Defence Canteens ban import of finished goods; Here's the complete list of items banned-

New Delhi, October 30: In a major blow to companies ranging from FMCG and liquor to consumer durables and footwear, the government-controlled Canteen Stores Department (CSD), which operates canteens for the defence forces, has moved up banning all direct imported items, include those that are shipped from other countries in finished form.

 

 

In the liquor segment, for instance, Scotch brands that are bottled in Scotland are banned but those that have imported ingredients, but bottled in India, continue to occupy the shelves. The move seems to be a part of an effort to support PM Narendra Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan that has been launched to promote domestic manufacturing.

 

Out of the 5,500 items sold by the CSD, around 420 are imported, according to the Manohar Parrikar Institute For Defence Studies and Analyses. Among all the countries, China accounts for a bulk of the imported items such as toilet brushes, electric kettles, sandwich toasters, laptops and ladies’ handbags.

 

The government order which directs army canteens to stop procuring ‘direct import’ items is seen as a push to local products. However, the order will take time to implement and is currently being reviewed. Here is the list of directly imported items, now banned-