Govt. imposes non-tariff barriers on imports

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, MAY. 8.The Government has begun the process of imposing non-tariff barriers of imports as a follow-up to the withdrawal of quantitative restrictions in the Export-Import Policy announced on April 1.

In a notification issued last week, the Commerce Ministry has imposed restrictions on the ports of entry for 300 selected items including second hand cars. These items can only be imported through 11 clearly identified ports. Second hand cars, for instance, can only be imported through Mumbai.

The fact that India would use such non-tariff barriers which are allowed under the World Trade Organisation rules had been indicated after the Exim Policy was announced by the Commerce Minister, Mr. Murasoli Maran who had assured that imports detrimental to the country's economy would be curbed through various measures. He had pointed out that various methods were available under the WTO provisions to ensure that domestic industry is protected in case unrestricted imports pose a threat of any kind.

According to the notification, the imports of these 300 sensitive items which are currently being closely monitored will be allowed only through 11 entry points in the country. These have been selected from the 215 points notified for unloading of imported goods.

It states that such items will now be allowed to land only at the six seaports of Mumbai, Nhava Sheva, Kolkata, Chennai, Vizag and Kochi.

The Commerce Ministry has identified six categories of second hand vehicles having cylinder capacity of upto 3000 cc, which will now be allowed to be brought in through the mumbai port.

The six categories include second hand or used motor cars and jeeps and landrovers. Import of new vehicles will be permitted through the Nhava Sheva, Kolkata and Chennai ports.

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Section  : Business
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