Directorate General of Foreign Trade unveils norms for human bio samples trade

NEW DELHI: Import and export of human biological samples by domestic diagnostic labs or clinical research centres should be permitted by customs authorities without prior approvals, subject to certain conditions, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade said.

Laying down the policy condition for import/export of human biological samples for commercial purposes, the DGFT said that "the central government hereby inserts import policy...and export policy for human biological samples for commercial purposes".

It said the export and import should be permitted by "customs authorities at the port of entry/exit without prior approvals (import licence/export permit) from any other government agency, provided the concerned Indian company/ agency submits an undertaking that they are following and will follow all the applicable rules, regulations and procedures for safe transfer and disposal of the samples".

In a separate trade notice, DGFT said that grapes packed in imported packing material do not fall under ineligible category under a norm of the foreign trade policy.

"...therefore exporter is entitled to Vishesh Krishi and Gram Udyog Yojana (VKGUY) benefit on free-on-board (FOB) value i.e without deducting the cost of imported packing material".