Import duty on various medical devices and gear, including ventilators, protective masks and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), may be abolished by the government. Recommendations are being made from ministries to also remove the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) on these items. A final decision regarding this will be taken by the GST Council.
Officials said that a proposal to do away with customs duty and IGST on around 15 product categories is being considered by the revenue department. The commerce department also has some raw materials used for making masks and parts of garments on its wish list, apart from the devices and other products.
The domestic production of these items seems to be insufficient as the number of patients has gone up in hospitals. A spike in prices can also be seen in the key products that are needed, as some manufacturers take advantage of the spike in demand. The elimination of customs duty will help keep the price for these essential items under check, argues the commerce department.
The list of items that are required to battle against this deadly virus may be expanded as the health ministry and the department of pharmaceuticals have recommended.
