India restricts imports of tyres to boost domestic manufacturing

India government on Friday imposed curbs on imports of certain new pneumatic tyres used in motor cars, busses, lorries and motorcycles in a move to promote domestic manufacturing.

"Import policy of new pneumatic tyres...is amended from free to restricted," the Directorate General of Indian Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification.

Putting the goods under restricted category means an importer would now require a licence or permission from the DGFT for imports.

Earlier, the import of these tyres were allowed without any restrictions.

The decision assumes significance as domestic tyre manufacturers have been demanding restrictions on imports. The industry has time and again raised concerns over rising imports of tyres from countries like China.

The restriction was on tyres used in station wagons, racing cars, scooters, multi-cellular polyurethane tubeless tyres, and bicycles.

Imports of these tyres were worth USD 260.72 million in April-February 2019-20 as against USD 330.72 million in 2018-19.

The government is taking steps to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce import bill of non-essential goods. The country's imports dipped by about 10 per cent to USD 467 billion in 2019-20.