1. AEPC had issued a Public Notice dated 6.2.2003 giving names of 63 Indian exporters who were required to furnish details of exports of garments made to Russia against non-quota entitlement. In this regard investigations conducted by Ministry of Textiles and AEPC have revealed that no exports of readymade garments were actually made to Russia. In this regard the quota administering authority (AEPC) has also not received any proof of export to Russia from any of the 63 Indian exporters.

2. Considering that exports of garments to Russia against non-quota entitlement were made by the aforesaid 63 exporters by claiming/availing export incentives under Drawback and other export promotion schemes, Chief Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai has suggested that export incentives in respect of aforesaid garment exports made by the said 63 exporters should not be released until they have furnished the required proof of having actually exported garments to Russia.

3. It has, therefore, been decided that export incentives in respect of aforesaid 63 Indian exporters for exports to Russia made against non-quota entitlement should not be released until completion of final investigation by Ministry of Textiles and AEPC in the matter. In this regard Ministry of Textiles is also being requested to forward the outcome of investigations firm-wise against each of the 63 exporters for taking a final decision in the matter. Copy of Public Notice dated 6.2.2003 of AEPC is enclosed for ready reference.

4. Customs field officers under your charge may be suitably alerted in this regard.

5. Receipt of the Circular may please be acknowledged.

Sd/-
(R K TALAJIA)
Officer on Special Duty (DBK)

[F.No.605/61/2003-DBK]