Govt eases emission norms for import of super-bikes

While Indian mangoes will soon tingle taste buds in the United States, Indian bikers can look forward to super motorbikes like Harley Davidson.

The government has cleared the import of powerful motorcycles exceeding 800 cc in engine capacity by relaxing environmental norms applicable to foreign two-wheelers in India.

The breakthrough has not been easy to achieve for either side. While it has taken India 35 years to convince the US to allow import of its mangoes, the latter has also doggedly pushed Harley's case.

"We are going to allow the import of bikes exceeding 800 cc, provided they conform to Euro-III norms. A notification in this regard will be released by the DGFT today," said Commerce Minister Kamal Nath at the sidelines of a CII meet, also attended by United States Trade Representative Susan Schwab.

The super bikes will invite a total import duty of 113 per cent, said the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.

Besides Harley, Japanese bike makers like Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, and Kawasaki will be able to bring their super motorcycles to India. Nath added that the government is looking at relaxing import duties on heavy motorcycles. Acknowledging the Indian move, Schwab said, "If tariffs come down, trade in this sector will begin to flow".

According to S Shridhar, vice-president, marketing, Bajaj Auto Ltd, there is a market for such super bikes in India and the domestic industry will closely watch the pricing, performance and models launched in India.

Meanwhile, the first consignment of Indian mangoes is set to leave for United States in the next two to three weeks. However, Indian mangoes will not have an easy access to US shores. The consignments will have to be irradiated to kill possible fruit fly infestations and then certified by an inspector from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).