SECOND-HAND GOODS IMPORT - ECONOMY

News: FTP opens doors for some second-hand goods imports


What's in the news?

       India's new Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) has adopted a fresh approach to the import of second-hand goods, making it possible to re-export old items after repairing them in the country.

 

Key takeaways:

       It also paves the way for the import of used electronics and IT goods, albeit with certain restrictions.

 

New FTP:

       The import policy for second-hand goods in the FTP 2023 outlines a new category of unrestricted imports for goods brought into the country for the purpose of repair, refurbishing, re-conditioning or re-engineering, with an intent to re-export them.

       Such imports will be conditional upon importers ensuring that any waste generated during the repair or refurbishing process is treated as per domestic laws and environmental, safety and health norms.

       The import of second-hand air conditioners, desktop and laptop computers, their refurbished spares as well as diesel generators will continue in the ‘restricted’ imports category that requires prior authorisation.

 

Significance:

       It will encourage reconditioning and refurbishment activities for re-exports.

       It would also enhance effective control and regulation in relation to the import of such goods and prevent unwarranted importation of such second-hand electronic goods into India proving detrimental to the indigenous markets.

 

Go back to basics:

Re-exports and Re-imports:

       Re-exports are exports of foreign goods in the same state as previously imported - they are to be included in the country's exports.

       Re-imports are goods imported in the same state as previously exported.