Govt Can Benefit From Paring Duty On Scotch Whisky

Alan Rosling, OBE, commercial development director, India, of United Distillers, the second largest liquor manufacturer in the world, spoke to Raj Nambisan in Leven, Scotland, on the industry scenario. Excerpts:

On the predicament of scotch units in India: Since 1993, we have been allowed importation of bulk products for local bottling. Every year we have to apply for import licence. So the issue is still subject to the licence raj. The 1996 budget pared levy on scotch whisky from 275 + 2 per cent to 260 per cent.

On levies vis-a-vis other nations: Compared with other developing nations like Brazil, Indian tariffs are extremely tough. The tax and duties in India tot up to