|

 

IMG-LOGO

ADVOCACY UPDATES

Advocacy updates for October-December 2023


January 31, 2024 | By Retailers Association of India

Upvote:
0 Likes

IMG

RAI delegation meets commerce minister for BIS reforms

In a significant development for India's footwear industry, the Retailers Association of India (RAI) was recently invited to a high-level meeting chaired by the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal. The meeting, which saw the presence of key government officials including the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Shri Som Parkash, Secretary - DPIIT, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, and Additional Secretary - DPIIT, Shri Rajeev Singh Thakur, was pivotal in addressing several critical issues facing the industry.

The RAI delegation, representing major international brands such as Skechers, Puma, Reebok, Crocs, Adidas, Kothari Industries, and Tommy Hilfiger, also had a separate meeting with Hon. Additional Secretary, DPIIT - Shri Rajeev Singh Thakur and officials from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) department. These brands presented their roadmaps for the next 3-5 years, highlighting their commitment to the Indian market.

Key discussion points at the meeting included:

  • Clarification on Legacy Stock: DPIIT announced the creation of a portal for companies to declare existing stock as of 31st December 2023, along with manufacturing dates. Companies will be exempted from penalties until this stock is exhausted.
  • QCOs Enforcement: No coercive action will be taken until December 31, 2023, for the already announced Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
  • Footwear Standards: The Director General of BIS stated that the standards for general-purpose footwear are in progress and welcomed suggestions from stakeholders.
  • Testing Laboratories: The government assured the establishment of testing laboratories with minimal testing charges. BIS plans to install 50 labs by December 2023 near factory clusters.
  • Quality Assurance: BIS and DPIIT will conduct random sample testing to ensure that all components and raw materials used in footwear are of premium quality.
  • Licensing Process: BIS will streamline the licensing process, offering one license per factory instead of separate licenses for each category.
  • Customs Clearance: The delegation requested the department to provide clear directions to customs for efficient clearance processes.
  • Facilitation Centre: BIS has established a facilitation center to address industry queries, accessible through the toll-free number 1800 1112 06, operational from 9 am to 6 pm on all working days.
  • Customs Clearance for Sample Shoes: BIS is working on a solution for the clearance of sample shoes at customs.

The meeting concluded with Honorable Additional Secretary, Shri Rajeev Singh Thakur, acknowledging the delegation's views and suggestions and assuring efforts to ease the processes for the footwear industry. This meeting marks a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by the industry and aligning the sector with global standards.                     
 

Productive dialogue on 'Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar' Scheme

The Retailers Association of India (RAI) recently had a constructive meeting with Smt Renu K. Jagdev, Director General of Taxpayer Services, Delhi, focusing on the innovative 'Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar' scheme. This scheme, designed as an attractive invoice incentive, has garnered significant interest within the retail community.

'Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar' is an initiative aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in retail transactions. It encourages consumers to demand proper invoices for their purchases, thereby promoting fair business practices and contributing to the nation's economic growth.  

Retailers can access promotional materials to support the scheme in their stores via this link. These resources are designed to help retailers effectively communicate the scheme's advantages to their customers.

RAI, recognising the potential benefits of this scheme, strongly believes in its positive impact on the retail sector. The organization has been encouraged by the government to promote 'Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar' among its members. RAI’s involvement is expected to play a crucial role in the widespread adoption and success of this initiative, fostering a culture of transparency and consumer rights in the retail industry.

Significant updates to Legal Metrology Act under Jan Vishwas Act, 2023

In a notable development, the Government of India has enforced new provisions under the Legal Metrology Act as part of the Jan Vishwas Act, 2023. These amendments mark a crucial step in the direction of streamlining legal compliances and decriminalising certain aspects of the Act.

Additionally, a detailed analysis of the decriminalization amendments made in the Legal Metrology (LM) Act by the Jan Vishwas Amendment 2023 is available for review. This analysis offers an in-depth look at how these changes will affect the regulatory landscape.

Last year, the government also amended sub-section 2 of section 49 of the Legal Metrology Act. This amendment allows companies to nominate any of their responsible officers as a person responsible for the business of the Company, in place of a director of the company. This move is seen as a significant step in reducing the compliance burden on company directors and in facilitating ease of doing business. 

These changes reflect the government's commitment to reducing the regulatory burden on businesses while ensuring transparency and accountability in commercial transactions. The Jan Vishwas Act, 2023, aims to foster a more business-friendly environment by simplifying legal procedures and decriminalizing minor offenses.
 
RAI achieves significant progress in retail sector Across Various States

RAI has been actively collaborating with various state governments in India, securing notable achievements such as the extension for return of Halal-certified products in Uttar Pradesh, the permission for 24x7 store operations in Telangana, and addressing safety concerns in Karnataka. These efforts underline RAI's commitment to enhancing the retail business environment and advocating for the industry's interests across the country.

  • Uttar Pradesh: RAI successfully advocated for an extension to return Halal-certified products in Uttar Pradesh. After submitting a representation to the UP government, which can be viewed here, the government has granted a 15-day extension to withdraw such items. This decision demonstrates the government's responsiveness to industry needs and concerns.'
  • Kerala: RAI's delegation met with Shri KM Sunil, Additional Labour Commissioner of the Kerala Government. The discussion centered on granting permission for 24×7 operations in the state. The Labour Department has forwarded the proposal to the Ministry and a final decision from the Government is awaited. The meeting concluded on a positive note.
  • Telangana: RAI's persistent efforts with the Telangana State Government have borne fruit. The State has approved 24×7 operations for retail stores, a significant step towards enhancing the Ease of Doing Business in the region. Retailers interested in this opportunity can view the notification here and apply for permission using this form.
  • Karnataka: In response to vandalism targeting member retailers in Bengaluru, RAI reached out to the Chief Secretary of Karnataka, urging action to curb such unlawful activities. These incidents have caused distress and fear among staff and customers, raising concerns for safety and asset protection.

Workshop on Plastic Waste Management, Intellectual Property Rights, and Digital Personal Data Protection Act in Mumbai: RAI organised an interactive session in Mumbai at JW Marriott Sahar on 26 September 2023. The workshop, focusing on crucial topics like Plastic Waste Management, Intellectual Property Rights, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, saw participation from around 40 attendees. The session received excellent feedback, highlighting RAI's commitment to addressing contemporary issues in the retail sector.

These developments showcase RAI's ongoing efforts to address challenges and facilitate advancements in the retail industry, reflecting a robust collaboration between the association, government bodies, and industry stakeholders.
 


Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.