Inadequate security will hurt chemical exports

Lack of security at industrial premises, which can lead to dual use chemicals falling into the hands of disruptive elements, can hurt exports to the US, local players said in the city on Monday. Experts have also warned that Gujarat being a leading producer and exporter of such chemicals, industrial units here need to upgrade their security practices, failing which they will not be able to export to the US. 

Talking to media persons in the city, Gujarat Chemical Association president Jaimin Vasa said that upgrading security would make them preferred exporters to US. Currently, US accounts for Rs10,000 crore of the total Rs26,000 crore worth of chemical exports from India. Gujarat accounts for around 18 per cent of total chemical exports from India. 

Stakeholders said that if one wants to continue exports to the US, upgrading security measures is imperative. Most of the measures do not cost much are related to adhering to Standard Operating Procedures in storing, transporting, packaging and selling chemicals. 

James Snyder, US-based risk management advisor, advised industry units to also obtain Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), a voluntary supply chain security programme led by the US. The C-TPAT applies to US companies as well. This helps reduce Customs inspection.