Builders for easier cement imports

MUMBAI: The Builders Association of India (BAI), an apex body of builders and engineering construction contractors, wants the government to remove procedural hurdles in the import of cement.

Current regulations stipulate that commodities being brought into the country, including steel and cement, have to be registered with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). “This regulation has been removed for all commodities except for cement,” pointed out PR Mundle, president of BAI.

The association has appealed to the government and the commerce minister to instruct the director general of foreign trade (DGFT) to exempt the cement industry. “This will help us import cement without delay and without adding to the cost,” BAI said.

Earlier this year the government was upset over rising cement prices and had abolished the 12.5% customs duty on cement imports. “When imports didn’t pick up, the finance ministry abolished the 16% countervailing duty and 4% special customs duty. This has made import of cement competitive and feasible,” he said.

Despite this, the process remains cumbersome. “The imported cement has to be collected by a BIS official from the manufacturer and brought to India for testing. It takes about four months to obtain the registration and delays the process,” builders said.