| Date: |
31-12-2014 |
| Subject: |
West Bengal plastic ban shocks exporters |
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MALDA: The ban on plastics by the Bangladeshi government has come as a bolt from the blue for exporters in India as thousands of quintals of foodgrains already in transit have been packed in plastic bags. The exporters have urged the governments of both the countries to take up the issue for discussion as return of foodgrains would translate into loss of hundreds of crores.
The Bangladesh Rajashwa Board has recently issued a circular banning import of foodgrains in plastic bags. On behalf of the Bangla-Hili Customs and Clearing Agents Association, the circular was sent to Hili Customs and Clearing Agents Association of India. It was said that after December 31, no such bags would be allowed to enter Bangladesh. The circular left the importers at Hili and Mahadipur in a spot. Barring other export items, they started exporting paddy and wheat in a hurry.
"With so many trucks carrying foodgrains in plastic bags waiting along the border, we wanted some more time. The deadline was extended till December 31 from December 23 on our request. But that too seems to be a short period", said Ashok Mandal, president of Hili Customs and Clearing Agents' Association.
Mahadipur Exporters' Association secretary Samir Ghosh added: "We welcome the decision. This will ensure a plastic-free environment and encourage the jute industry. But we have some problems with its immediate implementation."
The decision of Bangladesh was, however, not taken in good spirit by all. Uzzwal Saha, joint secretary of the West Bengal Exporters Coordination Committee, said, "We have not received any such intimation as yet as there is no notification on part of the Indian Customs. In fact, such a decision cannot be taken unilaterally without consultation with the high commission of respective countries."
He pointed out that the letter of credit was issued by the importing country bank only after getting details of mode of packing and kind of packing. The price was determined on the basis of that packing.
Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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