EPCH placed suggestions/proposals for forthcoming Foreign Trade Policy (2014-19) and Union Budget 2014-15 before Union Minister of Textiles, Dr. K.S. Rao

On Jan 17, 2014

Union Minister of Textiles, Dr. K.S. Rao discussed with Trade Representatives proposals for inclusion in the Union Budget 2014-15 and suggestions for the Foreign Trade Policy (2014-19).

With a view to address the issues concerning the growth, development and promotion of exports of handicrafts, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) prepared detailed point wise proposals concerning to the Union Budget and Foreign Trade Policy.

Mr. Lekhraj Maheshwari, Chairman-EPCH and Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Executive Director – EPCH placed before the Minister the issues pertaining to the sector yesterday.

The following issues were raised during the meeting:-

Budget Proposals for the year 2014-2015

– Waiving of Service Tax in relation to business exhibition organized within India
– Waiving of Service tax on Membership fee of the Council
– Natural Gas at concessional price for Glassware / Artware units at Firozabad and Moradabad
Suggestions for Foreign Trade Policy (2014-19)
– Exemption from BIS Certification for import of electrical cables.
– Duty Free import provisions regarding embellishments, trimmings, tools and consumables for use in manufacture of export products –expansion of the list of duty free items.
– Clarity and Modification requested in the Impex Policy for import of wood logs and sawn or sized wood (with bark) or (without bark).
– Amendments in the description at Table -1 of Appendix-37-Dof H.B of Procedure (Vol.1) 2009-14 regarding Focus Product Scheme.
– Amendment in Chapter -5 (Policy Condition No. 4) as per Notification No.18(RE-2013)/2009-2014 regarding import of live-stock products.
– Credit card as Export Payment mode
– To allow Import of Samples of Indian Origin as part of passenger baggage
– Ban the export of soap stone lumps
– Nomination of representative of Handicrafts sector in the Input /Output Norms for Wooden Handicrafts Products
– Exemption from examination – Finished leather goods
– Export Credit Guarantee Corporation Ltd (ECGC) coverage to Handicrafts Exporters [Under MDA Scheme or Special Scheme]
– Non recovery of the drawback paid in case of non realization of proceeds
– Enhance Allocation of funds under Market Development Assistance Scheme (MDA)
Mr. Lekhraj Maheshwari, Chairman-EPCH expressed confidence that under the leadership of the Minister, the handicrafts sector will get the maximum benefit in the Union Budget and forthcoming Foreign Trade Policy.
Mr.Rakesh Kumar, Executive Director – EPCH expressed his satisfaction with the discussions and hoped that it will result in addressing some key issues which are affecting the handicrafts sector.