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Parliamentary panel asks centre to ban import of rubber

A Parliamentary panel has asked the Centre to 'strictly ban' import of natural rubber and review the removal of Quantitative Restrictions on the commodity.

"The committee are constrained to note that despite the ban on import of natural rubber, it took place. The committee recommends that import of natural rubber should be strictly banned and removal of quantitative restrictions on rubber should be reviewed," the Standing Committee on Commerce headed by Sikander Bakht said.

In view of the surplus availability and low price of natural rubber, centre had banned its import against Advance Licence from February 1999 to boost domestic consumption.

However, during 1999-2000, nearly 16,500 tonnes of natural rubber was imported, while over 4,500 tonnes was imported during April-August 2000, the committee said.

At present import of rubber is free, as India has lifted QRs from April 1, 2001 in compliance with the WTO regulations.

The committee has also asked the government to formulate a specific policy addressing the concerns of rubber growers to ensure that they get better returns.

"All out efforts should be made to increase the domestic consumption of rubber by using natural rubber modified bitumen for the roads," it said.

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