The All India Granite and Stone Association (AIGSA) has sought the review of Import-Export (Exim) policy to facilitate trade.

Whilst addressing, the Association President, Mr J.B. Surana, said the Union Commerce Ministry shall bring rough granite and marble under the Open General Licence (OGL) list so that imports would be discharged from arbitrary import-export restrictions.

Whereas, the import of processed and finished stone products can be regulated to protect the interesting local industries either through licensing or by higher tariff in the present policy framework, which has been side-stepped.

Licensing has been introduced for import of raw material for marble and limestone. There is no particular licence/guideline to take care of the needs of the granite industry. Most of the licenses related to granite and stone industry are issued by the Union Commerce Ministry and by the Director-General of Foreign Trade.The current prevailing policy instead of benefiting the wide spectrum of members of the industry based on their performance has resulted in benefiting a selective few members of the industry.