1. Attention is invited to paragraph 2.9.5 prescribing mandatory returns to be submitted by importer/exporter online by accessing the website at w w w.nic .in /ex mpol. Accordingly, a format has been placed on the website under the index "IEC (Trade Return)" to enable IEC holder to furnish the return in a computer compatible format. A help menu is also available under the index "IEC (Trade Return Help)". A number of requests have been received for clarifying the information sought in columns of IEC. Accordingly, it has been decided to clarify the information sought in the various columns as under:-
   
   Foreign exchange earned 2002-03 in US$.
   FOB of goods manufactured: In this column, the IEC holder is required to give the FOB value of exports in respect of goods manufactured by him.
   
   FOB of goods not manufactured: In this column, the IEC holder is required to give the FOB value of exports in respect of goods procured by him (basically the goods which are traded by him).
   
   Other than exports: In this column, the IEC holder is required to give details of foreign exchange earning in respect of any services rendered by him abroad.
   If the exports are in currency other than US$, the same may be converted into Indian rupees and thereafter may be converted into US$ as per exchange rate of Ministry of Finance between US$ and Indian rupees on 31st March, 2003. (1US$ = Rs.47.55). Accordingly, the rupee value may be converted into US$ at the exchange rate of Rs.47.55/- per US$. Rank 1 to 9 in order of your export:- The exporter is required to rank different product group in terms of their ranking in value terms. For example, if an exporter is having an export of chemicals, textile and engineering of US$1,00,000, 2,00,000 and 5,00,000 respectively. He has to put a figure of 1 against engineering, 2 against textile and 3 against chemicals. In respect of the sectors which are not specifically covered i.e leather, plastic, they may be covered under the heading 'Others'.
   
   Rank 1 to 6 in order of your exports: This column basically covers continents. All exports made to countries in Asian continent will be reflected in the column 'Asia'. Similarly, exports to all African continent countries will be reflected in 'Africa'. In this column also, based on FOB value of exports in different continents, ranking has to be done by the exporter in the similar way as in the column for the ranking in order of export.
   
   CIF value of imports (2002-03) in equivalent US$:- In this column, the total CIF value as per Bill of entry filed between 1.4.2002 to 31.3.2003 needs to be reflected. Here also, the Indian rupees may be converted into US$ as per the exchange rate of Ministry of Finance between US$ and Indian rupees on 31st March, 2003. (1US$ = Rs.47.55). Accordingly, the rupee value may be converted into US$ at the exchange rate of Rs.47.55/- per US$.
   
   
2. However, all those IEC holders who have already filed IEC return need not file again as per the aforesaid guidelines.
   
   
3. In partial modification of paragraph 2.9.5, the last date for filing the return shall be amended to read as " 31st October " instead of "30th June". Accordingly, paragraph 2.9.5 shall be amended as under:-
   
   

(L.Mansingh)
Director General of Foreign Trade