Govt may relax mandatory 30% local sourcing norms for single-brand retailers to attract big foreign players

New Delhi: In order to attract big foreign players in the single-brand retail sector, the government is considering measures to relax the mandatory 30 percent local sourcing norms by allowing them more time to comply with the regulations, sources said. Big single-brand retail firms may also be permitted to open online stores before setting up brick-and-mortar shops. Currently, online sale by a single-brand retail player is allowed only after opening of physical outlet. As per a proposal under active consideration of the government, single-brand foreign retailers may be allowed to adjust the incremental sourcing of goods from India for global operations during the initial 10 years from the current five years (beginning 1 April of the year of the opening of first store) against the mandatory sourcing requirement of 30 percent of purchases from India, they added. [caption id=“attachment_140368” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational image. Reuters[/caption] The relaxation, however, would be subject to a condition that a foreign entity would have to bring foreign direct investment (FDI) in excess of $200 million within the first 2-3 years. The move is aimed at attracting big players in the sector. The proposal requires approval of the union cabinet for implementation. In January 2018, the government allowed 100 percent FDI in the sector, permitting foreign players in single-brand retail trade to set up own shops in India without government approval. That time, the government also relaxed mandatory local sourcing requirement of 30 percent by stating that a foreign retailer would be able to get credit from incremental increase in sourcing for its global operations from India towards the mandatory 30 percent local sourcing requirement for its business in the country. During April-June 2018-19, FDI in India grew by 23 percent to $12.75 billion. The Commerce and Industry Ministry has not released the foreign investment data after June 2018.     To keep watching India’s No. 1 English Business News Channel – CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News – CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day.