The Union Government is taking various bold and proactive initiatives for strengthening the global competitiveness of Indian textile industry to boost exports and increase the textile business
To support the industry, not only with regard to raw material procurement but also to enable diversification and expansion of the export market, favorable FTAs are being concluded by the Hon’ble Union Commerce Minister, the recent one being the Agreement with the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA), an intergovernmental grouping of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
To fruition the attempts of the government to achieve the textile export target, the industry has been demanding the Government to exempt the Viscose Staple Fibre imported under the Advance Authorization Scheme from the Quality Control Order, which would not only help in garnering new export orders but also further establish the nominated businesses.
Accordingly, the DGFT has issued a Notification exempting BIS compliance for VSF imports under the Advance Authorization Scheme.
Chairman of The Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA), Dr.Sundararaman welcomed the Government’s decision to exempt BIS compliance for VSF imports under the Advance Authorization Scheme. He has appreciated the Hon’ble Minister of Textiles for implementing Quality Control Orders on several products to ensure quality, and prevent sub-standard quality / cheaper imports, encourage Atmanirbhar Bharat, and boost the brand image of Indian textiles and clothing products in the international arena.
Dr.Sundararaman thanked the HMOT for considering the industry plea and permitting the import of BIS QCO BIS-mandated viscose Staple Fibre under the Advance Authorization Scheme, in addition to allowing the imports by EOU/SEZ units, to enable them to meet the requirements of overseas buyers. SIMA Chairman further appreciated the Hon’ble Minister for understanding the industry-oriented difficulties of both the producers and the users of Viscose Staple Fibre, thus taking a balanced view and suitably modifying the applicability of BIS provisions for imports under the Advance Authorization Scheme, creating a win-win strategy for both the VSF producers and the users.
SIMA Chief has stated that a similar Notification for Polyester Fibre and its raw material products, for which QCO has been issued by Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizer, is essential to enable the growth of the synthetic fiber sector, as polyester is the future growth engine for the Indian textiles and clothing industry.
