IIA an apex body of Micro, small and medium enterprises has sought the reduction of central excise duty on zip fasteners.

The body has demanded that exemption limit of excise Duty must be minimum Rs 5 crores instead of Rs 1.50 crores.

Zip fasteners are mainly used in the manufacture of readymade garments and hosiery products. All the inputs except zip fastners used in the manufacture of readymade garments have been given the option of exemption from excise duty under the notifiaction no. 30/2004 dated 09/07/2004 as amended by notification number 10/2005 dated 01/03/2005.

The inputs of the zippers are also exempt under the same notifications.