ATMA Calls For Policy Action On Rising Waste Tyre Imports In Pre-Budget Submission

New Delhi, Jul 10 (KNN) The Automotive Tyre Manufacturers' Association (ATMA) has called for urgent measures to address the rising influx of waste tyres into India, according to a statement released on Tuesday.

The industry body's pre-budget submission to the finance ministry highlights a more than fivefold increase in waste tyre imports since fiscal year 2020-21.

ATMA Chairman Arnab Banerjee emphasised the need for policy intervention, stating, "The import of waste tyres into India should be restricted and, if necessary, permitted only in multiple cut or shredded form."

The association warns that the current trend contradicts India's Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) Regulation on Waste Tyres, implemented in July 2022.

India, a significant player in global tyre manufacturing with an annual production exceeding 200 million units, possesses substantial capacity for End of Life Tyre (ELT) disposal.

However, ATMA reports that in fiscal year 2024, India imported nearly 1.4 million metric tonnes of waste tyres, raising concerns about safety standards and environmental impact.

The association's budgetary requests also include provisions for duty-free imports of natural rubber (NR) to address the gap between domestic demand and supply.

ATMA notes that approximately 40 per cent of the industry's NR requirements are currently met through imports due to insufficient domestic production.

Furthermore, ATMA has highlighted the need to rectify the inverted duty structure between tyres and natural rubber.

The association points out that while the basic customs duty on tyres ranges from 10-15 per cent, with even lower rates under Free Trade Agreements, the duty on natural rubber stands at 25 per cent or Rs 30/kg, whichever is lower.

As India's tyre industry navigates these challenges, the government's response to ATMA's recommendations could significantly impact the sector's competitiveness and environmental sustainability.

(KNN Bureau)