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Chinese chocolate import ban extended to 2014; Sold illegally in India
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Friday, 19 April, 2013, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Abhitash Singh, Mumbai
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fiogf49gjkf0d Despite a ban imposed on the import of Chinese chocolates into the country by the Centre from September 2008 till date, these chocolates are being illegally sold in some parts of the country.
The chocolates were banned due to presence of harmful melamine. A similar ban exists on Chinese chocolates in many other countries. Earlier, India had banned them till June 2013, but the ban has now been extended for one more year.
Anand Sawant, an official from Port Health Organisation (PHO), JNPT Port, informed, “Chinese chocolates have been banned in India and we don't import them. There was an issue about usage of melamine in milk and milk products from China. Since 60 per cent of chocolates are made from milk products the ban has been further extended till 2014. Only hard-boiled & sugar-boiled candies, and confectionaries are imported from China.”
A Maharashtra food minister, on the condition of anonymity, informed FnB News that despite ban, Chinese chocolates were imported and sold illegally in India.
An official from the ministry of commerce and industry, said, “The ban on Chinese chocolates was imposed following reports that Chinese dairy products contained traces of melamine. The ban on milk and milk products from China was imposed in early September 2008 and now it has been extended further.”
The minister from Maharashtra, said, “Chocolates which are illegally imported from China are mainly sold in the grey market. The packaging is attractive and many a time the product does not even comply with labelling norms. It is mostly imported through wholesale and container channels, thereby avoiding Customs inspections.”
Imran Hamidani, director, Fine Chocolate Beryl's Gourmet, stated, “The total chocolate industry, is estimated at Rs 3,000 crore and a mere 5-10 per cent would comprise of imports. Because India's per capita consumption of chocolate stands at 40 gm against 10 kg in the UK.”
He added, “The ban on Chinese chocolates import will not have a significant impact as whatever brands that are on the shelves do not come from China. Most of the international brands such as Mars and Ferrero Rocher come from Europe and West Asia. Now even India is making brands such as Ferrero Rocher in the country itself.”
A senior official from the Indian Confectionary Manufacturers Association (ICMA), on the condition of anonymity, concluded, “The toffee business in India will be affected by the ban in which Chinese have marginal presence.”
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