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Question (received on February 8, 2015): I want to know as how to start exports of plywood. How can I quote rates and what are the container sizes used to calculate prices accordingly. Also, I would like to know as to how I can work out transportation costs. Please suggest. (Ashok, Associate, Chrishall Agency, [email protected])

TDB Response: Dear Mr. Ashok, first, you need to obtain an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT. [It is possible to opt for the online application method starting February 1, 2015.] Interested traders can submit applications online to get an IEC instead of physically submitting papers. Click on this link: http://164.100.78.104:8080/dgftiec/login.jsp. All you will require is some scanned copies of your basic documents and a netbanking account with some (ten, as on February 5, 2015) notified banks. In case you prefer the manual (physical) submission mode or don’t fulfil a certain requirement for e-application, you can opt for the facility of submission of application in manual mode. Containers come in two sizes – 20 ft and 40 ft. As per the cargo you mention, dry containers of the aforementioned dimensions seem most suitable to serve your need. Ocean freight cost depends on the port of origin and the final port of destination. Obtain a quote from liners. Your clearing house agent will be able to get quotes for you. You will also be required to get a marine insurance of your goods from factory to destination. For exports, always quote the rates in CIF. Carriage (Selling price of your goods) + Insurance (Cost of insurance premium) + Freight (Cost of freight).

Question (received on February 6, 2015): We have been approaching the Central Excise Department for Installation Certificate of a machine imported a couple of years ago, under the EPCG Scheme (which had to be obtained within six months after import as per the policy). However, the Central Excise is declining to issue the certificate. Can you please guide us as what to what we should do? There is no provision to get the installation certificate from the Central Excise after six months for the date of import. (Indrajit Singh, Sr. Manager – Exim, Princeware International Pvt. Ltd., [email protected])

TDB Response: Dear Mr. Singh, it seems that your request is reaching “deaf ears”. If the Central Excise Department is ignoring your request, you can alternatively seek an Installation Certificate from an independent Chartered Engineer and request the regional authority (RA) to consider the Chartered Engineer Certificate (CEC) in lieu of certificate from the Central Excise Department. Usually the RAs relax this condition on a case-by-case basis. Present your case to the RA and let the RA directly seek the certificate from the Central Excise Department. All the best.