The Hindu Business Line : Mallya open to discussion on import duties

Mumbai Bangalore May 16 On which side of the industry divide on import duties is Mr Vijay Mallya now, given his company's high-profile acquisition of Scottish spirits maker Whyte & Mackay?

Mr Mallya had in the past joined voices with the domestic alcoholic beverages industry to lobby with the Indian Government to retain import duties, which is as high as 500 per cent for certain imported Scotch. Attempting to pre-empt media queries on his intriguing position, Mr Mallya said that he was open to discussions with the Scotch Whiskey Association on import duties and concerns of having a level-playing field.

High import duties have been an issue for brands imported in their full packaged forms and bottled overseas, he said. UB has been importing bulk Scotch Whiskey in the past and bottling it in India and this makes economic sense, he said. And that is "precisely what we will do" in the present situation, he indicated.

WhiskEy appeal

Not missing out on the opportunity to react, Scotch Whiskey Association said on the development: "Today's announcement again shows that Scotch whisky has a global appeal and that international confidence in the Scotch whisky industry's future prospects is strong."

"We look forward to working closely with Whyte & Mackay's new owners on matters of mutual interest to protect and promote Scotch Whisky in India and other international markets to the benefit of all Scotch Whisky distillers." Import duties are a bone of contention dividing the alcoholic beverages industry. The WTO has already constituted a panel to look into the dispute following a representation made by the EU.

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