India to restrict nonessential imports |
India is set to finalize stricter quality standards for 371 items by March, a move primarily aimed at curbing imports of non-essential items such as toys, plastic goods, sports items and furniture, especially from China. The proposed rules are to be framed by ministries in coordination with the Bureau of Indian Standards, which will also ensure stricter inspection of imports. While the new rules, spearheaded by trade minister Piyush Goyal, are aimed at curbing imports from China and narrowing the trade deficit with India`s northern neighbour, the rules will also apply to Indian producers so as to make the regulations World Trade Organization-compliant. According to the commerce ministry estimate, non-essential imports from China amount to ₹4 trillion a year. Out of 371 items, 111 come under the department of chemicals and petrochemicals, 68 pertain to the department of heavy industries, 62 come under the ministry of electronics and information and technology, 61 under the industry department, 44 under the steel ministry and 25 under the telecom department. At present, there are 370 standards for imports but the ministry wants BIS, to coordinate with other departments and create 5,000 standards in the second phase.
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