Understand Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme

The objective of the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme is to facilitate import of capital goods for producing quality goods and services and enhance India’s manufacturing competitiveness. EPCG Scheme allows import of capital goods for pre-production, production and post-production at zero customs duty. Capital goods imported under EPCG for physical exports are also exempt from IGST and Compensation Cess up to 31.03.2020. Alternatively, the exporter may also procure Capital Goods from domestic market in accordance with provisions of paragraph 5.07 of FTP. Capital goods for the purpose of the EPCG scheme shall include:

– Capital Goods as defined in Chapter 9

– Computer systems and software which are a part of the Capital Goods

– Spares, moulds, dies, jigs, fixtures, tools & refractories

– Catalysts for initial charge plus one subsequent charge

EPCG scheme covers manufacturer exporters with or without supporting manufacturer(s), merchant exporters tied to supporting manufacturer(s) and service providers.

Pre-Requisites for Applying for EPCG Scheme

To apply for an EPCG scheme, an IEC is required. Other pre-requisites as mentioned in the Chapter 5 of Foreign Trade Policy and Hand book of Procedures may be referred.

How to apply for EPCG License

EPCG Online Application Procedure

Before starting the application procedure, please note that it is mandatory to have DGFT Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of the applicant firm. Application for EPCG License has to be submitted online at the DGFT website. Manual application is not allowed.

Step 1: Visit the DGFT Official website

Please visit the official website of Government by clicking https://www.dgft.gov.in/

Under the “SERVICES” tab, select “Online ECOM Application”.

Step 2: Log in with DGFT Digital Signature Certificate

After step 1, You will see the below page on your desktop screen. Select the “EPCG (0%)” option from the left side panel and then login with your DGFT Digital Signature Certificate.

Step 3: Create a New File

After successful login in with the Digital Signature, a new window will open. This window shows the profile of Exporter along with the status of Advance/EPCG Licenses filed in the last one year.

Since we are applying for a new EPCG Online Application, select the “Create new” button. This command will open a new EPCG application form along with the new File number.

Step 4: Fill initial mandatory details

After selecting the “Create New” tab, the main screen for the EPCG online application would appear.

IEC No, Name, Address of the IEC Holder is pre-filled in this application window.

First and foremost you have to select the “PORT”. Select the name of the port where the imported machinery is going to arrive. For Example- Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Bombay Air Cargo, Chennai Sea Port, etc.

NOTE: While applying, once you select the “port of registration” field and submit it, it can’t be changed. So fill the field correctly.

Now select the Exporter Type & Product Group Code from the drop-down option.

Fill up the CIF in Rs, Foreign Currency and US Dollars. CIF value is basically the cost of Imported machinery/capital goods. After filling the details, click on the “Update” tab at the bottom of the window.

NOTE: After filling the details kindly click on the “Update” tab and also update the application form regularly to save the details filled or modifications made by you.

Step 5: Filling Industrial Registration, Export House & RCMC Details

Since EPCG License is issued only to Manufacturer Exporters. The proof of manufacturing/Industry is compulsory. On the middle right side of the application (highlighted in the blue box), you will see all the required tabs covered in this step.

Click on the “Registration” tab. A new screen like below will appear on your desktop.

Select the Registration type from the drop-down menu (Menu will consist of SSI, MSME, Industrial License, Industrial Entrepreneurs Memorandum (IEM), etc.). Enter the Registration Number, Date of issue, Issuing Authority & Products for which registration is given. Once inserted, click on the add button. Then update and close the window.

The next step is to fill the Star Export House details. If your firm is given a status of Star Export House from DGFT, please click the “EH/TH” tab and fill the necessary details. If you do not have the Star Export House status, then ignore it.

The next step is to fill the RCMC details. Registration with any Export Promotion Council (EPC) is a must to avail of the benefits of the EPCG Scheme. Click on the “RCMC” tab, fill the required information like RCMC No, Date of Issue, Issuing Authority, Valid up to & products for which it is registered. Once inserted, click on the Add button. You can also use the Update or Delete option if you want to modify the earlier details.

NOTE: The RCMC should be valid at the time of applying for an EPCG License.

After successfully filling these details, click on the Update tab to save changes.

Find the below image for your reference:-

Now, move on to the tabs at the bottom of the main dialogue box.

Restricted CG import- This is to be filled if the capital machinery is falling under the restricted import list.
Technical Up gradation- This section is not mandatory.
Export Order – Again this is not mandatory.
Licenses – In this section, details of all the previously obtained EPCG Licenses if any needs to be submitted. % of EO fulfilled also has to be indicated against each License.

Let’s discuss other sections, which are more important, in detail.

Step 6: Fill the Factory Address

Select the “Factory Add” option on the main page. A new screen like below will appear.

By default, File Number is present in the form. Fill the Name, Address & Pin code of the firm. Select the Registration Type from the drop-down menu. Click the add button for the update. If you have to add multiple addresses, select the clear button and start adding.

NOTE: The factory address should be the same as mentioned in the Manufacturing License.

Step 7: Fill Past Export Performance

This section is important to be filled to calculate the Average Export Obligation of the applicant. You have to fill the Export performance details of the Last 3 years. For example, if you are applying for EPCG License in FY 2020-21, then details of the last 3 FY’s are to be filled. Indicate the FOB value of Export in Rs. and the Items Exported.

Step 8: Fill the Export Item Details

Enter the details of export items by selecting the “Export Product Details” tab. A dialogue box like below will appear on the desktop screen.

As you are aware that Specific export obligation under EPCG License is to be fulfilled by exporting the products made out of the machinery imported. Specific Export Obligation is equaled to 6 times the duty saved value in 6 Years.

In this section, you have to enter the details of all those export items which can be made using the imported Capital goods/machinery. One can add as many Export Items as necessary by selecting the Clear button. Export of only such added products would be counted for calculating the Specific Export Obligation.

Step 9: Fill the details of “Capital Goods” to be imported

This is the main dialogue box in the entire EPCG Online Application procedure. Here you have to add the details of the capital goods/machinery that you are intending to import or procure indigenously under the EPCG scheme.

Enter the Item Name, Technical Specification and Quantity of Capital Goods to be imported. Select the UOM accurately. Enter the Duty saved value in Rs., CIF value in Foreign Currency & Country from which machine is imported. Also, select the CG type from the drop-down menu. Select the Add button for updating.

NOTE: All the details provided in this dialogue box should exactly match with the Purchase order. In case of mismatch, there will be a problem in clearing the machinery duty-free under the EPCG scheme.

The Duty Saved Value mentioned here will automatically be captured on the main dialogue box.

Step 10: Online Uploading of Documents

Select the “Upload Documents” tab on the main dialogue box. A screen will appear like the image below shown:

As per the Digital initiative of the Government of India, uploading documents is mandatory. Here you have to upload the signed copy of CA Certificate (Appendix 5B) & CE Certificate/Nexus Certificate (Appendix 5A)

You can find more details about the CA Certificate (Appendix 5B) & CE Certificate/Nexus Certificate (Appendix 5A).

At this step, we have filled all the details required & also uploaded all the necessary documents required for the EPCG License Application Online. The entire process will be completed in the next two steps and you can submit the EPCG license Online application form to DGFT.

Step 11: Pay Online

Government Fees which are equal to 0.1% of the Duty saved value is to be paid using the preferable mode of payment. Please note that the application for the EPCG License will be rejected if the mandatory fees are not paid.

Once the details for the payment is filled, click the submit button, you will be redirected to the payment confirmation page. Here, you have to confirm the mention details and the amount of fees. Click the proceed button and you will be redirected to the payment gateway and make the payment.

Step 12: Submit the Application

Submit the application to the relevant DGFT office.

The process for EPCG License online application completed here. After submission Please contact the DGFT office for the status of the File.

We hope that the procedure for how to apply for EPCG License Online is now clear.

Compliances to be done by entities availing EPCG Scheme

Once registered under the EPCG Scheme, entities have to undergo other compliance which are listed below. Also, failure or delay in complying with the same also attracts penalty under the EPCG regime.

1. Furnishing of annual returns before the DGFT regarding the imports of goods done outside India

2. Furnishing of installation certificate from a Chartered Engineer (within six months of import of customs exempt capital goods);

2. Issuance of EODC Letter/ Redemption of EPCG license upon completion of the exports from India;

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