PXL/HO/Cir-139/2021-22                                                                Date: 18.02.2022

Hyderabad

Dear Sir/Madam,   

Subject: Inputs on tariff lines for India-UK FTA

We are pleased to inform you that on 13^th January 2022, Sh. Piyush Goyal, the Hon’ble Minister for Commerce and Industry, GoI and Ms. Anne-Marie Trevelyan, UK's SoS, met in New Delhi to begin negotiations for an ambitious, balanced, and mutually beneficial India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Subsequent bilateral discussions will hold the potential of negotiating a comprehensive FTA to unlock the full potential of India-UK trade and commercial relationship.

The first round of discussions took place from the 17th to the 28th of January 2022, after the launch of the FTA negotiation. Furthermore, the second round of negotiations will begin on March 7, 2022. As a result, it's become critical to solidify our objective before moving on to round two of the discussions.

It's worth noting that the UK government has said that our exports to the UK will have extensive market access. As a result, we must construct our offer to the UK in order to open our markets to UK products based on the concept of reciprocity.

In view of this, specific inputs with respect to tariff reduction on imports from UK are required from our industrial partners/members. The information sought are first on the tariff reduction

·   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 liberalization or not. A short reason for the same would be preferred, which can be provided in the adjoining column. 

·   Secondly, the department also seeks comments on the Product Specific Rules (PSR) w.r.t the products specified. A rationale for same may be provided.

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 20^th February 2022 EOD. 

Warm Regards 

Udaya Bhaskar 

Director General

Encl: Annexure