Merchandise Export from India Scheme

The Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS) is a government initiative implemented by the Government of India with the objective of encouraging exports.[1][2] It was launched on April 1, 2015, as a part of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) to boost India's exports of goods and services.[3][4]

Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS)
CountryIndia
Prime Minister(s)Narendra Modi
LaunchedApril 1, 2015
Websiteofficial website

Overview

MEIS aims to incentivize and support Indian exporters by providing them with financial assistance in the form of duty credits.[5] Under this scheme, exporters are granted transferable duty credits that can be used to pay various duties, including basic customs duty, countervailing duty, and special additional duty.[6] These credits can be utilized for both the payment of customs duties on imported goods and the payment of excise duty on domestic procurements.[7]

Eligibility

To be eligible for MEIS benefits, exporters need to fulfill certain criteria. They must have a valid Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) and should have exported goods under the specified list of eligible sectors and products. The scheme covers a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, textiles, handicrafts, engineering goods, chemicals, and electronics.[8][9]

Implementation and administration

The MEIS is implemented and administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), which operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. The DGFT is responsible for issuing duty credit scrips and monitoring the scheme's implementation.

The scheme has undergone periodic revisions to accommodate changing export priorities and to align with international trade agreements. The DGFT periodically updates the list of eligible sectors and products and revises the rates of duty credit scrips based on market conditions and trade objectives.

Criticisms and controversies

The MEIS has faced certain criticisms and controversies. Some critics argue that the scheme may encourage export dependency and discourage domestic manufacturing. Others have raised concerns about potential misuse or abuse of duty credit scrips, leading to revenue losses for the government.[10][11]

See also

References
  1. "PM Modi's outreach to Islamic world has been exemplary, says Shashi Tharoor". Mint. 2023-07-18. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  2. "Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) - Simple is always ration". The Dollar Business. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  3. Suneja, Kirtika (2021-09-01). "Expected 5-7% duty remission rates for handicrafts under RoDTEP: Exporter body". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  4. "Export Incentives such as Duty Draw Back and MEIS, Assessable as 'Profits or Gains from Business or Profession': ITAT". Taxscan. 2023-04-20. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  5. "Exporters fear closure due to obscure new tax refund rates". Business Today. 2021-02-10. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  6. "MEIS Scheme DGFT - MEIS Rates, Procedure & Latest Updates". Afleo. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  7. "Directorate General of Foreign Trade | Ministry of Commerce and Industry | Government of India". Directorate General of Foreign Trade. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  8. "Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS)" (PDF). National Academy of Customs Indirect Taxes and Narcotics.
  9. "Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) - NACIN" (PDF). NACIN.
  10. Paliwala, Mariya (2022-08-29). "Exporter Can't Be Deprived Of MEIS Benefits Due To Technical Error In Electronic System: Madras High Court". Live Law. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  11. "As first batch of onions goes to Bangladesh by train, Maharashtra seeks reintroduction of MEIS scheme". Indian Express Limited. 2020-05-09. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
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