US makes changes in export control laws to benefit India

The new rule that makes necessary changes in the export control laws “creates a presumption of approval” for Indian companies seeking to import Commerce Department controlled military items, except Weapons of Mass Destruction-related goods. This means that only under the rarest circumstances will India be denied licenses, a source familiar with the changes said. The new rule also amends the law so that companies will not need a licence at all after becoming a Validated End User (VEU). 

“Indian and US companies operating in India can seek VEU status for both civil and military manufacturing, and by doing so not need to obtain individual licenses. This makes it far more convenient to build a global supply chain and react quickly to changing market conditions,” explained Benjamin Schwartz, USIBC’s Director for Defence and Aerospace. 

Over 810 licenses representing some USD 5 billion in trade in the last half decade have been granted for goods covered under this new rule. Additionally, under the new regulation, Indian companies will not be required by US law to seek approval for the re-export of platforms that contain less than 25 per cent US content. “This is a very favourable policy for Indian companies. The rule will make business substantially easier for Indian companies in the defence sector, especially those partnering with American companies. This gives Indian companies and US companies operating in India the ability to be reactive in real time to meet their supply chain needs.”