Director Drawback says Recover Drawback in All Cases where Export Proceeds have not Come in within One Year of Export – Recover even when FT Policy Allows

[CBEC Circular No. 07 dated 23rd March 2010]

Sub: Recovery of drawback amount on the portion of the FOB value of export not realized by the exporter but compensated by ECGC.

I am directed to say that payment of duty drawback is governed by provisions of section 75 of the Customs Act, 1962 and the rules made there under. Section 75 of the Customs Act provides that where any drawback has been allowed on any goods and the sale proceeds in respect of such goods are not realized within the time allowed under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 such drawback shall be deemed never to have been allowed and the Central Government may, by Rules made under section 75 (2), specify the procedure for the recovery of the amount of such drawback. A procedure has also been laid down under the Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax Drawback Rules, 1995 for recovery of drawback in case of non-realization of export proceeds. Therefore, the amount of drawback paid in all such cases where export proceeds have not been realized has to be recovered.

2. However, it has been brought to notice of the Board that some exporters are resisting recovery of drawback in cases where export proceeds have not been realized citing provisions in Handbook of Procedure (HBP) (Vol.1) of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) discussed below.

3. Para 2.25.1 of the Handbook of Procedure (HBP) (Vol.1) of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2009–2014 provides that payment through ECGC cover would count for benefits under FTP. The FTP 2004-09 (Para 2.25.1 of the HBP v.1) and the FTP 2002–2007 (Para 2.25.3 of the HBP v.1) also had the same provision. The DGFT vide Policy Circular No.12/2002-2007 dated 1.11.2002 had clarified that this provision would also be applicable to exports made or licenses issued prior to 01.4.2002.

4. Further, a new provision has been made in the current FTP (Para 2.25.4 of the HBP v.1, 2009-14) which provides that realization of export proceeds shall not be insisted under any of the Export Promotion Schemes under the Foreign Trade Policy, if the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) writes off the requirement of realization of export proceeds on merits and the exporter produces a certificate from the concerned foreign Mission of India about the fact of non-recovery of export proceeds from the buyer. However, this would not be applicable in self-write off cases.

5. Since the Drawback scheme is governed by the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 and the Rules made there under which clearly provide that drawback should be recovered if sale proceeds have not been realized, it is hereby clarified that provisions contained in para 2.25.1 and 2.25.4 of the HBP v.1 (2009-14) would not be applicable to the Drawback scheme. Hence, ‘Drawback’ would not be payable in cases where export proceeds have not been realised in accordance with the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 even if the claim has been settled by ECGC or realisation waived by RBI. Action should be taken for recovery of drawback amount in such cases.

6. A suitable Public Notice and Standing Order may be issued for the guidance of the trade and staff. Difficulties faced, if any, in implementation of the Circular may be brought to the notice of the Board at an early date.

F.No.609/121/2007-DBK