India conveys disagreement to EU on mango export ban

India has conveyed its "disagreement" to the European Union on the issue of ban on Indian mangoes and a few vegetables by the 28-nation bloc.
The EU has prohibited import from India of five fruits and vegetables, which include mangoes, on account of interceptions of export consignments not compliant with EU phytosanitary (relating to plant life) regulations, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
India has taken several measures, including enhancement of capacity and numbers of inspecting staff and improvement in infrastructure, implementation of a standard operating procedure to guarantee safe exports and routing of all export consignments of perishables to EU through approved pack houses from April 1 to enable better inspection and certification.

"India has not only informed the EU regarding implementation of these control systems, but have also formally conveyed our disagreement on the temporary restriction imposed by the EU," she said.
Replying to an another question, the minister said special economic zones has seen a sharp slowdown due to a number of reasons including uncertain fiscal regime for these zones and global slowdown in exports.
In 2013-14, exports from SEZs increased to Rs 4.94 lakh crore from Rs 4.76 lakh crore in 2012-13.
"Till July 4, the Board of Approval on SEZs has approved 69 requests for de-notification of SEZ," she said.

On the question whether government is mulling withdrawing MAT from SEZs, she said :"The proposals in respect of legislative changes in direct tax laws are considered through the Finance Bill during the annual budgetary exercise. The response of the government in this regard shall be reflected in the forms of Finance (No 2) Bill, 2014.