SEA asks centre to include forest-based products in India-EU trade pact
The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) has requested the Government to include forest-based products in the forthcoming bilateral trade deal between India and the European Union (EU) in the larger interest of tribal people and Indian industry.
In a memorandum to Darpan Jain, Chief Negotiator of India-EU FTA Negotiations, Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the President of SEA, Sanjeev Asthana, said that the final deal is supposed to be signed very soon excluding agriculture products, which is truly justified.
However, there is a request from the industry that forestry products should not be included in the agriculture sector, and these forestry products should get the trade deal benefit as this is separate and a very vulnerable sector. These are not agricultural products but are collected from the forest by tribal people, he said.
Jobs for tribals
India has huge potential of sal seeds, mango kernel and other tree-borne oilseeds like kokum seeds, mowrah seeds, dhupa seeds and many others. He said India is providing employment to millions of tribal people and generating wealth by creating value-added products that are supplied to the world.
Sheanuts, which are getting wasted in the bushes (forests) of West African countries, are imported. SEA members are buying sheanuts in West Africa, and also successfully marketing Indian products all over the world to the top global chocolate and cosmetic manufacturers in competition with the European multinationals. The market share of Indian made products would be destroyed without support, as the foreign buyers could take advantage of situation, he said.
SEA gave a list of certain HSN codes for consideration in the bilateral trade tariff relief discussions and incorporation in the final agreed documents. They are: sal-based cocoa butter equivalent (HS code 15179090), sal stearin/fat (HS code 15159010), mango butter (HS code 15159040), kokum butter (HS code 15159010), shea stearin (HS code 15159091), shea-based cocoa butter equivalent (HS code 15179090), and palm mid fraction (HS code 15119090).
“The inclusion of the specified HSN codes in the ongoing tariff relief dialogue between India and the European Union countries is essential to save our forest-based industry,” he said, adding, these products are key components of the industry.
Boost to relations
The reduction or elimination of tariffs on these specific products would not only facilitate smoother trade flows but also increase the volume of exports and imports between the two countries. This would allow India and EU to benefit from a more competitive market, with products priced more favourably for consumers and businesses on both sides, he said.
Many of the products under the requested HSN codes are integral to the advancement of specialty food products. Tariff relief would provide both India and EU with access to high quality materials, components or machinery that could support innovation and the development of new technologies, boosting industrial growth and job creation.
Asthana said that lower tariffs on these goods would directly strengthen the economic relations between India and EU countries. “By addressing specific HSN codes that are of mutual importance, we can ensure that trade flows remain steady and efficient, benefiting key sectors of both economies,” he said.
Many of the goods covered under these HSN codes are integral to supply chains that span across both countries. Tariff reductions will help stabilise these supply chains, reduce costs, and mitigate risks associated with high tariffs, benefiting industries dependent on reliable and cost-effective access to raw materials and components, he said.
The reduction or elimination of tariffs on the specific HSN codes mentioned in this memorandum will not only improve the ease and cost-effectiveness of trade between India and EU but also serve as a catalyst for broader economic cooperation, innovation, and job creation, he added.
–EOM–
Published on January 20, 2026
