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.