(a) whether the domestic textile industry has suffered heavy losses due to import of cheap used garments from abroad;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether this has resulted in huge loss of foreign exchange as well;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the Government proposes to impose restriction on the import of used garments from abroad; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES
(a) to (d): The import of worn clothing/used garments is not in such quantity or value to pose
any threat to the domestic textiles industry. The import of worn clothing in calendar year
2009 was of the order of US$ 59 million, which is a decline of 11.21% over 2008. During
January-February, 2010, the import of worn clothing/used garments was US$ 9 million showing
a decline of 38.25% over the corresponding period of the preceding year.
(e)&(f): The Government has already imposed restrictions on the import of used garments
keeping in view the sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues involved by bringing such imports
under the ‘Restricted list of Imports’ vide Notification No. 7/2004-09 dated the 27th October,
2004.