World Trade Organization Organisation Mondiale du Commerce Organización Mundial del Comercio

EU FQ 6:

6. Question 28 follow-up: According to Indian replies the new Post Office Amendment Bill is currently under consideration in the Parliament. Could India give an overview of the proposal made by the Government in regard to conditions applying to foreign service providers and in particular if any equity cap and restrictions on the scope of business have been proposed?

Reply: As mentioned earlier the Post Office Bill is presently under consideration of the Government, the Bill will be in public domain once it is introduced in the Parliament.

The EU's original question 28: As regards postal services, we note that a Postal Bill has been prepared by Indian government. Could India please give an overview of any restrictions reducing the current market access/scope of business and any new requirements and obligations for foreign postal or courier companies?

India's reply: The Post Office Amendment Bill is presently under consideration of the Government and has yet not been introduced in the Parliament.

EU FQ 7:

7. Question 37 follow-up: as regards Indian system of duties and charges on imports (other than tariffs) in general, does India plan to simplify the current system and is there any intention to harmonise the system in all Indian states?

Reply: Simplification of the Indian system of duties and charges on imports (other than tariffs) is linked to the reforms of domestic internal taxes, which is an ongoing process. The proposed introduction of GST (goods and service tax) is geared towards simplification and harmonisation of indirect taxes across the states.

The EU's original question 37: When does India plan to further reduce tariffs in these sectors in order to bring the stimulus of international competition to these parts of the Indian economy?

India's reply: India has autonomously reduced its tariffs from time to time on a number of agricultural products, as part of its domestic policy aimed, inter alia, at domestic supply management, and in keeping with its continuing commitment to trade openness.

EU FQ 8:

8. Question 55 follow-up: Could India specify whether the shelf-life requirement on imports of food products is still applicable according to the new regulations?