One Lakh MT of Maize (Feed Grade) under TRQ Allowed at 15% Duty for Actual Users

[Trade Notice No. 02/2019-20 dated 3 April 2019]

Subject: Imports of Maize (feed grade) under the TRQ Scheme for 2018-19.

Government has received many representations from Poultry sector, highlighting an un-precedent shortage of feed grade maize (for poultry industry) mainly because of draughts, pest attack and significant reduction in cultivable areas as in Bihar and requesting allowing imports of Maize (corn) feed grade under 0% TRQ.

2. As all corns are classified under the same HS Code) [Exim Code 10059000] wherein the BCD is 60%, import of feed grade maize becomes cost prohibitive. Secondly, import under TRQ (5 lakh MT) is temporarily under suspension due to an order of Hon’ble High Court of Hyderabad vide its Order dated 31/12/2014 with reference to WP No 43494 of 2014 in WP No34771 of 2014. The Poultry industry has requested to separately classify feed grade maize from the pop -corn grade maize and allow its import under TRQ. The process of separate classification has been initiated.

3. By end February, 2019 no application was received by DGFT under para 2.62 of HBP, 2015-20. Keeping in view the urgency, the feed grade maize is proposed to be imported under TRQ with the following relaxations/conditions:

(a) Import of 1 lakh MT of feed-grade Maize (corn) under TRQ is allowed.

(b) Applications invited from STEs for import of feed-grade Maize (corn) under the TRQ scheme @ 15% Customs duty and meant only for Actual Users. Import for trading purpose is not allowed.

(c) Date of submission of application from STEs is extended up to 30.4.2019 in relaxation of the provision of Para 2.62 (i) of HBP, 2015-2020.

4. This issues with the approval of Competent authority.

[Issued from File No. 01/89/180/Misc.66/AM-06/PC 2(A)/Vol.V/P-13874)]