Lenient testing for azo-dye fabric

NEW DELHI: Enforcement of the bar on import of harmful azo dyes has been rationalised by the mini exim policy. If the imports are used for export of value added products, the testing procedures would now be more lenient, with only 25% of samples to be drawn for testing by the customs instead of 100% at present. Also, while drawing the samples, it will be ensured by customs that majority samples are drawn from consignments originating from countries where there is no legal prohibition on use of harmful dyes. If the imports are from countries such as EU and the US where the azo dyes are banned, there is little relevance of testing in India. The test report will be valid for six months for articles of the same specification.
Currently, use of azo dyes, that are carcinogenic, is banned in the country for textile production. Use of these dyes are prohibited in the EU and the US as well. In fact, the decision to ban azo dyes in textile dyeing was taken following a tough European Union stance prohibiting azo dyes, which had adversely affected India’s textiles and garment exports to Europe. The relaxation of the procedures pertaining to azo dyes import would definitely be a relief to garment exporters who use imported fabrics, “ said Atul Chaturvedi, joint secretary, ministry of textiles.
Many countries including the EU have already become less insistent on the redundant procedures, while being diligent on barring use of these harmful dyes.
“Batch-by-batch testing of fabrics and garments for presence of azo dyes has already been done away with in the EU, as it is now presumed that Indian products are azo-free,� said Arvind Pradhan, director, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC).
However, the textile industry is more concerned about the phyto-sanitary conditions on import of raw cotton which were made more cumbersome in November 03. The government should have freed cotton importers from the stringent plant materials quarantine policy, said DK Nair, secretary-general, Indian Cotton Mills’ federation.
Currently, anyone wanting to import cotton has to take permit from the plant quarantine authority with the agricultural ministry. The importer is required to intimate the permit number to the potential foreign supplier, who in turn is, required to get the approval for pest-free status of the material from the designated authority in his country.
The import is allowed after the supplier produces his own certificate and the permit number of the importer to the Indian authority.