The Kinnaur Indo-China Trade Association via Shipki La has urged the Centre and the GST Council to consider the long-pending issue of IGST exemption on traditional Indo-China trade in the forthcoming 57th GST Council meeting, on October 7 in New Delhi.
“The trading route is located in extremely high-altitude and difficult terrain, with severe climatic conditions and a short trading season.
Association president Hishey Negi said that trade through Shipki La is not comparable with conventional commercial imports conducted through established ports. “It is a traditional border trade system with a distinct historical, geographical and economic character, which has traditionally involved barter and exchange of goods rather than conventional commercial transactions involving regular international payment mechanisms,” he said. He said the exceptional geographical conditions of Shipki La require special consideration.
Even today, traders continue to depend substantially on mules and traditional modes of transportation for movement of goods,” he said.
