Govt’s decision to withdraw MEIS incentives to hit textile exporters

The Government’s decision to withdraw the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) with retrospective effect is likely to erode profit margins of textile players. It will also impact exports and fresh investment in the sector.

The government has removed the benefit of 4 per cent MEIS on exports of made ups and garments with retrospective effect, that is, from March 7. Moreover, the MEIS that had been granted to exporters of made-ups and garments till July 31 will be recovered.

“Withdrawal of 4 per cent MEIS with retrospective effect has caused an extremely serious situation for the exporters of made ups and has indeed come as a shock to the industry,” said K V Srinivasan, chairman, The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (Texprocil). “Exporters of made ups are facing serious working capital problems, affecting their day-to-day business,” added Srinivasan.

Exporters of cotton made ups were already passing through a tough situation financially due to the non-implementation of the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme even after its announcement 10 months ago. This scheme, announced for export of made ups and garments, is yet to be operationalised.