(a) whether the Government have introduced the scheme of duty free imports of plantation commodities for re-export;
(b) if so, whether the plantation industry has represented against this scheme;
(c) if so, the details thereof alongwith the objections raised in the representations; and
(d) the reaction of the Government thereto?
MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI ARUN JAITLEY)
(a) to (d): Yes, Sir. Duty free import of commodities including plantation commodities for export purpose is allowed under the Duty Exemption/Remission Schemes and Export Oriented Units/Export processing Zone Scheme. Representations have been received that duty free import be stopped as these commodities are produced in large quantities in India. However, duty free imports for export purpose are required to cater to the needs of overseas consumers and to make Indian exports competitive. There is no general restriction on plantation commodities except rubber, where the Government has issued instructions prohibiting its duty free import.