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UK's withdrawal of GSP benefits may spell trouble for Indian exporters

The UK implemented the DCTS in place of the GSP on June **. Previously, as a member of the European Union, the UK offered GSP benefits to Least Developed Countries (LDC). Following Brexit, the UK has established the separate DCTS scheme. The decision to withdraw the duty benefit scheme could impact Indian exporters from labour-intensive sectors such as textiles and leather. 

An official from the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) noted that a country cannot avail of double benefits. As India and the UK are negotiating an FTA, Indian textile exporters are expected to receive duty benefits under this agreement. As such, it is considered reasonable to remove India from the LDC list.