Eu Steps Up The Pressure On India

The EU has requested that the WTO initiates a formal consultation with India over wine and spirits custom duties. If, after 60 days of the proposed consultation the current duty dispute remains unresolved, a WTO panel may be established to decide on the matter. The EU is arguing that duties levied by India on imports of wine and spirits, which can be as high as 550%, restrict access to the Indian market. Talks were also held between the Scotch Whisky Association and government officials November/06, after which SWA CE Gavin Hewitt, expressed his belief that, "It is time for India to implement its international commitments and allow fair access for Scotch whisky, just as Indian spirits have free access to the EU market."