Industry body seeks limit on old printing machine imports

The Indian Printing, Packaging and Allied Machinery Manufacturers’ Association (IPAMA) has urged the central government to either completely restrict or limit the import of second-hand printing machines.

“Around 95 per cent of the Indian graphic arts machinery manufacturing industry comprises small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are being impacted by five-six-year-old printing machines imported from the US, Europe, China and Taiwan. We have made representations to the Centre and are awaiting a positive response,” TR Mahajan, vice president (south) of IPAMA, said here on Monday.

Stating that excise duty of 12.36 per cent was being imposed on the SMEs with an annual turnover of above Rs 1.5 crore, he said IPAMA had asked the government to increase the turnover limit to Rs 10 crore to protect the interests of the SMEs.

According to IPAMA, the Indian printing industry is pegged at $16 billion, of which south India accounts for around 35 per cent, and is growing at a rate of between 10 per cent and 15 per cent year-on-year.

Mahajan said the association was holding the 11th edition of 'Print Pack India 2013' in Greater Noida from February 23 to project Brand India and its designs and products to the global markets. Of the 350 stalls at the venue, close to 90 are from south India.

“While the event witnessed 50,000 visitors last year, it is expected to see 70,000 footfalls this year,” he said, adding the expo had seen a business of $110 million last year and was expected to touch $240 million this year.