The Government has increased the Minimum Import Price (MIP) on import of Areca nuts from existing Rs 110 per kg to Rs 162 per kg with immediate effect. This step has been taken in order to safeguard the interest of domestic farmers. The Government had earlier received representations from various stakeholders of Areca nuts industry against unabated import of Areca nuts from neighbouring countries taking advantage of low import duty provided under South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA).
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has advised its Field offices to stringently adhere to the quality specifications of Areca nut before clearing the import consignments. This has been done with a view to prevent inferior quality Areca nut from entering Indian market and de-stabilize the domestic prices.
The Customs Authorities have been advised to check the rules of origin with utmost care so as to ensure that Areca nut grown in other countries is not imported through neighbouring countries taking advantage of low import duty under SAFTA.