DGFT - What happened to online Facility ?
AS per the provisions of FTP 2015-20 a new scheme called "Service Exports from India scheme" (SEIS) was introduced. As per the scheme, incentive in the form SFIS scrip@5% of Net foreign exchange earned is awarded to the Service exporters. The relevant provisions are covered vide Para 3.07 to 3.19 of Policy and Para 3.04 to 3.17 of procedures.
The Services exporter is required to file the application in FORM ANF-3B through online mode only within one year from the end of previous financial year. Filing of application in person/hardcopies is not accepted as per the DGFT Trade Notice No.14/2015 dated 19/01/2016.
An exporter prepared all relevant data and tried to file the application ANF-3B online. He found that there was no provision for such online filing in the DGFT website. Immediately he requested the DGFT-NIC in- charge vide e mail dated 5th May to resolve the issue. There was no reply but the facility was made available on 16th May.
Happy at the turn of events, our exporter uploaded the application, but found that net banking online payment was not working. The exporter sent another email on 16th May to resolve the online payment issue. No reply to this mail also, but the next day the DGFT site carried a scrolling - While making online payments some customers are facing problems with Corporate Net Banking Facility of banks like SBI / ICICI bank etc. Efforts are being made to resolve this technical issue. The inconvenience caused is regretted.
The persistent exporter tried the credit card mode. When he tried the debit/credit card mode of payment, he found that the system was not accepting it. The DGFT site carried another scroll - Online payment facility for application fees in DGFT through Credit/Debit cards released.
The frustrated exporter tried to meet the Regional Authorities of the DGFT, but he was informed that as per the facilitation as explained in the Trade Notice No.14/2015 dated 19/01/2016, all queries and submissions to DGFT shall be only by e-mail and he will not be allowed to enter the DGFT office or meet any officer.
But as per the Trade Notice, all such e-mails will be replied to within 48 hours of their receipt and the matter resolved in the prescribed timeframe. Where further clarification, etc. is required, it will be indicated in the e-mail reply for suitable response by the applicant.
As on Saturday, the exporter informs that he was not able to make any online headway. He is hoping for a bright Monday to get his problem resolved.