SWA welcomes tax cut in key Indian state

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has welcomed the 50% excise duty cut on imported Scotch Whisky in Maharashtra ahead of formal UK-India trade talks starting.

The Maharashtra government has cut excise duty on Scotch Whisky by 50 per cent, from 300% to 150% of the manufacturing cost.

The Scotch Whisky industry is campaigning to reduce the 150% federal tariff on imported Scotch Whisky, which the UK government has made a top priority in upcoming trade talks with Indian authorities.

Maharashtra government officials said that the excise cut would help reduce the illicit trade of Scotch Whisky and other spirits from other states, and double state revenue from sales.

Last month, the SWA joined the UK government on a visit to Mumbai in Maharashtra to build links with state and federal officials to increase exports of Scotch Whisky to India.

SWA International Director Ian McKendrick said: “This is a step in the right direction and welcome recognition from Indian authorities that revenue can be boosted by reducing trade barriers for Scotch Whisky.

“The industry hopes that the future UK-India trade talks can build on this progress at federal level and reduce the current 150% tariff on imported Scotch Whisky. A phased reduction in the import tariff would unlock well over £1bn of export growth for Scotch Whisky over the first five years, and have a knock on boost to state and federal revenue in India.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland Lord Offord said: “I was delighted to visit Mumbai last month to promote trade links between Scotland and India, and see the great opportunities on offer for Scotch whisky exporters.

“This change to duty in Maharashtra is very welcome news for the industry here, and I am hopeful that the ongoing work to further reduce taxes on whisky exports to India will deliver a real boost for Scotland’s world-renowned distilleries.”

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