Latest update on India QR application, 1 million mt allowed out of 6 million mt requested

A document seen by Met Coal Junkie outlines the Minutes of a Special Exim Facilitation Committee (EFC) Meeting held on January 15, 2025. The primary purpose was to allocate import authorizations for Low Ash Metallurgical Coke (LAMC) under country-wise quantitative restrictions (QR). Here's a summary:

1. Background:

Based on recommendations from the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) imposed a country-wise QR for LAMC imports, effective from January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025.

Total QR for the period was 1,427,166 MT, divided across countries such as Australia, China, Poland, and others.

2. Applications Received:

71 applications from 23 companies were submitted for a total of 6,400,486 MT.

18 applications were from actual users, and 5 were from traders.

3. Allocation Criteria:

Prioritization for actual users based on:

Average imports over the past three years.

Current year imports and production capacity.

Traders were capped at 1,500 MT or their applied quantity, whichever was lower.

4. Decisions:

A total of 1,139,200 MT was recommended for allocation to applicants.

Allocations were made to ensure no operational disruptions and to meet historical import trends.

5. Conditions for Traders:

Traders must import on behalf of actual users and cannot divert imports for domestic trading.

Non-compliance would attract penalties.

6. Key Insights:

Significant increase in LAMC imports was noted compared to prior years.

The committee aimed to maintain a balanced supply while adhering to QR limits.