The Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal held a meeting, through Video conference, with Office-bearers of Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), to discuss and address the issues of exporters, due to Covid-19.
Addressing the EPCs, Shri Goyal said that the Exports, after setbacks in first two months of this financial year, due to Covid-19, are recovering fast, as the Unlock process gains and the Economic activity makes a revival. He said that the data of June, 2020 will reflect the gains, with the merchandise export figures touching almost 88% of the corresponding period last year. He lauded the role of exporters for attaining the feat in such a short time. The Minister said that their hard work, self-confidence and determination really paid off. He said that achievement is all the more laudable because many of the areas in the country are still under containment zones and having restrictions. Most of the markets abroad have not been able to make such a remarkable comeback, he added. On the issue of imports, the Minister said that they are still far behind and this is a good thing.
Shri Piyush Goyal said that as the Unlock 2.0 has come with more permissions, it is expected that things will further improve in the future. Talking about the Aatamnirbhar Bharat, he said that it implies engagement with the world, a self-reliant and strong India, a confident and vibrant nation, an India where everyone has the courage of conviction, everyone gets ample and fair opportunities to grow and prosper, where even a poor man lives a respectable life. He called upon the industry to shun from over-dependence on imports and certain geographies, as this leads to long-term dire consequences. He exhorted them to make in India, use indigenous resources and skilled manpower, produce quality products, and use the economies of scale to deliver affordable products. The Minister exhorted the exporters to be more competitive, be focused and play on their strengths. Talking about the spirit of partnership and cooperation, the Minister assured the exporters and the industry of full support from the Government. He announced that action is being taken on the Baba Kalyani committee recommendations of the Special Economic Zones(SEZ).
We appreciate that Shri Piyush Goyal think that export revenue from SME’s are important but in reality, it’s tremendous struggle to do export due to lack of clarity at different government functions.
We are an apparel manufacturers garments made with organic cotton to countries such as France, Sweden, Denmark and Germany. Due to the negative impact of Covid, our export orders were either cancelled or delayed and to continue providing employment for the workers, we have diversified into making other products. Since export of medical coveralls were banned, we have taken orders for non-medical light weight gowns that are used in food and construction industries for basic protection. These are not medical coveralls by any means of interpretation as it does not provide any protection against viral or bacterial exposure.
Due to the notification no: 14/2015-2020 dated 29th June’20 that restricts export of medical coveralls, customs Is not allowing us to export even light weight non-medical gowns.
Our gown has been classified under HS code 6210 1000 by Textile Committee and it is not listed in the above said notice. We have also obtained confirmation from AEPC that our gown does not come under restricted items. We have enclosed the email from the chairman of AEPC in this regard.
We have 10.3 lakhs gowns ready to shipped to France and also we are in the process of getting more orders. If these are not allowed to be exported in the next 2-3 days, these orders will get cancelled and also we will have to close the factory that will lead to unemployment for 420 rural families.
All these because of lack of clarity and interest from the customs to clear the shipment. Now we are made to run from pillar to post to get the shipment cleared but without any avail.
Sreeranga Rajan
Managing Director
SCC Pvt Ltd
Krishgnagiri
Tamilnadu
We sincerely request you to provide clearance for exporting Lt weight non-medical gowns as these do not fall under medical coveralls as confirmed by AEPC and Textiles Committee. We are enclosing necessary supporting documents for your kind reference.
Dear Sir, We will surely pass on your message to the concerned person of the concerned dept.