The details of the letter issued by the Indian Embassy regarding the new provisions implemented by the Indian Customs during the lockdown period carried by Covid-19 as under:

No. KAT/ECO/931/03/2020/

1. The Embassy of India in Kathmandu presents its compliments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Nepal and has the honour to inform about the recent decision being taken by Indian Customs in the backdrop of Covid -19 Pandemic, to minimize the injury to the export-Import trade and encourage maximum utilization of Free Trade Agreements.
2. The Embassy has the honour to inform that Indian Customs is now providing option to importers to clear their goods even If, original Certificate of Origin (CoO) is not available, based upon an undertaking that all requirement will be met subsequently.
3. In cases, where a preferential treatment of goods under a Free Trade Agreement has been claimed but the original hard copy of CoO has not been submitted or only a digitally signed copy or unsigned copy of CoO ls submitted, Indian Customs will allow provisional clearance of goods. The final assessment will be done subsequently on submission of the original CoO certificate by the importer. The goods exported from the FTA partner country would therefore be extended preferential treatment, even if the e1eporter Is unable to send original CoO as per the requirement of the Agreement.
4. The esteemed Ministry is requested to transmit the same to the concerned authorities of Government of Nepal for kind information and further necessary action at their end.
5. The Embassy of India avails Itself of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Nepal, athe assurances of Its highest consideration.

Kathmandu, dated 20^th April, 2020