Amid reports of the United Kingdom (UK) mounting pressure on the Indian Government for massive tariff concessions on imports of Scotch whiskey, Indian liquor makers’ on Tuesday urged the Government to ask the United Kingdom to reduce non-trade barriers to provide easy market access for domestic alcoholic beverages in Britain.
They also urged the government not to slash the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) from imported Scotch whisky.
The liquor manufacturers are apprehensive that British PM Borris Johnson may raise the issue with Indian government during his visit in April end.
‘The UK should also remove a restriction of minimum 3 years maturation period for Whisky as well as for Rum, as it has been scientifically established that in warm Indian conditions, spirit ages 3-3.5 times faster than in the UK.