<h1>Planters say duty-free advance authorisation tea imports meant for re-export are flooding domestic market and depressing prices</h1> Planters allege that duty-free tea imports permitted under an Advance Authorisation Scheme-intended for re-export-are entering the domestic market, depressing prices and harming growers. Industry bodies report large increases in low-cost imports, lack reliable data on re-exports versus domestic diversion, and say existing monitoring mechanisms (a Tea Council and Tea Board oversight) are ineffective or unimplemented. Stakeholders demand regulatory responses including suspension or removal of the advance licence facility, imposition of a 100% import duty or a minimum import price, Sri Lanka-style SOPs to curb non-compliant shipments, and improved tracking and enforcement.