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TERMS
OF REFERENCE
Keeping in
view the commitments of government in the WTO and complexities in tariff
and tariff related matters which may a vital impact on domestic
industry as well as on the economy of the country, the Government
constituted on 2nd September 1997
vide Resolution no. A- 42012 /1/98- EIV- CDN an independent Tariff
Commission under the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion of the
Ministry of Industry .The Commission is an
independent body to look into tariff related matters and recommend
appropriate levels of tariff for different products and industries keeping
in view the larger economic interests of the country .
Terms
of Reference of the Tariff Commission were enlarged vide Resolution dated 8th
September 1998. The revised Terms of
Reference broadly cover:
A. On
reference by government
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To recommend on matters regarding fixation of tariffs and tariff related
issues for goods and services;
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To evolve an overall tariff structure and look into the issue of tariff
rationalisation;
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To study critically market
access offers received from trading partners as part of the WTO framework
and advise government on opportunities and challenges generated by these
offers;
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To examine the transition period required for selected industries and
recommend the gradual phasing-out of tariffs;
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To identify the
tariffication process for select economic activities; and
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Classification
of goods, and products along with applicable tariff on such goods and
products
B. On suo
moto basis
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To conduct detailed impact
analysis of select sectors (textiles,, agriculture, automobiles,
information technology , chemicals, steel and engineering goods) through
multi-disciplinary teams ;
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To maintain and monitor inventory
of tariff rates at sufficiently detailed level and tariff changes in
competing and trade-partner countries; and
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To
carry out technical studies on the cost of production of goods and
services and competitiveness in relation to other countries.
Government
of India vide Resolution dated 12th April 1999 merged the BICP with the
Tariff Commission. The objective of the merger as indicated in the said
resolution was as follows: "the revised TOR has enlarged the role and
responsibilities of the Commission that would now also inter alia include
the core functions of the Bureau of Industrial Costs and Prices (BICP) as
well. In order to discharge its functions as per the revised TORs, the
Tariff Commission requires inhouse support, continuity and expertise in
tariff and tariff- related matters. Over the years, BICP has accumulated
extensive data base and expertise in the areas of technology, economic
analysis, finance and cost accounting."
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