World Trade Organization Organisation Mondiale du Commerce Organización Mundial del Comercio

Switzerland 26:

Report by the Secretariat: IV. Trade policies by selected sector:  (2) Agriculture: (ii) Agricultural policy objectives: (b) Measures affecting exports: Paras 26, 27, 28:

The Secretariat's report shows a large variety of instruments used by India to control and influence exports. Those are, for example: Export restrictions and prohibitions; export taxes; export quotas; state trading enterprises. The products concerned are relevant products for net food importing countries. How are the thresholds for the utilization of those instruments determined? What is the role of the world market prices for the application of those instruments? How does India ensure that the use of these instruments does not contribute to speculative market price increase on world markets? How does India ensure that negative effects of the use of such instruments on net food importing countries are avoided? Does India envisage changes in its export control instruments?

Reply: While India is conscious of the above factors, it also has to remain mindful of its internal situation like the rising prices and demand in the domestic market and food security concerns while tailoring its policies. The sizeable poor and vulnerable section of the population need protection from inflation and price volatility. These restrictions are applied as India has to ensure food security for its people as well as to keep the domestic prices in control. Currently there is no export duty applicable to food items.

THAILAND

Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/249)

III. TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE

(2) Measures Directly Affecting Imports

(a) Registration and documentation

Page 37, Paragraphs 10 12

Thailand 1:

We understand that India has implemented the electronic data interchange (EDI) and risk management systems (RMS) as measures for trade facilitation. We would like to learn more about your system.

  How has the trade facilitation system been improved after India started to apply these two systems? Please share with us any statistical or procedural information.

  Please elaborate on remaining trade facilitation problems in the customs procedure given the implementation of these systems.

Reply: The EDI and RMS are important trade facilitation measures. After introduction of these measures, the clearance time of cargo has been reduced considerably. Prior to introduction of RMS almost all import declarations were subjected for assessment and examination; after the introduction of RMS, only 50% of the import declarations are subjected for assessment and examination.