Question : Inclusion-Exclusion of Items under MEIS

a) whether the Directorate General of Foreign Trade has recently announced a new list of textile items eligible for export incentives under the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) and if so, the details thereof;
b) the reasons for exclusion of certain knitted fabrics for concession under the scheme along with the steps taken by the Government to grant benefits on export of entire range of knitted fabrics including value added products such as cotton dyed and printed fabrics in order to avoid unintended inclusion;
c) whether the State Government of Gujarat has requested the Central Government to include copper cathode and rods in the new Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) and if so, the details thereof along with the response of the Government thereto; and
d) whether the State Government of Gujarat has also requested for export incentives to the Copper Industry and if so, the details thereof along with the decision taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a) & (b) Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) incentivises 5012 tariff lines at 8 digit level at present. It includes 752 tariff lines relating to Textiles, Ready Made Garments and Made Ups sector. Labour intensive products like Handloom, Coir, Jute, Textile related handicraft products, carpets, woollen shawls etc. have been provided support at maximum rate of 5%. Important lines of Ready Made Garments, Made Ups, and cotton fabrics are also covered. Other lines of textiles could not be supported, given the need to prioritize within the available resources.

(c) & (d) The Government has received requests for grant of export incentives to the Copper Industry. MEIS incentivises 26 tariff lines at 8 digit level of copper and articles thereof. Copper Cathodes and Rods could not be included in the MEIS, given the need to prioritize within the available resources.


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