Question : IMPORT FROM NEPAL

(a) whether various business associations, Members of Parliament have drawn the attention of the Government regarding import of vanaspati, photo rolls, winding wire other items from Nepal to India;

(b) if so, whether such items have maximum customs duty in India i.e, 42.5 percent, if imported from other countries;

(c) if so, whether due to the treaty between Nepal and India such items do not attract any customs duty if it is imported through Nepal to India;

(d) if so, whether it become difficult for Indian entrepreneurs to compete with those who import these items through Nepal; and

(e) if so, the precautions the Government propose to take in this regard?

MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI MURASOLI MARAN)

a) Yes, Sir

b) The current rates of customs duty applicable to vanaspati, photo rolls and winding wires are as under: -

Sl.No.	Description	Basic + Surcharge	CVD	SAD	Total
1.	Vanaspati	38.5%	Nil	4%	44.04%

2.	Winding Wires	38.5%	16%	4%	67.09%

3.	Photo rolls	(other than instant print film)	27.5%	16%	4%	53.82%

4.	Instant print film	5.5%	16%	45	27.27%