East Africa agrees on tax waiver for textile inputs

The three-year tax waiver was suggested in a report on the textiles and footwear sector, commissioned by the EAC.

As per the EAC directive, the EAC will now shift to a four-band tariff structure for cotton, textiles and apparels to promote cotton yarn and fabric production. While imported raw materials not available in the region would attract zero duty, intermediate inputs would be taxed at 10 per cent, fabrics at 25 per cent, and readymade garments at 40 per cent or $5 per kg.

The EAC partner countries have also agreed to adopt a three-year strategy (2017-19) for gradual phase out of used clothing and shoe imports. This will be done through increased tax on these products, compliance with EAC Standards licensing of importers, and categorisation of products per bale of imports, African media reports said.

The partner states have also decided to “establish Cotton Lint Banks modelled around Uganda cotton buffer stock model to ensure availability of cotton lint for spinning mills and downstream value addition.”

All partner states producing cotton lint will set a target of at least 30 per cent local value addition to domestic cotton lint. This threshold would be increased to 50 per cent within five years, according to the recommendations on the modalities for promotion of textile and leather industries in EAC. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India