Government notifies 100% FDI in single brand retail

11 Jan 2012 Evaluate

The government has finally notified 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in single brand retail. Currently, only 51 per cent FDI is allowed in single brand retail. The notification was issued soon after the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) cleared French retailer Christian Louboutin's proposal to set up retail chains in the country. The 100 per cent ownership of single brand is likely to attract brands including Swedish firm IKEA dealing in furnishing products which has shown keen interest in setting up shops in India with full ownership.

On November 24 last year, the government had allowed 100 per cent FDI in single brand retail and 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail. However after political uproar opening up of multi-brand retail was put on hold. The development can also be viewed as a signal on multi-brand retail opening in the near future. Though, the government might not buzz, at least till after the elections in five states.

As per notification, the foreign retailer setting up shop in the single-brand category must source at least 30 per cent from Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Small industries have been defined as those where investment in plant and machinery is up to $1 million (around Rs 5 crore). The compliance of this condition will be ensured through self-certification by the company, to be subsequently checked, by statutory auditors, from the duly certified accounts, which the company will be required to maintain.

‘We have now allowed foreign investment up to 100 per cent with the stipulation that in respect of proposals involving FDI beyond 51 per cent there will be mandatory sourcing of at least 30 per cent of the total value of the products sold from Indian small industries/village and cottage industries, artisans and craftsmen. This step will provide stimulus to domestic manufacturing, add value and help in technical upgrade of our local small industry,’ Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said.

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