet diplomacy could help India navigate US tariff threats over Russian oil purchases while managing energy security risks amid escalating West Asia tensions

India-UK origin rules trust exporters; subject to verification later

India-UK FTA origin rules require exporters and importers to ensure strict compliance with sourcing, documentation and certification to claim tariff benefits

Chatroom: Rodtep scrolls can stop until annual return is finally filed

Experts answer key trade queries on export quotations, Rodtep compliance, sea cargo liability and customs valuation for related-party imports

Exim Matters: At 250 years, US imprint on world trade is undeniable

As the US marks 250 years, its enduring influence on global trade, technology, finance and innovation continues to shape commerce despite growing geopolitical tensions

For SEZ 2.0 policy, shift focus from concessions to better governance

As the Centre reviews export promotion schemes, experts call for SEZ 2.0 reforms and shifting SEZ policy oversight to DGFT to better align with India's trade framework

Reserve Bank of India should fix DTA-to-SEZ forex payment anomaly

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

EXIM matters: Fragile US-Iran ceasefire brings relief, likely to last

A pause in West Asia hostilities offers relief on energy, freight and trade costs, but India must stay alert as the US-Iran understanding remains fragile

12 years of NDA: A mixed record in foreign trade, tariffs and FTAs

While services exports have expanded sharply over the past decade, India's share of global merchandise exports has remained largely unchanged despite multiple trade policy reforms

Chatroom: Clarifications on MTT, Incoterm, self-sealing, authorisations

Experts clarify RBI norms on merchanting trade, DPU vs DAP usage, self-sealing permissions and EPCG authorisation rules for exporters

Capital flows can support the rupee, but exports must sustain its strength

Tax breaks and RBI measures may attract foreign funds and support the rupee, but lasting currency strength depends on exports, FDI and competitiveness

Talk tariffs, but understand ocean freight and its impact on trade costs

Tariff cuts alone cannot boost exports; India needs larger, predictable cargo volumes to reduce freight costs and attract direct shipping services

Clearing doubts on carrier claims, re-export and import monitoring

Customs warehousing waivers, import monitoring timelines and bill of lading rights hinge on strict statutory interpretation

Transport snags at Mundra, Nhava Sheva expose weak links in logistics chain

Cargo disruptions at Nhava Sheva and Mundra expose how driver shortages, fuel scarcity and landside bottlenecks threaten India's trade logistics

Real challenge beyond tariffs: Technology and compliance capability

New global trade reports highlight that technological capability and regulatory compliance - not just tariffs - are becoming the key drivers of trade competitiveness

Chatroom: Issues in MOOWR, incoterms and advance authorisation

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