India looks to increase barriers on imports

Plans to raise quality standards of imports, impose quantity restrictions

NEW DELHI:

New Delhi is considering measures to prevent trade partners mainly in Southeast Asia from re-routing Chinese goods to India with little added value, two government sources said, amid strained ties with Beijing and a push for self-reliance.

India is planning to raise quality standards of imports, impose quantity restrictions, mandate stringent disclosure norms and initiate more frequent checks at ports of entry for goods coming from many Asian countries, the officials said, declining to be named as they were not authorised to talk to the media.

The moves will mainly target imports of base metals, electronic components for laptops and mobile phones, furniture, leather goods, toys, rubber, textiles, air conditioners and televisions, among other items, the officials said. Last week, India’s trade ministry issued a notice to restrict inbound shipments of TVs by requiring importers to get a special licence.

The moves are expected to primarily hurt Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore - members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) with which India has a free trade agreement (FTA). India is also worried about heavy trade flows from South Korea.

“Raising duties has a limited impact,” said one of the officials. “Now we want to raise quality standards and also make sure that goods in FTA routes have roots in those countries. So, customs would be more vigilant than before.” India’s trade ministry did not immediately reply to an email seeking comment.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 4^th, 2020.

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