Nathu La:Import-Export code will not be applicable to Sikkimese

Gangtok, Jul 19 (UNI) The deadlock of border trade through Nathu La, due to the absence of Import-Export Code, is likely to end soon with the Central government indicating the provision would not be applicable to traders in Sikkim intending to do business with China.

Sikkim Chamber of Commerce president S K Sarda said additional secretary of union Industries and Commerce Christe Fernadez has informed over phone today that the Sikkimese traders would be exempted from the provision of possessing an IEC for conducting border trade.

Mr Sarda claimed quoting Mr Fernandez as saying that a decision in this regard would be taken in a couple of days.

Border trade with China through Nathu La, situated 14200-foot high in east Sikkim has been stalled soon after reopening the trade route on July 6 following the Customs officials refused to allow the traders to move their goods to the border without an IEC, mandatory for conducting international trade.

The silk route was closed for almost 44 years since Indo-China conflict in 1962.

The IEC is issued against Permanent Account Number or PAN card issued by the Central Income Tax department.

But the Sikkimese traders neither posses a PAN card nor an IEC as the Central Income Tax law has not yet been implemented in the state.

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