Indian Duty Free Association reports on progress

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Indian Duty Free Association (IDFA) chairman Paul Topping told a press conference today the body had carried out a successful membership drive and was on track to fulfill some of its key objectives

Following on from the TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition in May the number of member companies has increased from 8 to 22. "We recognised we needed to change," said Topping. "The Indian duty-free market has tremendous potential but still faces dramatic problems such as bureaucracy of government and states, restrictions to trade and allowances.

"In India spending per passenger is one of the lowest in the world at $1 to $1.50. But Indians do spend," said Topping. "Only they currently spend mostly in Singapore and the Middle East duty-free markets."

The Association said it is still seeking to get the Indian market leader India Tourism Development Corp on board. "We had talks with them on certain issues of concern to them," said Topping. "They feel they should be part of this as a major operator." Recent new members include UDV, William Grant & Sons, BAT, Brown Foreman, Ambassador Flight Kitchens, Titan Industries, Mohanlal & Bros, Global Tax Free, Yeoman Agencies and others.

To join IDFA companies should have an interest in growing the duty-free message in India and its importance to tourism, "But they don't necessarily need to be operating in India," said Topping. He said the leading lobbying issue of IDFA is on countering the proposed abolition of duty-free tobacco sales, currently supported by the Indian government. Another team within the Association led by IDFA vice chairman Siddharth Banerji is working on issues relating to state regulatory issues, restrictions on imports and shopper allowances, working toward a national duty-free policy.

The IDFA will hold a seminar on Indian duty-free in Cochin in May 2003 just before the TFWA Singapore exhibition and the China conference and will issue firm dates soon.

Tax Free World Association vice president Roger Turner said TFWA would offer any practical support it could.