Impact of Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order, 2017

The Economic Affairs Committee made a representation to the Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT) on August 23rd at the conclave on Public Procurement Order, 2017, held at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi. DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India issued the Public Procurement Order, 2017 to encourage manufacturing of goods and services in India, with a view to enhance income and employment. The order lays down criteria for purchase preference linked to local content for central ministries, departments, central public sector undertakings, etc. to follow. AMCHAM invited members’ views across sectors on the implications and impact of the procurement notifications in securing business from government entities. Their concerns and suggestions were compiled sector wise.

WTO Customs Duty Moratorium on Electronic Transmissions: Submission for Consideration

The Economic Affairs Committee at AMCHAM made a representation to the Commerce Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry on 6th June 2022, with a recommendation to support the WTO Customs Duty Moratorium on Electronic Transmissions at the upcoming WTO Ministerial Conference from 12-15 June 2022. AMCHAM members were deeply concerned that India will oppose the renewal of the WTO moratorium and push to end it

Non-operation of the DGFT portal to claim MEIS benefits which are due to be phased out by Dec 31, 2021

The Economic Affairs Committee at AMCHAM made a representation to the Director General at the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on 21st December 2021 regarding the non-operation of the DGFT portal to claim MEIS benefits which are due to be phased out by Dec 31, 2021. AMCHAM members were having trouble filing MEIS online claims through the DGFT site. Since MEIS online applications were to be completely terminated on December 31st, 2021, members would lose their claims if the DGFT portal claim process is not started soon, or appropriate extensions announced by the Ministry

Suggestions from Industry and Trade Associations on New Foreign Trade Policy Ref: Trade Notice No. 34/2020-21 dated 12-11-2020

The Economic Affairs Committee at AMCHAM made a representation to the Additional Director General at the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on 10th December 2020 giving suggestions on the New Foreign Trade Policy with reference to Trade Notice No. 34/2020-21 dated 12-11-2020 inviting suggestions from Industry and Trade Associations. Suggestions were made regarding chapters under legal framework & trade facilitation, quality complaints & trade disputes, miscellaneous etc.

Comments / Suggestions regarding decriminalization of certain Acts and Sections – Department of Financial Services Proposal dated June 8, 2020

The Economic Affairs Committee at AMCHAM made a representation to the Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs on 26th June 2020, giving suggestions regarding decriminalization of certain Acts and Sections – Department of Financial Services Proposal dated June 8, 2020. The application of The Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act, 1978 (“PCMCS Act”) to the direct selling industry is rather accidental by enforcers and unintended by legislators. This not only harms the growth prospects of this industry which employs many people with a significant employment potential, but also creates a negative image in the mind of existing and potential participants. With the Banning of the Unregulated Deposits Scheme Act, 2019 and the Chit Funds Act, 1982 for the regulation of fraudulent schemes we suggest that the PCMCS Act be decriminalised to ensure ease of doing business and growth of the direct selling industry