The recent tension between India and China is taking a new turn. While on one hand the Govt has banned Chinese apps on the other there are big delays in clearance for companies importing goods from China. Textile and apparel industry is also dependent on China for fabrics, accessories and machineries and is facing losses because all imported materials are lying with customs and everyday the delays are causing huge loss of money.
Companies have urged government to look into the matter as the delays are hurting Indian companies not Chinese and material which has already been imported from China should be released without any delay. For the future there can be guidelines upon which companies can enact as per their wish.
An anonymous source who imports machinery for Embroidery and ppe suits said, “We have paid all duties, charges and taxes but still machines are lying at the customs; while on one hand there are customers waiting for their orders to be fulfilled on the other we are facing losses in these tough times. It is a double edge sword because on one hand supply chain and business is in complete mess because of Coronavirus and on the other we are not able to do business.”
Ironically India has allowed exports of ppe kits to safeguard interests of manufacturers who have no orders. To be able to manufacture good quality and quantity PPE machinery will be required which has already been imported by many agents few months back when they saw demand for ppe kits and masks in India but now the sudden tension between India and China has delayed everything and the only hope of surviving the tough times also seems to be lost.
“I am losing Rs 35,000 everyday as I have to pay warehousing charges; I have already paid duties till 23rd June. The mask production is halted because of this issue,” said one of the importers who wishes not to be quoted.”
After writing several letters and complaints the standard answer from customs is that they cannot do anything until there is an order.
