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Govt imposes fresh import curbs on agri, food products

Even as the government has phased out quantitative restrictions (QRs) on 147 agricultural products including alcoholic beverages, fresh import curbs were imposed on food products and agricultural items to ensure a "level-playing field".

"Removal of QRs does not mean throwing the gates wide open. As a sovereign nation, we are obliged to ensure safety and security of our citizens and safeguard our bio-security concerns as long as we ensure national treatment," Commerce and Industry Minister, Murasoli Maran, said while unveiling the new Exim Poliy for 2001-02.

Maran said that new measures had been notified for import of items like wheat, rice, maize, petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and urea.

The imports of these items would now be permitted through the designated state trading enterprises functioning on commercial principles in accordance with the GATT agreement.

Imports of primary products of plant and animal origin will now be subject to import permits issued by the Ministry of Agriculture while import of foreign liquor, processed food products and tea waste would be subject to existing domestic regulation concerning health and hygiene, he said.

In addition the above measures, he said that a standing group would review on a regular basis the import status of 300 items most of which pertain to the agriculture and the small scale sector.

ALSO READ:
Exim Policy 2001-2002: Full coverage
Union Budget 2001-2002: Full coverage

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