SCC demands CFL centre at Sherathang trade mart

Gangtok, Jul 19 (UNI) Sikkim Chamber of Commerce (SCC) President S K Sarda today demanded the opening up of a Central Food Laboratory (CFL) centre at the Sherathang trade mart and exemption of Import- Export code for Sikkimese traders intending to do business with China through the Nathu La pass.

The CLF centre, Mr Sarda said would help speedy clerance of edible goods for sale in the country.

As per the rules, edible goods imported from outside can be marketed in the country only after it is tested and approved by the CFL.

Mr Sarda said the present arrangement of sending samples of edible goods to CFL Kolkota for approval will take around a fortnight and hamper the business interest of the traders.

He said the SCC had already requested the state Commerce and Industries department authorities to take up the matter with the Centre and to set up a centre of the CFL at Sherathang.

Out of the 15 items which can be imported from China, butter and common salt figured in the list of edible category. But the list is likely to be expanded in future.

Mr Sarda said the SCC also demanded the exemption of Import-Export code for the Sikkimese traders intending to do business with China through Nathu La pass.

He said the IEC is not required in two other trading points --Shiplika and Lipulekha and it should not be implemented here.

Trade through Nathu La pass has been stalled since its reopening on July 6 as the Custom officials are insisting on IEC, which is issued against a Permanent Account Number (PAN).

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