Argentina's new import norms impacting Indian exports: FIEO

NEW DELHI: Worried over delay in shipments due to the new import procedure initiated by the Argentinian government, exporters have urged the Commerce Ministry to take up the issue with the Latin American country.

From February 1, the Argentinian government have asked its importers to take the government permission before importing any product from any country, including India.

"This move would impact bilateral trade...We have asked the Commerce Ministry to raise the issue with the Argentina government," Federation of Indian Export Organisations (Fieo) President Rafeeq Ahmed said.

He said that under WTO norms, a country can take such a step on the ground of collecting data or traceability of imports, but the respective government has to give its permission within a specified time period.

"However, the Argentinian government is taking a long time to give its permission...Indian exporters have complained that their consignments have come to a stand still and they are stranded with huge stock of goods produced specially for that country with logo of buyers - so cannot sell elsewhere. Our buyers are very keen to buy, but not getting permission," he added.

A senior official in the Commerce Ministry said that they have received representation from the exporters.

"The Commerce Ministry will take up the issue with Argentina," the official added.

In 2010-11, India's exports to the Latin American country stood at $ 398 million, imports were aggregated at $ 1.02 billion.

India mainly exports chemicals, machinery, auto parts, plastics, pharmaceutical and iron and steel.