NEW DELHI, 14 May 2020: Looking at the hardship faced by importers during the ongoing COVID 19 crisis, India has extended the deadline for importing 250,000 metric tonnes of Urad (block gram or bean, scientific name Vigna mungo) till 31 May 2020.

In a notice dated 13 May 2020, Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the India trade and commerce ministry said, “In this regard several representations were received seeking extension of the date of import of Urad beyond 15 May, 2020 due to the current lock down situation against pandemic COVID-19."

“The matter has been examined and it has been decided by the competent authority to extend the deadline for import of additional 250,000 metric tonnes of Urad up to 31 May, 2020 i.e. imports should arrive at Indian Ports before 31 May, 2020,” the notice read.

India has invited trade notice on 19 December 2019 laying down modalities for import of additional 250,000 metric tonnes of Urad (black gram or bean) for the fiscal year 2019-20 directing the importers to complete imports by 31 March, 2020 and thereafter extending the deadline up to 30 April, 2020 on 3 March, 2020 notice and again extending up to 15 May, 2020 through notice dated 16 April 2020.

DGFT notice also stressed that no further extension will be given and the accordingly, all license holders for Urad are requested to complete their import by 31 May, 2020, a trade notice signed by deputy general of foreign trade S K Mohapatra said.