Centre mulls easing rules for foreign retailers

 Retail companies, including Amazon, have lined up with investment proposals to the tune of $695 million in the food processing sector but have asked the government to allow them to sell non-food products as well.

The current policy of allowing 100% FDI in retail in food processing sector allows foreign retailers to sell food products produced and manufactured in India.

“Three companies — Amazon, Grofers and Big Basket — have already submitted proposals seeking to make investment of $695 million over a period of time,” Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal told reporters here.

She said several other foreign companies too have evinced interest in making investments in the food processing sector but want the government to allow them to retail non-food items as well. Foreign companies are pushing for permission to sell items such as toothpaste, towels, shampoos and soaps.

“We expect a decision in the next few months,” Harsimrat said to questions on allowing non-food commodities for sale through food retail outlets.