RESTRICTIONS STILL IN PLACE
The lockdown continues in India.
MEASURES
- The lockdown continues in place with adherence to the new Guidelines on the measures to be taken by Ministries/Departments of Government of India, State/UT Governments and State/UT authorities for containment of COVID-19 in the country for the extended period of National Lockdown for a further period of two weeks with effect from 4 May 2020 and it is expected to expire on 17 May.
- On 11 May, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued detailed Guidelines for restarting manufacturing industries after lockdown to assist manufacturing industries to manage industrial processes and workers when the operation is resumed.
IMPACT ON FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN
- From the new guidelines, all activities which are not specifically prohibited or permitted with restrictions in the various zones, will be permitted.
- For food sector, the food manufactures will remain unhampered throughout the extended lockdown period. However, for food service, the restaurants remain closed and only allowed to operate for only take-away and delivery service during this period.
- In addition, the guidelines has also allowed inter-state movement of goods/cargo, including empty trucks during the lockdown period.
- In terms of import & export activities, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) has been actively coordinating with other Ministries to ensure that customs operations remain unhampered during the lockdown. A 24 x7 customs clearance has been provided at Seaports & Airports across the country to facilitate the clearance of goods.
FIA RECOMMENDATIONS/ACTIONS
- FIA is working closely with local industry association FICCI, to monitor the progress of development of the lockdown situation in India.