India’s Buying Agents Association (BAA) recently appealed to large international companies that source apparel, handicrafts, leather goods and carpets, especially from small and medium companies in India, not to cancel export orders. The step would support the livelihoods of artisans and craftsmen.

BAA believes small and medium enterprises that rely on exports are particularly vulnerable. The association has also petitioned the government to support exporters as well service providers in the export sector. Its recommendations include exemptions in goods and services tax to all such service providers for the next six months as well as tax holiday for those with up to 10 crore turnover in exports.

BAA, formed in 2016 with the support of buying agencies and the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts, represents buying agents that act as a bridge between overseas buyers and Indian exporters and work with key international companies. A large chunk of India’s exports across apparel, leather goods, furniture, carpets and handicrafts among other sectors, is facilitated by BAA members.