Government eases wool import norms

The government Monday said it has eased import norms on certain varieties of wool to help the domestic industry in sourcing the raw material.

According to the textile ministry, the wool importing industry had sought the removal of the requirement of a 'no objection certificate' (NOC) for wool imports as it hindered supplies and that was hurting the sector.

The decision was taken after Textiles Minister K.S. Rao took up the matter with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, who heads the department of animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries, which had issued the requirement of an NOC.

Subsequently, a clarification from the department was issued on July 18, 2013, which said that certain varieties of wool need not require an NOC.

"This clarification will aid smooth inflow of wool imports, help the domestic industry engaged in value addition, making carpets, woollen clothing, garments and other woollen products and also help in increasing the country's exports," the textile ministry said in a statement.

Currently, wool imports help the domestic industry engaged in value addition, making carpets, woollen clothing, garments and other products for export purposes.