The Central Government on Wednesday announced a ban on imports of roasted Areca nuts with a price below Rs 351 per Kg. However, according to the notification, the ban will be applied with certain exemptions. The notification is issued with the approval of the Commerce and Industry Minister.
What did the notification state about Areca nuts?
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in the official notification stated the following:
a) However, import is free if the CIF value is Rs 351/- and above per kilogram
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b) The minimum import price mentioned above, however, will not be applicable for import by 100 per cent Export Oriented Units (EOUs), units in the SEZ and imports under the Advance Authorisation Scheme.
“The Import of roasted Areca nuts falling under ITC (HS) Code 20081991, having CIF value less than Rs 351/- per kilogram, is prohibited,” the notification said.
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What did ITC (HS) Code 20081991 say?
The ITC (HS) code 20081991 (other roasted areca nuts and seeds) states the following:
a) However, import of Roasted Areca Nuts having CIF value less than Rs. 351 per kilogram is prohibited.
b) Import of all other roasted nuts and seeds remains Free.
c) The minimum import price mentioned at (a), however, will not be applicable for the import of Roasted Areca Nuts by 100 per cent Export Oriented Units (EOUs), units in the SEZ and imports under the Advance Authorisation Scheme.
What are the exemptions in the notification?
The ban does not apply to imports by:
a) 100 per cent Export-Oriented Units (EOUs) in Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
b) Imports under the Advance Authorisation Scheme.
What are Areca Nuts?
Areca nuts, or betel nuts, are the nuts of the Areca catechu palm, indigenous to the Philippines and extensively cultivated in tropical Asia. They’re one of the main ingredients used in betel quid, a chewing mixture that is chewed for its stimulant and narcotic properties, and holds cultural importance in numerous Asian nations.
