Indian exporters to list out Bimstec non-tariff barriers

NEW DELHI: The commerce and industry ministry has sought inputs from the industry for identifying non-tariff barriers (NTBs) that exporters face in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand (Bimstec) countries.

Exporters of products like cement, vehicles, iron ore, vegetables and diamonds have been asked to list non-tariff barriers manifesting themselves in the form of technical and sanitary standards, certification and other procedural requirements.


Sources said the ministry wants to document non-tariff requirements that are of relevance to the existing and future export trade basket of India while trading with Bimstec countries.

It also wants to quantify the existing and potential loss for Indian exports to Bimstec partners which results from the implementation of such non-tariff requirements. “This will help us take up the issues effectively with other Bimstec countries,” an official said.

India is currently negotiating a free trade agreement with Bimstec. The FTA has currently run into some trouble due to disagreement over negative lists and the rules of origin issue, though the countries concerned are hopeful of resolving the matter soon.According to World Bank, intra-regional trade among Bimstec members was 14.75% of their total trade in ’03.