India will allow three million pieces of garments to be imported from Sri Lanka at zero duty and restrictions on ports of entry have been lifted, the Department of Commerce announced yesterday. "As a result of ongoing negotiations under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Sri Lanka and India, India has removed restrictions on entry ports and sourcing of fabrics for three million pieces of apparel products for Sri Lanka to India at zero duty," a release from the department said. Under the Indo-Lanka Free Trade Agreement, India had allowed Sri Lanka to send eight million pieces of apparel products manufactured using fabrics made in India. The balance five million pieces will be allowed to enter India at zero duty or Margin of Preference of 75 percent depending on the product category. Port restrictions will be removed for these five million pieces as well, however, restrictions on sourcing of fabrics will remain. The government of India issued a customs notification on 22 April giving immediate effect to these arrangements, the Department of Commerce said. India had earlier granted zero duty concessions on 2,818 tariff lines under the Indo-Lanka Free Trade Agreement. |
