India: Handicrafts exporters may seek safeguard duty on Chinese imports

19/03/2012 12:00 - 382 Views

Exporters are planning to take up the issue of imposing a safeguard duty on Chinese handicrafts items that threaten the Indian industry.

Safeguard duty is levied when imports of a particular product increases unexpectedly to a point that they cause serious injury to domestic producers. It is a form of temporary relief given to manufacturers and industry.

The Export Promotion Council of Handicrafts (EPCH), which has studied the impact of the Chinese imports on domestic handicrafts, is likely to file an application with the Directorate-General of Safeguards soon, an EPCH official said.

Before filing the application with the Government, the council that promotes Indian handicrafts, has asked for a nationwide view on the subject.

“EPCH intends to collect views of all the exporters, importers, domestic marketers, domestic producers, agencies nationwide to understand the impact and need of safeguard duty on the Chinese imports,” he said.

The Chinese products which have caused impact in India include glass, glassware products, ceramic products, lamps and festive lights.

The imports of these products from China to India have increased over a period of time, he said.

New Delhi, March 18, 2012

Source: thehindubusinessline.com