Indian Newspaper Society Appeals Government to Lift 5% customs duty on newsprint amidst global supply chain challenges

The Indian Newspaper Society urgently seeks a reconsideration of the 5% Customs Duty on Newsprint, citing the critical role of print media in disseminating knowledge, aiding government communication, and maintaining trust. Publishers face challenges due to global geopolitical uncertainties, logistical issues, and currency fluctuations. Newsprint shortages have arisen from conflicts in the Midwest and Russia-Ukraine crisis, impacting the global supply chain.

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FAQ - Indian Newspaper Society Appeals Government to Lift 5% Customs Duty on Newsprint

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Indian Newspaper Society Appeals Government to Lift 5% Customs Duty on Newsprint

FAQ 1: What is the Indian Newspaper Society requesting from the government?

Answer: The Indian Newspaper Society (INS) is appealing to the Indian government to reconsider and lift the 5% Customs Duty imposed on newsprint. This request is due to the ongoing global supply chain disruptions and the financial strain being experienced by publishers.

FAQ 2: Why is the Indian Newspaper Society making this appeal?

Answer: The INS's appeal is primarily motivated by the challenges posed by global supply chain disruptions that have been affecting the availability and cost of newsprint. Additionally, there is significant financial strain on newspaper publishers, which is exacerbated by the customs duty on imported newsprint.

FAQ 3: What are the consequences of the 5% customs duty for newspaper publishers?

Answer: The 5% customs duty on newsprint increases the costs for newspaper publishers. This duty, combined with the existing challenges in the global supply chain, places additional financial burdens on publishers, potentially affecting their sustainability and operations.

FAQ 4: When was this appeal made by the Indian Newspaper Society?

Answer: The appeal by the Indian Newspaper Society was reported approximately 15 hours before the content from the link provided, which would indicate the appeal was made very recently. For the exact date, please refer to the article dated from BusinessLine.

FAQ 5: Has the Indian Newspaper Society made similar appeals in the past?

Answer: Yes, as per the annual report from 2021 available on Press Council of India, the Indian Newspaper Society, along with other organizations, has been involved in efforts to lobby for the removal of customs duty on newsprint imports and seek stimulus packages for the industry.

FAQ 6: How important is this issue for the newspaper industry in India?

Answer: The issue of customs duty on newsprint is quite significant for the newspaper industry in India. Newsprint is a major expense for publishers, and any additional costs can have a substantial impact on the industry, particularly for small and medium-sized publishers who are already coping with tight margins.

FAQ 7: What is the likely outcome if the Indian government does not lift the customs duty?

Answer: If the customs duty on newsprint is not lifted, newspaper publishers may continue to face financial pressures which could lead to increased prices for newspapers, reduced page counts, postponement of expansion plans, or in some cases, the shutdown of operations for financially vulnerable publishers.

Should you require more detailed information or further assistance, I recommend reviewing the accurate and up-to-date content found in the cited articles: BusinessLine Article on INS Appeal.