States » NorthPosted at: Sep 16 2026 7:37PM


Kinnaur Indo-China Trade Association seeks IGST exemption ahead of GST Council meet

Shimla, September 16 (UNI)The Kinnaur Indo-China Trade Association via Shipki La has urged the Centre and the GST Council to consider an exemption from Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) for eligible traditional border trade through Shipki La, ahead of the 57th GST Council meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi on October 7.
Association president Hishey Negi said the traditional trade route between India and China through Shipki La was fundamentally different from conventional commercial imports handled through established ports and therefore required a separate consideration under the GST framework.
He said Shipki La trade had a distinct historical, geographical and economic character and had traditionally involved barter and exchange of goods rather than conventional commercial transactions based on regular international payment mechanisms.
Negi said the extreme geographical conditions of the border route warranted special consideration, as the trading area is located at very high altitude and traders have to operate in severe climatic conditions during a short trading season. Even now, traders continue to depend substantially on mules and other traditional modes of transportation for moving goods, he said.
The association has also highlighted limitations in the existing import framework, saying the permissible import list remains restricted while several items are practically difficult or impossible to bring in due to the absence of an adequate quarantine centre and related inspection infrastructure at Shipki La.
“There is a substantial difference between what may technically be included in an import list and what is actually viable for transportation and trade under the prevailing geographical and infrastructural conditions,” Negi said.
The association has requested the authorities to examine the IGST issue in the context of the historical customs framework governing Shipki La trade, including notification dated July 23, 1996, and subsequent changes introduced following implementation of the GST regime.
It has placed several factors before the authorities, including the traditional barter-based nature of the trade, extreme altitude and climatic conditions, the short trading season, dependence on mules and traditional transportation, the limited permissible import list and inadequate quarantine and inspection infrastructure.
The association said these factors affected the practical viability of traditional border trade and the livelihood of the local trading community.
Negi clarified that the Association was not seeking to place Shipki La trade on the same footing as large-scale commercial imports through conventional ports. Instead, it has sought an appropriate IGST exemption or special dispensation for eligible traditional imports, taking into account the unique circumstances under which the border trade operates.
“The geographical, logistical and historical circumstances of Shipki La are fundamentally different from those of ordinary commercial import channels. We therefore request the GST Council to examine the matter comprehensively and consider an appropriate relief mechanism for traditional traders,” he said.
The association has urged the GST Council Secretariat, Ministry of Finance, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and other concerned authorities to place the matter before the appropriate forum for consideration at the forthcoming GST Council meeting.
UNI BN
Tags: #Kinnaur Indo-China Trade Association seeks IGST exemption ahead of GST Council meet
More News

Revive India's spiritual heritage to regain 'Jagadguru' status: Chaitanya Puri

16 Sep 2026 | 7:44 PM

Jammu, Sep 16 (UNI) Calling for a revival of India's spiritual and cultural heritage, Shri Harikripa Peethadhishwar Swami Hari Chaitanya Puri on Wednesday said the country could regain its status as 'Jagadguru' by sharing its rich legacy of knowledge, spirituality and human values with the world.

see more..

IGP Kashmir directs officers to ensure dynamic, responsive security arrangements

16 Sep 2026 | 7:43 PM

Srinagar, Sept 16 (UNI) Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone Sujit Kumar on Wednesday directed officers to ensure that security arrangements remain dynamic and responsive to any vulnerable situation, amid a review of the prevailing security situation across the Central Kashmir Range.

see more..

Kinnaur Indo-China Trade Association seeks IGST exemption ahead of GST Council meet

16 Sep 2026 | 7:37 PM

Shimla, September 16 (UNI)The Kinnaur Indo-China Trade Association via Shipki La has urged the Centre and the GST Council to consider an exemption from Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) for eligible traditional border trade through Shipki La, ahead of the 57th GST Council meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi on October 7.

see more..

From sporting talent to world-class infrastructure, New UP’s sports model to be showcased at Trade Show

16 Sep 2026 | 7:30 PM

Lucknow, Sep 16 (UNI) The rapid expansion of sports and sports facilities in Uttar Pradesh during the tenure of the Yogi government will now be showcased on an international platform as well. For the first time, the state's Sports Department is set to mark its extensive participation in the five-day UP International Trade Show 4.0, to be held from September 25 to 29 at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida.

see more..

Himachal CM leads anti-chitta walkathon in Una, warns drug peddlers

16 Sep 2026 | 7:23 PM

Shimla, September 16 (UNI)Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday led an anti-chitta awareness walkathon in Una, declaring that there was “no place” in the state for people involved in selling the synthetic drug and destroying the lives of youth for money.

see more..