Business EconomyPosted at: Feb 15 2025 5:18PM


Govt must check dumping of imported spirits; ensure better mkt access for Indian products: CIABC

New Delhi, Feb 15 (UNI) The apex association of alcoholic beverage firms on Saturday said they are “not against” reduction in import duty on imported spirits but sought the import duty cut in a phased manner to avoid dumping in the Indian market.
The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) said “The Indian liquor manufacturers were not against reduction in import duty, though they have sought the import duty cuts in a phased manner.
The CIABC, however, has urged the Government to address the concerns of the Indian companies and ensure a level playing field in FTA negotiations and set in stringent effective measures to check and curb dumping of imported spirits and seeking better international access for Indian alcoholic products which face several non-tariff restrictions at present.”
The apex body of Indian alcoholic beverage manufacturers has also requested State governments to withdraw excise duty concessions given to imported liquor in view of reduction in customs duty.
CIABC's statement came in the wake of India cutting import duty on American Bourbon whiskey.
“The Government needs to safeguard the interests of Indian liquor manufacturers while deciding on issues related to customs duty cuts (BCD+AIDC) and other concessions under FTAs.
Though we have already recommended to the government to cut basic customs duty on spirits over a period of 10 years, we also want the government to ensure better international market access especially the Western countries and safeguard interests of Indian companies against any dumping of products through transfer price mechanism at lower prices specifically for India,” said Mr Anant S Iyer, DG, CIABC.
The association has also urged the government to take necessary steps to prevent dumping and tax evasion through under-invoicing or transfer price route. Similarly, it has requested State governments to withdraw all excise concessions given to imported liquor as cut in customs duties will further hit the Indian products - both in spirits and wine categories. It will be a double whammy for the Indian companies, he added.
Mr Iyer also requested the government to ensure better market access for Indian products into foreign markets. “Countries should remove non-tariff barriers which prevent a vast majority of Indian products being sold in the Western countries. CIABC has constantly been raising this issue with the government. We also want these markets to recognise Indian whiskies at par with other global products.”
The industry needs to be protected as there is always the fear of cheap imports in spirits and wines eroding the domestic industry which has painstakingly over years built a portfolio of fine offerings. The beverage alcohol industry contributes over Rs 3 lakh crores to the exchequers of State Governments apart from revenue accruing to the Centre from Customs duty and GST on a host of inputs.
The industry also provides substantial employment and sustenance to agriculture produce, the CIABC statement added.
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