Commerce ministry hopes to resolve Scotch whisky dispute soon
In short
Dozens of containers of bulk Scotch are stuck at Indian ports. They belong to Diageo and Pernod Ricard, and Customs is seeking a 150% import duty instead of the 75% rate in the trade pact.
The Commerce Ministry says it hopes to settle the dispute soon. The issue matters for the two liquor companies and for Scotch imports into India.
What the reporting says
Dozens of containers of bulk Scotch from Diageo and Pernod Ricard are held at Indian ports as Customs investigators seek a 150% import duty, while the trade pact provides for a reduced 75% rate. A BusinessLine summary said the Commerce Ministry is hopeful of resolving the Scotch whisky disputes soon. The dispute affects major liquor importers and centers on the duty rate applied to the shipments.
Why it matters
Bulk Scotch shipments linked to Diageo and Pernod Ricard are being held at Indian ports while Customs seeks a 150% import duty, compared with the 75% rate under the trade pact. The Commerce Ministry says it hopes to resolve the dispute soon. The issue matters for liquor importers, customs enforcement, and trade-related costs in India’s spirits market.