Express News Service By

CHENNAI:Would the Union government reconsider the clamp on importing apples from Chennai Port? Chozha Naachiar Rajasekar, president, Tamil Chamber of Commerce told City Express that he had been given an assurance that the Union government would consider allowing Chennai Port to route the imported apples.

This comes after the notification by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to import apples into India only through Nhava Sheva Port, which has irked apple importers here who prefer importing through the Chennai Port.

“A delegation along with Pon Radhakrishnan, Union Minister of State for Shipping, met Union Commerce Minister, Nirmala Seetharaman. The DGFT was also present during the meeting,” said Rajasekhar.

“We put forth our demand while acknowledging the need to protect the domestic trade of Indian apples. The Indian apples are seasonal and this is also the off-season for imported apples,” said Rajasekhar.

He said Chennai Port has a FSSAI facility as well as quarantine department and since it caters to entire southern India, the Union government should allow the import of foreign apples.

Traders believe the import of apple through Nhava Sheva Port would add to the woes of traders as it would involve huge freight cost.

This would also result in huge loss to Chennai Port which was collecting handling charges. “Once the season of Indian apples is over, Chennai Port usually receives nearly 50 per cent of apples imported into India.

“The value of apples imported into India is worth Rs 1,200 crore of which nearly 50 per cent (`6,000 crore) is paid as duties,” said Rajasekhar. Interestingly, Chennai Port officials told City Express that the move would affect the revenue of Chennai Port, which is struggling after the clamp on iron and coal cargoes.

Interestingly, Chennai Port imports 6,000 cartons of apple every year and it is the second largest port when compared to the volumes of containers. Importers are worried. They say the consignment gets clearance within five to seven days, but with apples being added to the consignment in Nhava Sheva, the clearance could take time. “It may be even 15 to 20 days,” said a trader. While the traders are optimistic of the meeting with the Union commerce minister, one wonders what the impact of the ministry’s decision would be on Chennai Port.