Paper imports brought under compulsory registration from 1 October

This has been done to addresses dumping concerns of domestic paper industry and also to check re-routing of goods through other countries in lieu of trade agreements.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a notification to this effect on Monday.

This order will apply to a range of paper products, such as newsprint, handmade paper, wallpaper base, duplicating paper, coated paper, uncoated paper, Litho and offset paper, tissue paper, parchment paper, carbon paper, wall paper, envelops, toilet paper, cartons, account books, labels, bobbins, etc. All imports arriving on or after 1 October 2022 shall be governed by this policy, the release stated.

Paper products like currency paper, bank bond and cheque paper, security printing paper, etc have been excluded from this policy change.

Domestic paper industry has been raising issues of dumping of paper products in the domestic market by way of under-invoicing, entry of prohibited goods by mis-declaration, re-routing goods through other countries in lieu of trade agreements.  A large proportion of paper products are imported under “Others” category Tariff Lines. The move will also go a long way in promoting Make In India and Atmanirbhar in this category, the release said.

A user friendly interface has been created for the implementation of Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS). Any importer will be able to obtain an automatic registration number online by paying a registration fee of Rs500. The importer can apply for registration not earlier than the 75th day and not later than the 5th day before the expected date of arrival of import consignment. The automatic registration number thus granted shall remain valid for a period of 75 days. Multiple Bills of Entry may be allowed in same registration numbers within the validity period of registration for the permitted quantity. Online facility of registration will be available from 15 July 2022.