Notebook Manufacturers Demand Ban On Imports, Seek Anti-Dumping Duties Amid GST Concerns
**All India Notebook Manufacturers Association Calls for Ban on Imports and Anti-Dumping Duties**
The All India Notebook Manufacturers Association (AINMA) has urged the government to ban notebook imports and impose anti-dumping duties on notebooks and exercise books shipped from abroad. While expressing gratitude to the government and the Prime Minister for GST reforms aimed at simplifying taxation and boosting economic growth, the association highlighted unintended consequences arising from the current GST exemption on notebooks.
**Impact of ASEAN Free Trade Agreement on Indian Notebook Makers**
According to AINMA, imported notebooks benefit from a 0% GST rate, making them cheaper than domestically produced notebooks. This pricing advantage stems from the 0% customs duty on imports under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA), which adversely affects Indian notebook manufacturers. The agreement allows duty-free imports from major paper-producing nations such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, thereby posing a significant threat to the Indian notebook industry.
**Rising Costs of Raw Materials Affecting Indigenous Manufacturers**
The association pointed out that raw materials essential for notebook production in India—including paperboard, packaging materials, gum, wire, and packaging films—are subject to an 18% GST. Indian manufacturers face challenges in claiming input tax credits on these materials, putting them at a competitive disadvantage against cheaper imports. Additionally, the GST on coated paperboards used in notebook manufacturing has increased from 12% to 18%, further escalating production costs for local manufacturers.
**Call for Government Intervention and Policy Redressal**
AINMA warned that without timely intervention, the Indian notebook manufacturing sector is on the brink of collapse, threatening lakhs of jobs, investments, and the country’s self-reliance in this segment. The association firmly believes that domestic manufacturers are capable of meeting the entire demand for notebooks within the country and, therefore, imports should be banned.
In light of these concerns, the association has submitted a detailed letter to Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and the GST Council, urging urgent policy redressal to protect and revive the Indian notebook industry.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/notebook-manufacturers-demand-ban-on-imports-seek-anti-dumping-duties-amid-gst-concerns
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