The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has released the updated 2025 edition of its Handbook on Foreign Trade Policy – Incentives, Schemes & Related FAQs, offering exporters, consultants, and trade professionals a comprehensive and practical guide to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023–28. The expanded edition incorporates changes made up to 31 October 2025, making it one of the most updated reference materials on India’s export rules, procedures, and incentive structures.
In the foreword, ICAI President CA Charanjot Singh Nanda emphasized that the Foreign Trade Policy has become a key driver of India’s economic ambitions, fostering competitiveness, transparency, and ease of doing business. He highlighted that the handbook aims to clarify intricate regulatory requirements and help professionals navigate India’s trade environment more efficiently. The GST & Indirect Taxes Committee of ICAI has played a central role in shaping the publication, ensuring it blends regulatory accuracy with practical insight.
The 2025 edition introduces new chapters reflecting India’s fast-changing trade landscape. Notable additions include detailed sections on the MOOWR Scheme, the Developing Districts as Export Hubs initiative, and India’s strategy for strengthening cross-border digital trade, especially in the e-commerce sector. These updates mirror the government’s push toward decentralized export growth, digital integration, and modern customs facilitation.
Existing chapters have also undergone extensive revisions. Major export incentive schemes—such as Advance Authorization, DFIA, EPCG, RoDTEP, and Duty Drawback—now feature updated norms, revised procedures, and clearer interpretation of obligations. The handbook offers step-by-step clarity on topics like self-ratification, clubbing of authorizations, export obligation timelines, e-script generation under RoDTEP, and documentation under various duty exemption schemes. The procedural depth aims to support both new and seasoned exporters.
The publication also captures the latest policy reforms under FTP 2023–28. These include fully paperless approvals, reduced user charges for MSMEs, automated Certificates of Origin, enhanced limits for e-commerce exports through courier mode, new Towns of Export Excellence, and relaxed rules for rupee-based exports. The revised status holder thresholds and streamlined processes for Advance Authorization and EPCG also receive detailed coverage, enabling readers to understand how to leverage these schemes effectively.
ICAI Vice-Chairman CA Umesh Sharma and Chairman CA Rajendra Kumar P have noted that the handbook serves not only as a reference document but also as a training tool for businesses, consultants, and educators. They expressed that the revised publication will help MSMEs, start-ups, and established exporters access global markets with greater clarity on compliance and incentives. ICAI has also invited feedback from users to ensure that future editions continue to reflect industry needs and regulatory updates.
Coming at a time of rapid transformation in global trade practices, the revised handbook is positioned as a vital resource for exporters looking to align with policy changes and optimize the benefits available under India’s Foreign Trade Policy. The detailed explanations, updated FAQs, and clarified procedures are expected to significantly reduce compliance burdens and improve understanding among stakeholders across the export ecosystem.
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