Detail

India

Oilseeds, oils and meals

Palm stearin

01/07/2019

Trade

Import policy

Withdrew the duty exemption previously granted for palm stearin and palm fatty acid distillates imports. The measures were meant to support the country’s oil refining industry, which produces considerable volumes of palm stearin and other palm products by refining imported palm oil.

With a view to support the country’s oil refining industry, the Government withdrew the import duty exemption previously granted for palm stearin and palm fatty acid distillates (PFAD). Since July 2019, imports of the said products are subject to a tariff rate of 7.5 percent. The rates for other soft oils, including palm olein, remained unchanged. Palm stearin and PFAD are primarily used in manufacturing oleochemicals and soaps. India’s refiners produce considerable volumes of palm stearin and other palm products by refining imported palm oil, and the modified tariff rate is expected to help local processors market these products competitively.