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Bangalore, July 6 The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has said the abolition of additional duty on Scotch whisky will allow imported and domestic spirit drinks to compete on equal terms in the market for the first time.

In a statement, the SWA chief executive, Mr Gavin Hewitt, said “abolition of the discriminatory additional duty is a significant step towards fair competition in an important emerging market for Scotch whisky.

“The SWA has long campaigned for reform as the duty has unfairly restricted market access in contravention of WTO rules.”

The overall tariff and tax burden on Scotch whisky earlier was about 550 per cent.

“Reform will not transform the Scotch whisky market in India overnight – a basic customs duty of 150 per cent will continue to apply - but it opens up new possibilities for Scottish distillers to compete with domestic producers on a level-playing field for the first time.

“This is also good news for Indian consumers, who can look forward to a greater choice of internationally renowned Scotch whisky brands,” Mr Hewitt said.

More Stories on : Excise and Customs | Breweries

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