Indian Handicraft Sector Hails Import Duty Exemption on Tools

Applauding the government's move of waiving import duty on handicraft tools, the handicraft exporters said that, the move would aid them produce products with better designs, and thereby to raise their competitiveness in the world market.

A recent statement from the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) stated that, the move allows exporters to import handicraft tools free of duty to the extent of five percent (freight on board) of the total worth of the handicrafts items meant for exports during the previous fiscal year.

The decision was announced in the 2011-12 Budget.

EPCH stated that, the move would help the handicraft producers to produce goods with better designs and craftsmanship, and would help the handicraft exporters to considerably boost their exports.

Handicraft tools like tool bits for motoriser, glue applicator, air and electric operated screw driver with hose and couplings and air operated guns are all included in the list of items which have been exempted from import duty imposition.

However, the exporters have sought of the government to extend the exemption to few more tools.