ISWAI welcomes excise reforms announced in Assam Budget

With Assam budget 2022-23 proposing to allow the option of conversion of the existing IMFL ‘ON’ licenses to IMFL ‘OFF’ licenses in the rural areas in a limited manner with a conversion fee, The International Spirits & Wines Association of India (ISWAI) welcomed the Assam government’s Excise Reforms.

Nita Kapoor, Chief Executive Officer, ISWAI, said, “We welcome and thank the Assam government for their progressive and positive steps that demonstrates the right intent and commitment. Permitting conversion of existing India Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) ‘ON’ premises into retail ‘OFF’ shops in rural areas will improve accessibility, which will make AlcoBev products more affordable. Also, the introduction of a ‘Track & Trace’ system will enable confirmation of the authenticity and significantly curtail counterfeit and illicit AlcoBev products and increase the States revenue collection”.

Suresh Menon, Secretary-General, ISWAI, added, “The decisions made by the Assam government are in the right direction. The introduction of affixing of tampering -free high-security holograms with QR code on liquor bottles is a very good move as it will facilitate tracking and tracing of products and protect the consumers from counterfeit liquor besides curbing duty evasion and inter-state smuggling.

“Additionally the step to empower the Deputy Commissioners to transfer the IMFL shop licenses to the legal heir or next of kin of the deceased license holder without any reference to the government will further reduce the compliance burden and support ease of doing business”, added Menon.