Centre Extends Customs Duty Exemption On Coronavirus Equipment Till Sept
The Union Finance Ministry, on Monday, has expanded the exemption of customs duty and health cess for import of Coronavirus-related relief items till September 30.
The government has included the coronavirus vaccine and oxygen-related equipment in this relief, amid the speculations of a possible third wave. Since the April 24 notification, this is the second time the exemption has been expanded by the government. August 31 was the earlier deadline, which has now been extended to September 30 by the government.
Meanwhile, tanks, generators, canisters, Medical grade oxygen, oxygen concentrators, filling systems, ISO containers for shipping oxygen, ISO containers for shipping oxygen, any other device which helps in oxygen generation, ventilators, high flow nasal cannula device, etc are exempted from the duty and cess by the Ministry of Finance.
The central government in a notification said that it is satisfied that it is required in the interest of the Indian public to extend the relief period.
The duty relief was announced at the time of the deadly second wave of COVID-19 in the entire country. The wave led to India struggling to meet the appropriate demands of oxygen to infected patients. Hence, the Union government took a decision to import the equipment which will help to provide oxygen to patients in the time of crisis.
Talking about the vaccination, COVID-19 vaccines are also going to be exempted from basic customs duty, according to the April notification. PM Narendra Modi had directed the Revenue Department to make sure the smooth and quick customs clearance of these items.
