The duty on chilled and frozen chicken in cut form, chicken preparations and sausages has been hiked to a steep 100 % from the current level of 35%. The measure does not make any sense since the import of these goods is currently restricted. Besides, the duty rates are a clear violation of WTO bound rates which are pegged by this very govt. at 35% for chilled and frozen chicken cuts and 55% for preparations. India claims to be the biggest producer of eggs in the world, it is strange that it should chicken out over the possible import of a few tonnes one year form now. In any case, the Indian customs will devise non-tariff barriers in the form of sanitary measures. Thus the meat will be quite inedible by the time the consignment crosses the customs post. |
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