QRs on garlic imports spiked, duty at 100%

NEW DELHI: The government on Friday removed Quantitative Restrictions (QR) on garlic imports with immediate effect through an official notification, putting the commodity in the Free category.
However, to safeguard the interests of domestic producers, the government has decided to simultaneously undertake all steps under the Tariff and Non-Tariff mechanisms.
Buckling under intense pressure from the agriculture ministry, the Central Board of Customs and Excise has hiked the import duty on garlic from 35% to a whopping 100% with a view to protect domestic garlic producers.
Garlic import was restricted till now and import licences were requisite. The licences were granted after approval from designated committee according to the Exim Policy.
Now, licences will not be needed for importing garlic. The move comes at a time when the full crop is readying to go to market in February. Only the produce from UP is on the market a month later.
By January 20th, the short duration crop is harvested. Seeding happens in September-October.