Question : Import of Jute Bags

(a) whether the Jute Packaging Materials (compulsory use in Packing commodities) Act, 1987 stipulates that jute bags supplied to Government agencies for foodgrains and sugar under the Public Distribution System must be manufactured by the supplier, using only domestically produced raw jute;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether it has come to the notice of the Government that jute bags imported from the neighbouring countries by Indian manufacturers are being supplied to the Government agencies after putting their own seal;

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken thereon; and

(e) the steps, Government has taken or proposes to take to ensure that the statutory provisions under the said Act are not violated?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES
(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a) & (b): The Jute Packaging Material (Compulsory Use in Packaging Commodities) Act, 1987 (JPM Act) has been enacted in the interests of production of raw jute and jute packaging material, and of persons engaged in the production thereof. Accordingly, as per the Schedule of Notification No. S.O. 527 (E) dated 13-02-2015 issued under the JPM Act, stipulates the minimum percentages of total production of commodity or class of commodities that are required to be packed in jute packaging material manufactured in India and raw jute produced in India.

(c) to (e): In order to preclude the possibility of importing unbranded plain jute sacking from Nepal and Bangladesh and using such bags for Government supply in India, it has been made mandatory for all importers/traders dealing with raw jute/jute goods to register their units with the Jute Commissioner’s office. The importers have been directed to submit monthly reports providing details of import and end use, failing which their registration would be cancelled. Further, the Land Custom Stations (LCSs) have also been advised to provide monthly import details so that the reports submitted by the importers can be verified. For effective implementation of the JPM Act, 1987, the words “Bag made in-Country of Origin” are mandatorily required to be marked/printed/branded in case of imported jute bags.
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