DGFT, CBIC Integration via ICEGATE Streamlines Export Schemes: Govt to Parliament

New Delhi, Jul 29 (KNN) The government on Tuesday told Parliament that the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) maintain regular coordination and electronic data exchange to ensure smooth implementation of export promotion schemes.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada said the two systems are integrated through Indian Customs Electronic Data Interchange Gateway (ICEGATE), enabling seamless verification and use of electronic Duty Credit Scrips. 

He added that CBIC has prescribed procedures for re-credit in eligible refund and drawback cases through re-credit certificates.

Digital Simplification of Export Schemes

The government has simplified procedures under key export promotion schemes such as Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP)and Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) through digital integration, the minister noted.

Exporters can claim benefits directly while filing shipping bills via the customs automated system. Once verified, benefits are credited electronically to a duty credit ledger, which can be converted into transferable electronic scrips. The process of generation, transfer and utilisation is largely paperless.

Outreach and Awareness Initiatives

Prasada highlighted that DGFT and CBIC have been conducting regular outreach programmes, including workshops, webinars and Niryat Bandhu sessions, to improve awareness among exporters. 

These initiatives have been carried out across states, including Tamil Nadu, to help exporters understand revised refund and duty drawback procedures.

Measures to Improve Trade Efficiency

The government has also introduced several trade facilitation measures to reduce transaction costs and improve ease of doing business, including Auto Let Export Order (LEO) for faster clearance of low-risk consignments, use of ICETAB devices for real-time uploading of inspection reports, and greater automation to minimise manual intervention, the minister said.

(KNN Bureau)