Date:21/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/11/21/stories/2006112100471100.htm

Back Rubber exporters asked to return duty drawback money

Aravindan

Kottayam , Nov. 20

Natural rubber exporters, who received Rs 10.4 crore as one per cent duty drawback from the Centre for exporting 1,28,000 tonnes of rubber during the last two years, have been asked to return the amount forthwith by the Central Excise Department.

"This is a severe blow to the block rubber producers in the country," said Prof K. K. Abraham, Chairman Indian Block Rubber Producers Association (IBRA) and Member of the Rubber Board.

The Central Excise officers conducted raid a few days ago in all the block rubber factories and important exporting agency centres and collected relevant files. The officers threatened the exporters and forced them to remit the money, alleged Prof Abraham.

The exporters claimed the money only after enlisting natural rubber in the schedule of eligible items for duty drawback as per the orders issued by the Union Government.

Following the withdrawal of subsidy for rubber exports last year, the Centre had included rubber in the list of exporting items eligible for duty drawback.

IBRA has demanded immediate intervention of the Union Finance and Commerce Ministers