AAI seeks govt intervention for RoDTEP rate declaration for SEZs, EOUs

The Aluminium Association of India (AAI) has urged the government to notify the RoDTEP rates for aluminium special economic zones and export oriented units (EOUs). The AAI believes that this would help increase India's aluminium exports and boost the domestic aluminium industry.

The RoDTEP scheme was launched in 2019 to replace the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS). It refunds taxes, levies, and duties borne by exporters during the manufacturing and distribution process of goods. The scheme has been functional since September 2021, but the RoDTEP rates for aluminium SEZs and EOUs have not yet been announced.

The AAI has stated that SEZs and EOUs account for more than 30% of India's total aluminium exports. This means that a major part of the aluminium industry is yet to benefit from the RoDTEP scheme.

Another industry body, Assocham, has also urged the government to notify the RoDTEP rates for aluminium SEZs and EOUs. Assocham has requested the government to make the RoDTEP rates effective from January 1, 2021, i.e. from the date of declaration of the RoDTEP scheme.