Liquor body seeks import duty cut on alcoholic beverages

New Delhi: The apex body for liquor firms Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) has urged the government to gradually reduce customs duties on British alcoholic beverages under the proposed India-UK free trade agreement (FTA), and not in an unfair manner as that could impact domestic players.

Vinod Giri, director general, CIABC, said that the duties on scotch whiskies should not be reduced in a hurry and unfairly. India and the UK have formally launched negotiations for an FTA, under which duties would be reduced or eliminated on several goods traded between the two countries.

"We urge government to ensure that alcoholic beverage industry is permitted a truly level playing field by way of an effective customs duty," Giri said.