New Delhi: Exports of gutkha and pan masala
in plastic sachets will not be allowed, the Central Board of
Excise and Customs (CBEC) has said.
The direction comes amid contrasting views expressed by
the Chief Commissioners of Customs on whether to allow exports
of gutkha and other tobacco products in plastic sachets after
the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011, were
notified.
Rule 5 of the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling)
Rules, 2011, prohibit the use of plastic materials in sachets
for storing, packaging or selling gutkha, tobacco and pan
masala.
The customs officials had differences of opinion on
permitting exports of gutkha in packaging that did not adhere
to the provisions of the rules on account of a clause that
provided for certain exemptions related to "the manufacture of
carry bags exclusively for export purposes, by export-oriented
units, against an order for export...."
However, the CBEC, in a communication to the Chief
Commissioners, said "carry bags and sachets are two distinct
items".
"Therefore, export of said goods (pan masala and gutkha)
in plastic sachets/plastic material in any form would be in
contravention of the provisions of the Plastic Waste
(Management and Handling) Rules, 2011," CBEC said.
PTI
