Govt extends ban on import of milk products from China for 4 months

India which is the largest producer and consumer of milk has extended the ban on import of milk products from China for 4 months. The ban would continue till 23^rd April 2019 as per the notification issued by the Ministry of Commerce.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), an arm of the commerce ministry which deals with the norms related to exports and imports of the country in a statement has said that “Prohibition on import of milk, milk products (including chocolates, chocolate products, candies, confectionary food preparations with milk or milk solids as an ingredient) from China is extended for a further period of four months, i.e. till April 23, 2019, or until further orders”.

Why the Ban?

The ban was primarily imposed due to the concerns about the presence of melamine in some of the milk consignments from China. Melamine is a toxic non-edible chemical used for making plastics and fertilisers. Even though India does not import milk products from China, the ban is imposed as a preventive measure.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2018