Ministry of Commerce changes policy on large paper products

The Union Ministry of Commerce Industry said on Thursday that the import policy of large paper products has been changed from 'free to 'free subject to compulsory registration under the Paper Import Monitoring System. On May 25, a notification was issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade DGFT.

The notification from the ministry reads that the order will be applicable for a range of paper products, such as newsprint, handmade paper, wallpaper base, duplicating paper, coated paper, offset paper, Litho and offset paper, wall paper, carbon paper, envelops, toilet paper, cartons, account books, labels, bobbins, etc.

It added that all imports arriving on or after October 1, 2022 will be governed by this policy.

Paper products, like currency paper, bank bond and cheque paper, security printing paper, etc., are some of the most common products on the market. This policy change is not included in this policy change.

Paper products are being dumped in the domestic market by way of under-invoicing, entry of prohibited goods by mis-declaration and re-routing goods through other countries before trade agreements, according to the domestic paper industry.

A large proportion of paper products are imported under the category Tariff Lines. The ministry added that the move will be a long way in promoting Make In India and Atmanirbhar in this category.

The commerce ministry made import registration mandatory on 25 May for 201 types of paper and paper boards such as glazed newsprint, handmade paper and tissue paper.

A user friendly interface has been created for the implementation of PIMS. Any importer can get an automatic registration number online by paying a registration fee of Rs. The importer can apply for registration not before 75th day and not after 5th day before the expected arrival of import consignment. The automatic registration number is valid for 75 days.