Import of mobiles, cameras, electronic items from FTA partners under scanner

New Delhi: The Customs Department will closely watch import of items like mobile phones, home appliances, set top boxes, cameras and other electronic items with a new set of rules for checking abuse of India’s free trade deals kicking in from next Monday, said an official.

Import of these items from countries with which India has free trade agreements (FTAs) will receive special regulatory attention as the authorities enforce new rules for verifying the origin of imported products.

The Customs (Administration of Rules of Origin under Trade Agreements) Rules, 2020 issued last month takes effect from 21 September. The idea is to prevent dumping of products into India by exporters in a third country exploiting the free trade agreement India has with certain nations.