Cir(048)/2023                                                                           25^th April 2023

Committee:

 

Dear Sirs/Madam,

 

Greetings from CITI!

 

This is in reference to the Textile Advisory Group (TAG) on Man-Made Fibre (MMF) products formed recently by the Ministry of Textiles. MMF TAG held its latest stakeholder consultation on 22^nd April 2023 during Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam held in Rajkot, Gujarat under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal Ji.

The TAG meeting was attended by all stakeholders of the entire MMF value chain. On behalf of CITI, the meeting was attended by CITI Chairman Shri T. Rajkumar and Secretary General CITI, Ms. Chandrima Chatterjee. Highlights of the discussion during the TAG meeting are:

• In response to the concerns reported about the non-availability of low melt polyester fiber (LMF) which is used in various applications including Polyfills, Felts for the automotive industry, jackets, furniture, etc., it was clarified that it is being excluded from the QCO and clarification on it will be issued shortly

• With regard to bamboo fiber and other performance fibers of viscose or polyester, it has been proposed to have a dialogue between the domestic producer industry and user industry to ascertain its availability as per the buyer specifications (as many of them are nominated fibers) and at international prices.

• CITI will be holding a meeting of the producers and users for the same (intimation of which will be shared shortly). Feedback on all such fibers (with required specifications) and prices are requested from members to have an informed discussion and come out with specific recommendations on products that need an exemption from QCOs, till such time their domestic availability is ensured. This is required to ensure domestic producer industry interests are protected along with the user industry’s requirements to meet export demands and value-added exports are not adversely impacted.

• Besides LMF, CITI has received representation for the exemption of

• High Tenacity Recycled polyester staple fiber product used for sewing thread application
• High Tenacity Low Shrinkage Polyester filament yarns (IDY)
• High Tenacity Low Shrinkage Trilobal Polyester Filament yarn used for high-end embroidery applications in Apparels
• Virgin Hollow Conjugated Siliconized (HCS PSF)

In view of the above, respected members are kindly requested to share their inputs/suggestions so that the same can be incorporated into the upcoming discussions.

Placed for your information and necessary action.

Thanking you,

With Best Regards,

(Chandrima Chatterjee)

Secretary General