Cir(068)/2023                                                                 25^th May 2023

Committee:

Sub: Request for inputs/suggestions on the upcoming India – Canada EPTA – reg.

Dear Sirs/Madam,

This is to inform you that India and Canada are negotiating EPTA. Both countries are finalizing PSRs as part of the ongoing negotiations. In the recent development, the Canadian side has proposed “Fibre Forward Rule” for downstream products starting from Yarn (Canadian Proposal attached).

CITI has informed the Government that there are certain product categories for Cotton (ELS Cotton) and MMF where India is dependent on imports. Having a “Fibre Forward Rule” will affect the export of all these product categories from India and hence, CITI has requested the Government not to accept the Canadian proposal. In case of no other option, there should be a provision for a “Short Supply List” as given in the US-CAFTA for product categories that have import dependencies.

Members are kindly requested to check for their product categories that are having import dependency and give their list by 28^th May 2023 so that the same can be forwarded to Ministry for their necessary action.

Placed for your information and necessary action.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,

Chandrima Chatterjee

(Secretary General)