Indian Liquor Companies Call for Fair Trade Practices in the UK

Scotch and British gin makers have enjoyed lower duty access to the Indian market, but Indian brands face hurdles when exporting to the UK. Anant S Iyer, director general of Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), highlights the non-tariff barriers related to maturation and ingredients that discriminate against Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) products.

UK's Maturation Norms Under Fire

The UK mandates a minimum three-year maturation period for whisky, a standard that Indian producers argue is unfair due to India's hotter climate accelerating the maturation process. This requirement not only leads to significant spirit evaporation but also affects the product's quality, forcing Indian whisky to be labeled as 'Indian spirits' and sidelined in the UK market.

Seeking Equal Footing in International Markets

CIABC is urging the Indian government to address these discriminatory practices with the UK, advocating for Indian brands to compete on equal terms abroad. Additionally, the lobby group proposes a minimum import price on Scotch whiskies to prevent undercutting in the Indian market.