Attention is invited to Policy Circular No.35 (RE – 2003)/2002-2007 dated 21.5.2004 on the subject mentioned above. Based on representation from Cashew Export Promotion Council and in consultation with Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Department of Revenue, conditions on import of raw cashew nuts are amended as under:-

a) Ministry of Health & Family Welfare will seek the opinion of the Technical Committee in their Ministry on the issue whether raw cashew nut is an edible item covered under PFA Act or not. For the interim period, till the report of the Technical Committee is received, import consignment of raw cashew nut shall be released by customs authorities without insisting for a customs bond for re-processing as provided in Clause (1) of Section 143 of the Customs Act, 1962; and

b) During this interim period, customs will draw samples of imported raw cashew nut in the country, on a random basis, and send to PFA authorities for testing. However, the clearance of import consignments will not await receipt of test report from PFA authorities.

2. During this interim period, the provisions of Policy Circular No.35 (RE – 2003)/2002-2007 dated 21.5.2004 shall remain suspended.

3. This issues with the approval of competent authority.

Sd/-
(O.P. Hisaria)
Jt. Director General of Foreign Trade