DGFT Minutes

Minutes of the 27th Meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) dated 25.06.2025 to consider applications for recognition as Pre-shipment Inspection Agency (PSIA) The 27th IMC Meeting for PSIA was held on 25.06.2025 at 03:00 PM in Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi under the Chairmanship of Ms. Shubhra, Addl. DGFT through hybrid mode (physical and video conferencing). Committee discussed various issues arising during the implementation of the policy and procedure pertaining to PSIAs, consider applications for enlistment as PSIAs under Appendix 2G in terms of Para 2.52 of HBP 2023 and addition of instruments of existing PSIA. A comprehensive list of participants is attached as Annexure ‘A’. 2. Agenda Items Discussed: At the outset, the meeting began with welcoming the Chairperson and all participants, briefly outlining the agenda to be considered in sequence. The key items discussed during the meeting were as follows: A. Approval of 26th Minutes of Meeting and Action Taken Report: The committee reviewed the implementation status of the decisions made in the previous 26th IMC meeting and approved the Minutes. B. Recognition/Renewal of PSIA Applications: The committee considered 08 new applications for PSIA recognition and 01 application for renewal. This involved scrutinizing each application to assess compliance with the necessary regulations and standards.
C. Addition of Instruments for Existing PSIAs: The committee considered the 19 applications for addition of instruments of the existing PSIAs.

iance with the necessary regulations and standards.
C. Addition of Instruments for Existing PSIAs: The committee considered the 19 applications for addition of instruments of the existing PSIAs. This was aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of these agencies and ensuring they can meet industry demands effectively. 3. The following decisions regarding the procedure for recognition of PSIAs and strengthening the PSIAs regulations were taken by the committee: (i) The Directorate had asked Industry Representative body and PSIA accreditation agency in India, Material Recyclers Association of India (MRAI) to give a brief presentation highlighting the significance of import of secondary raw material, international best practices related to metal scrap import regulations,

policy suggestions and potential reforms concerning Pre-Shipment Inspection Agencies (PSIAs). MRAI representatives Shri Zain Nathani, Vice-President; Shri Naveen Sharma, Vice-President; Shri Satish Kohli, Advisor and Mr. Gaurav made a presentation in this regard before the Committee. MRAI through its presentation emphasized that India is significantly dependent on secondary raw material (Ferrous as well as Non-Ferrous) and this needs to be supported. MRAI emphasized that strengthening the port infrastructure including operationalization of port scanners similar to developed countries can help in discontinuing the need of PSIC.

to be supported. MRAI emphasized that strengthening the port infrastructure including operationalization of port scanners similar to developed countries can help in discontinuing the need of PSIC. MRAI informed that, as part of the accreditation, it currently conducts only the basic due diligence of PSIAs, however, based on the guidance it can strengthen the due diligence. It was informed to MRAI, that being the only accreditation agency in India and its membership being a pre-requisite for recognition as PSIA under Foreign Trade Policy, it is expected that MRAI maintains the KYC and checks the credentials of all such members. MRAI should also seek and maintain documents as prescribed in 26th IMC Meeting from each agency for due diligence and record-keeping purposes.
MRAI recommended that PSIAs can be made more accountable and transparent if they have a registered office in India and an operational bank account in India, which will ensure easy credential verification and tracking of banking transactions. On this, the Committee decided to recommend this as a way forward for further strengthening the regulation over PSIAs. All the agencies will need to open Indian office and bank account in nationalized bank. This exercise should be completed in 45 days and details shared with PSIA Cell in DGFT office. (ii) A detailed discussion was held on the essential equipment required for enlistment as a Pre-Shipment Inspection Agency (PSIA), including the Handheld Radiation Survey Meter, Radionuclide Identifier (Spectrometer), and Explosive Detection System.

equipment required for enlistment as a Pre-Shipment Inspection Agency (PSIA), including the Handheld Radiation Survey Meter, Radionuclide Identifier (Spectrometer), and Explosive Detection System. The representative from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) informed that based on the various representations and reference from DGFT, the usage of the Spectrometer and Handheld Radiation Survey Meter, particularly in the context of determining parameters for allotment of countries/areas of operation was re-examined. While the survey meter measures radiation intensity, the radionuclide identifier not only measures radiation intensity but also characterizes the specific radioisotope due to its integrated spectrometric capability. It was clarified that both instruments can be used

interchangeably for detecting the presence of radioactivity and can be used for allocation/mapping of area of operations to the instruments/equipment in supersession of decision made in the last meeting. Accordingly, the Committee decided to consider both instruments as valid parameters for the allotment of countries/areas of operation. (iii)
The Committee also discussed the issue related to the technical assessment of the Explosive Detection System. The representative from AERB informed that the organization does not possess the requisite expertise to evaluate such systems. The representative from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) clarified that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO).

evaluate such systems. The representative from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) clarified that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO). MHA further stated that they would share a case summary of a similar matter previously handled by the Indian Army for reference. (iv)
The Committee also deliberated on the issue of security vetting of PSIAs. The representative from MHA informed that reference in this regard could be made to Intelligence Bureau (IB). (v) The Committee also requested the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) to provide an update on the installation of scanners at ports. Additionally, CBIC was asked to verify the actual usage of these scanners and the SOP being followed to ensure that the scanners are appropriately used at all ports where they are installed.
(vi) With regard to the inspection of physical presence and verifying the credentials of PSIAs based outside India, MEA informed that the matter has been flagged with Indian Missions abroad, and responses are currently being received. Additionally, MEA was requested to suggest measures for expanding the list of ‘safe countries.’ In response, MEA recommended that risk parameters may be clearly defined and formulated to classify countries into categories such as high risk, medium risk, low risk, and no risk.

safe countries.’ In response, MEA recommended that risk parameters may be clearly defined and formulated to classify countries into categories such as high risk, medium risk, low risk, and no risk.
(vii) The Committee decided to revise the ANF-2L form for ‘Application for Recognition as Pre-Shipment Inspection Agency for Metal Scrap’ and asked it to be circulated among participants for comments/inputs.

A total of 28 applications were received, comprising 08 fresh applications for empanelment as PSIA, 01 application for renewal, and 19 applications for the addition of instruments by existing PSIAs.
5.
After examining the documents submitted by the applicants, the Committee decided the applications as under: A: FRESH APPLICATIONS Sl. No. 1 VCSSOFT TECHNOLOGIES PRIVATE LIMITED File No. HQRPSIAAPPLY00000009AM26 Decision of the Committee The Committee directed that the following pending documents be submitted by the applicant: i. Experience certificates demonstrating experience in inspection activities ii. Copies of the passport and qualification certificates of all the inspectors for all countries of operation It was noted that the pending documents were earlier sought vide Deficiency Letter dated 17.06.2025, in response to which the firm had submitted some of the required documents. In view of this, the Committee decided to grant the firm one final opportunity to submit the remaining requisite documents as listed above.

Sl. No. 2 WAVE DART EXPRESS PTE. LTD File No. HQRPSIAAPPLY00000007AM26 Decision of the Committee i.

irm one final opportunity to submit the remaining requisite documents as listed above.

Sl. No. 2 WAVE DART EXPRESS PTE. LTD File No. HQRPSIAAPPLY00000007AM26 Decision of the Committee i. Experience certificates demonstrating experience in ii. Copies of branch office addresses / lease agreements, and any other address proof substantiating physical presence in operational jurisdiction for the countries listed against instruments at Sl. No. 26–35 in the application. It was further noted that the branch office addresses submitted for Jordan and Yemen are in the local language and must be resubmitted with an official English translation
iii. Copies of the passport and qualification certificates of all the inspectors for all countries of operation
iv. Copy of registration issued by foreign authorities authorizing inspection operations v. Incorporation documents of the applicant firm:

 For partnerships: Partnership Deed  For companies: Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA) vi. Copies of direct tax and GST/VAT returns of past three financial years vii. Copies of Annual Report / Balance sheets for the past three financial years It was noted that the pending documents were earlier sought vide Deficiency Letter dated 19.06.2025, in response to which the firm had submitted some of the required documents. In view of this, the Committee decided to grant the firm one final opportunity to submit the remaining requisite documents.

Sl. No. 3 KAITO INSPECTION SERVICES File No.

he required documents. In view of this, the Committee decided to grant the firm one final opportunity to submit the remaining requisite documents.

Sl. No. 3 KAITO INSPECTION SERVICES File No. HQRPSIAAPPLY00000002AM26 Decision of the Committee i. Experience certificates demonstrating experience in ii. Copies of branch office addresses / lease agreements, and any other address proof substantiating physical presence in operational jurisdiction for the countries listed against instruments at Sl. No. 8-10 in the application It was noted that the pending documents were earlier sought vide Deficiency Letter dated 19.06.2025, in response to which the firm had submitted some of the required documents. In view of this, the Committee decided to grant the firm one final opportunity to submit the remaining requisite documents.

Sl. No. 4 TAREEQ AL ZAIN METAL TR LLC File No. HQRPSIAAPPLY00000001AM26 Decision of the Committee i. The proof of address submitted by the applicant firm is in the local language and must be resubmitted with an official English translation ii. Experience certificates demonstrating experience in iii. Copies of the passport and qualification certificates of all the inspectors for all countries of operation iv. Copies of passports of owners, including directors, partners, proprietors, investors, and all beneficial owners

ualification certificates of all the inspectors for all countries of operation iv. Copies of passports of owners, including directors, partners, proprietors, investors, and all beneficial owners

v. Copies of direct tax and GST/VAT returns of past three financial years vi. Copy of Bank-authenticated certificate of the bank account statement for the current calendar year vii. Copy of registration issued by foreign authorities authorizing inspection operations is in the local language and must be resubmitted with an official English translation viii. Incorporation documents of the applicant firm:  For partnerships: Partnership Deed  For companies: Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA) It was noted that the pending documents were earlier sought vide Deficiency Letter dated 19.06.2025. Considering the same, the Committee decided to grant the firm one final opportunity to submit the requisite documents.

Sl. No. 5 CS GLOBAL LOGISTICS (M) SDN. BHD File No. HQRPSIAAPPLY00000058AM25 Decision of the Committee i. Copies of Annual Report / Balance sheets for the past three financial years ii. Proof of address
iii. The application mentions that the applicant firm is a member of MRAI with validity up to 31.03.2030; however, the membership certificate was not attached and must be submitted. iv. Experience certificates demonstrating experience in v.

rm is a member of MRAI with validity up to 31.03.2030; however, the membership certificate was not attached and must be submitted. iv. Experience certificates demonstrating experience in v. Some of the uploaded files containing copies of branch office addresses, lease agreements, or other address proofs substantiating physical presence in the operational jurisdictions are not opening. The firm is advised to delete the existing files and re-upload all relevant documents for all countries of operation vi. Some of the uploaded files containing copies of the passport and qualification certificates of inspectors for all countries of operation are not opening. The firm is advised to delete the existing files and re-upload all relevant documents for all countries of operation vii. Copies of revised direct tax and GST/VAT returns of past three financial years must be resubmitted with an official

English translation viii. Incorporation documents of the applicant firm:  For partnerships: Partnership Deed  For companies: Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA) It was noted that the pending documents were earlier sought vide Deficiency Letter dated 19.06.2025, in response to which the firm had submitted some of the required documents. In view of this, the Committee decided to grant the firm one final opportunity to submit the remaining requisite documents.

Sl. No. 6 MED CONTROL File No. HQRPSIAAPPLY00000048AM25 Decision of the Committee i. Updated valid calibration certificates for all instruments ii.

bmit the remaining requisite documents.

Sl. No. 6 MED CONTROL File No. HQRPSIAAPPLY00000048AM25 Decision of the Committee i. Updated valid calibration certificates for all instruments ii. Copies of Annual Report / Balance sheets for the past three financial years submitted by the applicant firm is in the local language and must be resubmitted with an official English translation iii. The proof of address submitted by the applicant firm is in the local language and must be resubmitted with an official English translation iv. The application mentions that the firm's membership with the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), Washington D.C., is valid only up to 01.01.2025; the renewed membership certificate must be submitted v. Experience certificates demonstrating experience in vi. Mapping of equipment vis-a-vis area of operation (countries) vii. Copies of the passport and qualification certificates of all the inspectors for all countries of operation viii. Copies of passports of owners, including directors, partners, proprietors, investors, and all beneficial owners ix. Copies of direct tax and GST/VAT returns of past three financial years x. Copy of Bank-authenticated certificate of the bank account statement for the current calendar year xi. Copy of registration issued by foreign authorities authorizing inspection operations is in the local language and must be resubmitted with an official English translation

calendar year xi. Copy of registration issued by foreign authorities authorizing inspection operations is in the local language and must be resubmitted with an official English translation

xii. Incorporation documents of the applicant firm:  For partnerships: Partnership Deed  For companies: Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA)

Sl. No. 7 WORLDWIDE QUALITY INSPECTION LTD File No. HQRPSIAAPPLY00000025AM25 Decision of the Committee i. Updated valid calibration certificates for all instruments ii. Revised copies of Annual Report / Balance sheets for the past three financial years
iii. Revised copy of proof of address
iv. The application mentions that the firm's MRAI membership is valid only up to 31.03.2025; the renewed membership certificate must be submitted v. Experience certificates demonstrating experience in vi. Mapping of equipment vis-a-vis area of operation (countries) vii. Copies of the passport and qualification certificates of all the inspectors for all countries of operation viii. Copies of passports of owners, including directors, partners, proprietors, investors, and all beneficial owners ix. Copies of direct tax and GST/VAT returns of past three financial years x. Copy of Bank-authenticated certificate of the bank account statement for the current calendar year xi. Copy of registration issued by foreign authorities authorizing inspection operations is in the local language and must be resubmitted with an official English translation xii.

dar year xi. Copy of registration issued by foreign authorities authorizing inspection operations is in the local language and must be resubmitted with an official English translation xii. Incorporation documents of the applicant firm:  For partnerships: Partnership Deed  For companies: Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA)

Sl. No. 8 CARBONGUARD FZC
File No. HQRPSIAAPPLY00000012AM25 Decision of the

Committee i. Updated valid calibration certificates for all instruments ii. Revised copies of Annual Report / Balance sheets for the past three financial years
iii. Experience certificates demonstrating experience in iv. Mapping of equipment vis-a-vis area of operation (countries) v. Copies of branch office addresses / lease agreements, and any other address proof substantiating physical presence in operational jurisdiction for the countries of operation vi. Copies of the passport and qualification certificates of all the inspectors for all countries of operation vii. Copies of passports of owners, including directors, partners, proprietors, investors, and all beneficial owners viii. Copies of direct tax and GST/VAT returns of past three financial years ix. Copy of Bank-authenticated certificate of the bank account statement for the current calendar year x. Copy of registration issued by foreign authorities authorizing inspection operations is in the local language and must be resubmitted with an official English translation xi.

endar year x. Copy of registration issued by foreign authorities authorizing inspection operations is in the local language and must be resubmitted with an official English translation xi. Incorporation documents of the applicant firm:  For partnerships: Partnership Deed  For companies: Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA)

B: RENEWAL APPLICATIONS Sl. No. 9 DD INTERNATIONAL GLOBAL File No. HQRPSIAAPPLY00000005AM26 Decision of the Committee Committee decided to approve the case subject to submission of valid Bank Guarantee

C: AMENDMENT FOR ADDITION OF INSTRUMENTS OF THE EXISTING PSIAS Sl. No. 1 SOLITARY CONSULTANT PVT.LTD. File No. HQRPSIAAMEND00000013AM26 Decision of Committee decided to approve the case subject to submission of

the Committee updated Calibration certificate

Sl. No. 2 SAP ENGINEERS AND SURVEYORS File No. HQRPSIAAMEND00000010AM26 Decision of the Committee Committee decided to approve the case

Sl. No. 3 MARINE INSPECTION CO., LTD. File No. HQRPSIAAMEND00000011AM26 Decision of the Committee Committee decided to approve the case

Sl. No. 4 Seacor International LLC File No. HQRPSIAAMEND00000008AM26 Decision of the Committee Committee decided to approve the case subject to submission of updated Calibration certificate

Sl. No. 5 NECTAR INSPECTION SERVICES LLC File No. HQRPSIAAMEND00000006AM26 Decision of the Committee Committee decided to approve the case subject to submission of updated Calibration certificate

Sl. No.

AR INSPECTION SERVICES LLC File No. HQRPSIAAMEND00000006AM26 Decision of the Committee Committee decided to approve the case subject to submission of updated Calibration certificate

Sl. No. 6 BROS ENGINEERING SERVICES
File No. HQRPSIAAMEND00000052AM25 Decision of the Committee Committee decided to approve the case subject to Mapping of equipment vis-a-vis area of operation (countries)

Sl. No. 7 MELT ENTERPRISE LTD File No. HQRPSIAAMEND00000041AM25 Decision of the Committee Committee decided to approve the case subject to submission of updated Calibration certificate and Mapping of equipment vis-a- vis area of operation (countries)

Sl. No. 8 METAL SERVICES File No. HQRPSIAAMEND00000039AM25

Decision of the Committee Committee decided to approve the case subject to Mapping of equipment vis-a-vis area of operation (countries)

Sl. No. 9 WISE SERVICES FZE File No. HQRPSIAAMEND00000035AM25 Decision of the Committee i. Valid calibration certificates for all instruments ii. Mapping of equipment vis-a-vis area of operation (countries) It was noted that the pending documents were earlier sought vide Deficiency Letter dated 02.06.2025. Considering the same, the Committee decided to grant the firm one final opportunity to submit the requisite documents.

Sl. No. 10 TUBBY IMPEX PRIVATE LIMITED File No.

Letter dated 02.06.2025. Considering the same, the Committee decided to grant the firm one final opportunity to submit the requisite documents.

Sl. No. 10 TUBBY IMPEX PRIVATE LIMITED File No. HQRPSIAAMEND00000036AM25 Decision of the Committee Committee decided to reject the case based on AERB’s observation that the PD-10 is a Digital Pocket Dosimeter and not a Handheld Radiation Survey Meter, as required.

Sl. No. 11 SMV INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATION File No. HQRPSIAAMEND00000037AM25 Decision of the Committee Committee decided to defer the case pending further clarification from the Applicant. It was observed that the instruments proposed for addition are approximately 8 years old as per the invoice date, and the application for their inclusion has been submitted nearly 7 years after their purchase. The Committee raised concerns regarding the instruments’ ability to meet current performance standards and the possibility of them being second-hand.

Sl. No. 12 WAYSHIP TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS WORLDWIDE PRIVATE LIMITED File No. HQRPSIAAMEND00000038AM25 Decision of the Committee Committee decided to approve the case subject to submission of updated Calibration certificate and Mapping of equipment vis-a- vis area of operation (countries)

Sl. No. 13 & 14 Global Mines and Minerals FZE File No. HQRPSIAAMEND00000007AM25;

bmission of updated Calibration certificate and Mapping of equipment vis-a- vis area of operation (countries)

Sl. No. 13 & 14 Global Mines and Minerals FZE File No. HQRPSIAAMEND00000007AM25;

HQRPSIAAMEND00000033AM25 Decision of the Committee Committee decided to defer the case, noting that the calibration of the instrument predates the invoice date and was carried out by a third party. The matter will be referred to AERB for verification of the instrument’s genuineness

Sl. No. 15 & 16 SGNCO Green Resources Ltd File No. HQRPSIAAMEND00000008AM25; HQRPSIAAMEND00000034AM25 Decision of the Committee Committee decided to defer the case, noting that the calibration of the instrument predates the invoice date and was carried out by a third party. The matter will be referred to AERB for verification of the instrument’s genuineness.

Sl. No. 17 Global Marine Inspection File No. HQRPSIAAMEND00000032AM25 Decision of the Committee Committee decided to approve the case subject to submission of updated Calibration certificate and photographs of all instruments and Mapping of equipment vis-a-vis area of operation (countries)

Sl. No. 18 Valmark International File No. HQRPSIAAMEND00000014AM26 Decision of the Committee Committee decided to approve the case subject to submission of updated Calibration certificate

Sl. No. 19 Baltic Testing India Private Limited File No. HQRPSIAAMEND00000020AM25 Decision of the Committee Committee decided to defer the case pending further clarification from the Applicant.

. No. 19 Baltic Testing India Private Limited File No. HQRPSIAAMEND00000020AM25 Decision of the Committee Committee decided to defer the case pending further clarification from the Applicant. It was observed that the instruments proposed for addition are approximately 5 years old as per the invoice date, and the application for their inclusion has been submitted nearly 5 years after their purchase. The Committee raised concerns regarding the instruments’ ability to meet current performance standards and the possibility of them being second-hand.

Case of NI-MET METALS INC. was also taken up for discussion during the meeting. The entity was initially notified as a PSIA through Public Notice No. 47/2015-20 dated 15.12.2016 and subsequently renewed via Public Notice No. 11/2024-25 dated 12.06.2024 (File No. HQRPSIAAPPLY00000425AM24).

However, the Area of Operation was not allotted at that time. Following discussions in the 26th IMC meeting, specific documents were sought from the PSIA. In compliance, the PSIA submitted the requisite documents via email on 25.06.2025. After due consideration, the Committee decided to approve the case, subject to submission of updated Calibration certificate and Mapping of equipment vis-a-vis area of operation (countries).

In line with the discussions on agency registration, the Committee decided that all existing and new foreign-based applicants must submit a copy of the registration issued by the relevant foreign authority authorizing inspection operations.

tration, the Committee decided that all existing and new foreign-based applicants must submit a copy of the registration issued by the relevant foreign authority authorizing inspection operations. For Indian agencies, physical verification will be conducted by the DGFT Regional Authorities. 8. The Committee proposed to hold the next meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) in the second week of August 2025 to decide on the applications where the deficiencies pointed above have been addressed. 9. Meeting was ended with vote of thanks to the chair.

Annexure ‘A’ The following participants attended the aforesaid meeting: S.No. Name & Designation Ministry/Deptt./Organisation 1.
Ms. Shubhra, Addl. DGFT – In Chair DGFT 2.
Shri Satya Raja Sekhar G, Joint DGFT DGFT 3.
Shri Deepak Jhalani, Deputy DGFT DGFT 4.
Shri Sagar Rameshrao Kadu, Director DPIIT 5.
Shri Vinod K. Singh, Scientist F MoEF&CC 6.
Shri K. A. Sivadas, Deputy Secretary DoC 7.
Shri Dhavala Vijaya Raghava, Deputy Secretary (ED) MEA 8.
Shri T Chinsum Naulak, Deputy Secretary (IS-I/Arms) MHA 9.
Shri Jagbir Singh, 2IC (Arms) MHA 10. Shri Ravi Shekhar, Under Secretary M/o Steel 11. Shri Anshuman, OSD CBIC/DoR 12. Shri Subrata Pathak, SO
AERB 13. Shri Manish Sirohi, FTDO DGFT

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