P&L Playbook for eCommerce by ex-SUGAR & Raymond Leader

A Quick Guide to the EXIM Policy of India and Its Importance

India is also one of the largest economies in the world thanks to a robust export and import system. To ensure that exports and imports are streamlined and well-regulated, the Indian government has implemented a framework known as the EXIM policy. The EXIM policy of India has several regulations that have played a crucial role in maintaining the country’s economic growth and fostering global trade. In this article, we will look deeper into what EXIM policy is, its features and its importance.

What Is the EXIM Policy?

The EXIM policy, which stands for export-import policy, is a set of guidelines that the government of India formulates. It is also known as the foreign trade policy (FTP). Introduced in 1992, it is pivotal in regulating the Foreign Trade Development and Regulation Act. 

As the name suggests, it has various guidelines with respect to the export of products and services in and out of the country. The export-import policy of India is a collaboration between the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Ministry of Finance.

In simple terms, the EXIM policy creates an outline of the do’s and dont’s of trade practices in India. It can help understand what can be exported or imported and under what conditions.

Objectives of EXIM Policy of India

The objectives of the EXIM policy are listed below:

Export Promotion

The export import policy of India encourages exports by offering incentives and subsidies to exporters. It creates a conducive environment to enhance foreign exchange.

Import Regulations

Another essential objective of the EXIM policy of India is to regulate the imports that are coming into the country. It monitors and ensures the imports so that they are of higher quality and unnecessary goods can be prevented from entering the domestic market.

Diversification

EXIM policy helps expand India’s trade portfolio on a global level and opens it to new markets. As new products are introduced into the market, dependence on traditional goods is reduced. Also, the EXIM policy helps improve India’s global trade as it enables the export of quality goods to other countries and continents. 

Facilitation of Trade

Thanks to the EXIM policy, the procedures of export and import are much more straightforward. This reduces bureaucratic hurdles and thus makes international trade increasingly accessible each year.

Increased Competitiveness

Businesses must improve their technology and manufacturing capabilities to increase profits from exporting goods globally. This enhancement also leads to better-quality products used in the country, thereby fostering competitiveness betwen businesses.

Generation of Employment Opportunities

As exports and imports are facilitated on a grander scale, job opportunities are created in different sectors, such as manufacturing, logistics, etc. 

Key Features of EXIM Policy

EXIM Policy has proved to be a boon for India’s global trade. Below are the notable features of the EXIM policy of India;

The Five-Year Policy Framework

The EXIM policy is revised every five years, and annual updates are also made to address changing global trade situations.

Duty Exemptions

In order to reduce the production costs borne by the exporters, the EXIM policy provides duty-free imports. 

Schemes For the Promotion of Exports

Various incentive schemes have been introduced through the EXIM policy. Some incentives include Merchandise Exports from  India Scheme (MEIS) and Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS). These schemes are necessary to encourage the growth in the export sector.

Special Economic Zones (SEZ)

To promote industrial exports, Export-Oriented Units (EOUs) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are established. 

Boosting SMEs and MSMEs

Every business contributes to the country’s exports. Hence, specific measures are taken to support all micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that contribute to the export economy in India. 

Facilitation of Trade Digitally

The EXIM policy aims to simplify trade procedures and improve compliance by implementing electronic systems for licensing, documentation, and compliance. 

Trade Agreements

To provide better market access, the EXIM policy encourages bilateral and multilateral trade agreements. 

Environmental Sustainability

The EXIM policy includes environmentally sustainable trade practices, such as promoting green and eco-friendly products that enhance sustainability in the long run. 

Importance of the EXIM Policy in India. 

The export policy is vital for the country’s economic growth and stability. Below are the reasons why the EXI policy is fundamental in India:

Enhances Foreign Exchange Reserves

When exports are promoted because of the EXIM policy, foreign exchange reserves accumulate. This accumulation helps maintain the stability of the Indian currency and also aids in funding imports.

Control the Trade Deficit

In order to maintain a healthy economy, it is essential to have policies in place that can regulate imports. When the imports are regulated, it helps control the trade deficit. 

Boost Industrial Growth

Duty exemptions and incentives for exports help domestic industries expand and improve their production of goods, boosting industrial growth. 

Increase Employment Opportunities

When there is an increase in exports, there is also an increase in production to meet the requirements. This rise in production creates numerous job opportunities at various levels.

Lead to Innovation

When exports increase, industries adopt new technology and innovate products of the highest quality. This leads to innovation to meet the international standards of global trade.

Related read – The Impact of India’s National E-Commerce Policy on Online Businesses

Boost Your Export and Import Operations With Innovative Shipping Solutions from WareIQ

WareIQ’s smart shipping solution helps eCommerce brands minimise cost leakages caused by RTOs, fake delivery attempts in NDR, weight reconciliation issues, and more. Our solution also offers prompt support for handling urgent client escalations, ensuring smooth operations at all times.

Our solution offers the following capabilities:

  • Multi-carrier engine enabling fast deliveries across 24,000+ pin codes
  • Control Tower & automated workflows to minimise NDR & RTOs
  • Same/Next-day delivery courier options
  • Seamless Integration with your WMS, ERPs and Storefronts
  • Shipping Badges to display precise Estimated Delivery Dates (EDD)
  • Custom branded tracking pages and notifications to enhance customer experience

Suggested read – Major Ports in India: Key Hubs for Global Trade

Conclusion

The EXIM, or the Export and Import policy of India, is the backbone of India’s trade and economy. The primary aim of India’s EXIM policy is to facilitate imports and exports while keeping regulations in place. Another aim of the current EXIM policy is to have sustainable growth in the export and import scenario. Businesses need to understand and make the most of the features of the EXIM policy. Apart from giving a boost to the country’s industrial growth and MSMEs, it also enhances job opportunities in various sectors.

Also check – National Logistics Policy: Implications for Businesses and Industries

FAQs about The EXIM Policy of India

What is the EXIM policy?

The EXIM or export and import policy provides a set of regulations and guidelines for managing imports and exports in the country according to international standards.

What incentives does the EXIM policy provide?

India’s EXIM policy offers numerous incentives, such as duty-free imports, access to Special Economic Zones, support for MSMEs, and schemes like MEIS and SEIS.

What are the objectives of the EXIM policy?

India’s primary export policy objective is to promote exports and regulate inputs while facilitating global trade and generating employment.

When is the EXIM policy revised?

India’s EXIM policy is revised every five years, but there are annual updates to accommodate changing scenarios.

Do MSMEs benefit from India’s export-import policy?

Yes, India’s export-import policy has several benefits that help to boost an MSME’s operations. There are several incentives, limited compliance requirements, and technological assistance that are provided to MSMEs.

Mariyam Jameela
Author

Mariyam Jameela

Mariyam Jameela works as a content writer at WareIQ. With a proven track record of working with renowned brands such as GO Digit, Urban Ladder, Juspay, Hong's Kitchen, and many more. She actively contributes to the creation of blog posts centered on eCommerce operations, fulfillment, and shipping, in addition to providing insights on various strategies and techniques tailored for eCommerce sellers

Read all of Mariyam Jameela's Posts