By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : March 06, 2018 8:18 pm
A number of ministries, including the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, are in favour of drawing up a list of commodities which could be considered for labelling of packaged items in the country before their import.
A number of ministries, including the Ministry of
Chemicals and Fertilisers, are in favour of drawing up a list of commodities
which could be considered for labelling of packaged items in the country before
their import.
During a deliberation on the issue recently, it was decided that the Department
of Commerce, in consultation with the Department of Consumer Affairs, draw up a
list of commodities which could be considered for labelling in the country of
export before import into India.
"The concerns of importers, particularly small ones, will be duly considered.
Modification in the existing rules governing labelling which could facilitate
faster clearance of imported consignments, will also be considered, in
consultation with all concerned, and a suitable proposal placed before the COS
for its consideration," it was decided.
During the meeting, the Department of Pharmaceuticals stated that for drugs and
pharmaceuticals, separate rules already exist which require labelling of
packages. However, imposing the condition of labels being affixed in the country
of export, even on a select list of products, may have an adverse impact on
importers, particularly small ones.
The Department of Fertilisers said that the Fertiliser (Control) Order and all
relevant acts and rules may be taken into consideration before taking any
action, particularly as small importers may be affected.
The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) is of the view that there
should not be any alteration in the present arrangement of labelling of packaged
commodities.
According to the DCPC, any rule which an importer needs to implement with a
supplier outside India is very difficult and would lead to harassment and
disruptions.
"As far as commodity chemicals are concerned, they are produced and packed much
before actual importer is known to the manufacturer or sale price is determined
for each lot dispatch. Labelling at the CFS or port would give the importer the
opportunity to increase value addition in India," the DCPC feels.