(a) whether the Union Government have received requests to exclude Coir and Coir Products from the list of free importable items; and
(b) if so, the decision taken in this regard?
(a) whether the Union Government have received requests to exclude Coir and Coir Products from the list of free importable items; and
(b) if so, the decision taken in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIES AND AGRO AND RURAL INDUSTRIES
(SMT. VASUNDHARA RAJE)
(a) & (b) Coir and coir products are freely importable from SAARC countries with effect from 1.8.1998 on payment of applicable duties. Representations have been received from the Government of Kerala to include coir and coir products in the Negative List of the Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement so that tariff concessions on import of these products are not available. While the Negative Lists of items for which no tariff concessions that will be granted by the two sides are yet to be finalised, coir and coir products are proposed to be retained in India`s Negative List.