In accordance with Paragraph 3.06 of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2015-2020, the DGFT issued Policy Circular No. 46/2015-20 on February 20, 2023, regarding the processing of all pending applications for the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme ( MEIS ) and Service Exports from India Scheme ( SEIS ) at Regional Authorities ( RAs ).
The unresolved applications with the regional authorities and the constant flow of applications from the company to the directorate were the driving forces behind the DGFT’s decision to publish this policy circular.
It was mentioned in the notification that the Directorate has received representations from MEIS/SEIS applicant firms and also from Regional Authorities, in which it has been informed that their applications are pending at RAs as their applications are deficient on the basis of Paragraph 3.06 of the HBP (2015-2020), i.e., applications filed in the wrong jurisdiction, and had requested to get them expeditiously disposed of at the RAs where they have been pending for a long time.
The issue has been investigated. It has been noted that the MEIS and SEIS schemes have now been discontinued with effect from January 1, 2021, and April 1, 2020, respectively, and are close to being completely closed. As a result, moving files at this time from one RA to another may not be possible because it would require a new examination of the case, which would take time.
In light of the foregoing, the Competent Authority has decided that all MEIS/SEIS applications that have been delayed and are incomplete at the RAs may be reopened by the RAs and examined again on the merits/additional documents submitted by the firm in accordance with current policy and procedural requirements.
Furthermore, before rejecting a case, RAs are advised to provide the applicants a chance for a personal hearing.
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