To increase exports of the textile industry, Government announced a Special Package for garments and made-ups sectors. As per World Trade Organization’s (WTO) systems, the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) enjoy Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) because of which they enjoy duty advantage. In view of this India faces duty disadvantage up to 9.6 per cent vis-à-vis other neighbouring LDCs. The global demand of textiles has also declined significantly between 2014-17 contributing to the reduction of textiles exports from India.
Duty Drawback scheme rebates the incidence of Customs and Central Excise duties suffered on inputs used in the manufacture of export goods. Duty Drawback scheme is not related to lack of innovations in the textile industry or it is losing out to neighbouring countries.
The package offers Rebate of State Levies (RoSL), labour law reforms, additional incentives under ATUFS and relaxation of Section 80JJAA of Income Tax Act. Further, the rates under Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) have been enhanced from 2 per cent to 4 per cent for apparel, 5 per cent to 7 per cent for made-ups, handloom and handicrafts w.e.f. 1st November 2017. Products such as fibre, yarn and fabric in the textile value chain are being strengthened and made competitive through various schemes, inter alia, Powertex for fabric segment, Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS) for all segments except spinning, Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP) for all segments, etc. Assistance is also provided to exporters under Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme. Further, Government has enhanced interest equalization rate for pre and post-shipment credit for the textile sector from 3 per cent to 5 per cent w.e.f. 02.11.2018. The benefit which was limited to only manufacturers earlier has been extended to merchant exporters from 2019.
During the last five years, no new Free Trade Agreements has been signed by India. However, the India- ASEAN Trade in Goods (TIG) Agreement has been expanded in November 2014 to include Services and Investment Chapter under the Agreement. Further, India Chile PTA which was signed in March 2006 has been expanded on 6th September 2016 and came into force with effect from 16th May 2017.
This information was given by the Minister of State of Commerce and Industry, C. R. Chaudhary, in written replies in the Lok Sabha recently.
– Apparel and Textile News, Apparel Talk and Indian Apparel
