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The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has sought imposition of import duty on cement to provide a level-playing field for domestic producers and boost exports.
DIPP Secretary Amitabh Kant said: “Our department has recommended that the import duty of cement be reimposed to provide a level-playing field to domestic production,” adding that he would personally take the matter up with the Revenue Secretary at the earliest.
The import duty on cement is nil at present and the cement sector wants 2-2.5 per cent basic Customs duty.
Kant was speaking at the 53rd annual session of Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA). He added that the concerns on new emission norms and some provisions in the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation (MMDR) ordinance would also be taken up with respective secretaries.
The manufacturing sector has to grow by 13-14 per cent and cement has to be a major driver, he said.
O P Puranmalka, President, CMA, said, “The cement industry has grown at 8 per cent in the first three quarters of the current financial year. However, to meet the level of cement demand arising out of expected increase in the growth rates, Government has to ensure adequate availability of land and consistent availability of major inputs like limestone, coal and adequate infrastructure like rail availability.”
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