New Delhi
The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA), the apex body of the Indian auto component industry, in its recommendations to the Government for the forthcoming Union Budget has stressed on the need to ensure a uniform GST rate of 18% on all auto components. It has also requested for the government to consider upward vision of RoDEPT Rates adopting measures for enhancing investments, including that for R&D.
Commenting on ACMA’s recommendations for the forthcoming budget, Sunjay Kapur, President, ACMA said, “The automotive industry is witnessing one of the most challenging, yet interesting times, ever. Disruptions due to the pandemic, new technologies and regulations are redefining mobility. In this backdrop, the recent policy announcements by the Government on PLI scheme for ACC Battery, PLI for auto & auto components and extension of FAME-2 scheme are indeed very timely and will facilitate the Indian automotive sector in becoming integral to global automotive value chains as also staying relevant. The auto component industry, being an intermediary, has recommended for a uniform GST rate of 18 per cent on all auto components. The industry has significant aftermarket operations that are plagued by grey operations and counterfeits due to the high 28 per cent GST rate. A moderate rate of 18 per cent will not only address this challenge but will also enhance the tax base through better compliance.”
Sunjay Kapur added, “That apart, with focus of the Government on environment, energy security and vehicular safety, it is an imperative for the auto components industry to invest in newer technologies and create capacities to meet the growing domestic demand for such products. Facilitating investments for capacity building and encouraging R&D and new product development will be steps in the right direction by the government.”
Some of ACMA’s key recommendations include:
· Upward revision of RoDTEP rates: The RoDTEP Scheme (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products) was introduced effective January 1, 2021, replacing the MEIS scheme (Merchandise Exports Incentive Scheme). However, the rates notified for auto components sector at 1% or lower, are inadequate to cover the incidence of unrefunded taxes and duties borne on export products. This is deterring the competitiveness of the Indian Auto Component industry.
· Investment allowance: Provision to reintroduce investment allowance at 15% for manufacturing companies that invest more than Rs 25 crore in plant and machinery. This will motivate manufacturers to invest in new technologies, specifically e-mobility and its components/ ancillaries related plant and machinery.
· Incentivising R&D spend: To encourage domestic R&D and testing, it is recommended to retain the weighted tax deduction on R&D expenditure is critical. The 2016-17 Budget reduced weighted deduction benefit from 200% to 150% and has further restricted the deduction to 100% from April 1, 2020.