PXL/HO/Cir-117/2021-22                                                                   Date: 30.12.2021

Hyderabad

Dear Sir/Madam,

Subject: India-Australia FTA Negotiations - Request for Stakeholders Inputs for Product Specific Import Duty elimination.

We are pleased to inform you that Government of India (GoI) is negotiating a FTA (Free Trade Agreement) with Australia, which in the coming few months will culminate in an interim agreement. In this context, both the countries are exchanging lists of products on which import duties can be eliminated. Australia has indicated to make their import duties zero on 99% tariff lines at the time of entry into force of the agreement. This may translate into increased exports of Indian products to Australia.

India is also finalizing the list of products on which import duties can be eliminated. In this context, the Dept of Commerce has shared a list of pharma related  products (enclosed) and is seeking inputs from Industry on elimination of Import duty for these products from Australia. To help us in decision making, DoC has included the data on India’s MFN customs duties, duties under imports from India’s FTA partners and imports  with Australia and the world.

In view of this, specific inputs with respect to tariff elimination on imports from Australia are required from our industrial partners/members. Therefore you are requested for product specific comments (see attached list, HS code wise), in order to examine the specific tariff lines of Australia’s wish list.

•   It is to be noted that the inputs on the tariff lines should indicate specifically (Yes/No) i.e. whether the product can be considered for tariff elimination or not. A short reason for the same would be preferred which can be provided in the adjoining column.

We request our members to kindly provide your feedback on the products (tariff lines) for the products of your business interest at the earliest. This will enable us to take up the issues/suggestions effectively with the DoC. 

The attached list of tariff lines marked with the information requested should be mailed in the form of a separate attachment to (rollins@pharmexcil.com). Considering the time bound nature of this assignment, we would appreciate it if the questionnaire can be completed and returned at the earliest by 5^th January 2022 EOD.

Warm Regards

Udaya Bhaskar

Director General

Encl: Australia Wishlist for Pharmaceuticals