Request to Suspend 10% Import Duty on Lentils

15-Mar-2025 04:01 PM

Key Developments

  1. Tamil Nadu Pulses Importers & Exporters Association's Appeal

    • The association has urged the Central Government to suspend the 10% import duty on lentils, imposed suddenly on March 8, 2025.
    • This contradicts the earlier duty-free import policy, announced in December 2023, which was to last until March 31, 2025.

  2. Impact of Duty on Imports

    • Importers are concerned that the duty will affect supplies from the U.S. and Canada.
    • A delay in suspending the duty may lead to higher domestic prices and disrupt availability.

  3. Request for Separate HS Codes

    • The association has demanded separate HS codes for green lentils and red lentils due to their differences in:
      • Taste
      • Color
      • Pricing
      • Consumption patterns
    • Currently, both types share the same HS code (07134000).

  4. Government's Existing Pulse Import Policies

    • Tuvar (Arhar): Duty-free import extended till March 31, 2026.
    • Urad: Remains duty-free.
    • Yellow Peas: Duty-free import extended till May 31, 2025.

  5. Association’s Proposal

    • Import duty on red lentils is acceptable since India produces them in large quantities.
    • Green lentils should remain duty-free, as domestic production is insufficient.

Conclusion

The imposition of a 10% duty on lentil imports has raised concerns among importers, especially regarding supply chains and market pricing. The association’s request highlights the need for policy clarity and differentiation between lentil varieties.

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