Archive · 26 May 2025
Alcohol Industry Seeks Lower Import Duties in India-EU FTA
Alcohol companies want to pay less tax on imported liquor from the EU.
They want the government to gradually lower these taxes.
To stop cheaters, they want strict rules to prevent misuse of the trade deal, like setting a minimum price for imported alcohol.
They also want Indian whisky to be treated fairly in the EU market, allowing easier access.
CIABC wants phased import duty cuts on liquor under India-EU FTA.
They propose reducing duties on bottled products and bulk spirits.
Safeguards are requested to prevent misuse of trade concessions.
CIABC suggests minimum import prices to protect against cheap imports.
The industry seeks reciprocal treatment for Indian whisky in the EU.
- Who
- CIABC and the Indian government.
- What
- CIABC seeks phased import duty cuts on liquor products under the proposed India-EU free trade agreement.
- When
- Published on May 26, 2025.
- Where
- India and the EU.
- Why
- To reduce import duties, boost trade, and protect the domestic industry.
Industry Concerns
Industry Demands
Duty Reduction
Industry Concerns
The industry warns against potential misuse of FTA through trans-shipment.
Industry Demands
CIABC seeks phased import duty cuts to boost trade.
Import Safeguards
Industry Concerns
Under-invoicing is a concern, and MIPs are recommended to combat this.
Industry Demands
CIABC advocates for minimum import prices (MIP) to protect the domestic industry from cheap imports.
Whisky Regulations
Industry Concerns
CIABC urges for reciprocity, allowing Indian alcoholic beverages access to EU markets.
Industry Demands
CIABC wants EU to remove minimum maturation time for Indian whiskies.
- CIABC Request
- Phased import duty cuts on liquor
- Current Duty
- 150% on bottled products
- Proposed Duty (Bottled)
- 100% immediately, 50% in 10 years
- Proposed Duty (Bulk Spirits)
- 75% immediately, 25% in 10 years
- MIP (Bottled Wine)
- $5 per 750ml bottle
- MIP (Bulk Wine)
- $6.70 per bulk liter
Sources
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