Central Government waives basic customs duty and health cess on import of Medical Oxygen and related medical equipments - (24 Apr 2021)

Customs

Centre has decided to grant full exemption from Basic Customs Duty and health cess on import of Medical Oxygen and other medical equipments related to medical use of Oxygen including Oxygen concentrator, Cannister, Filling Systems, Storage tanks, Pressure Swing Absorption and Vacuum Pressure Swing Absorption Plants, Cryogenic Oxygen Air Separation Units, Cryogenic Road transport tanks for Oxygen, Ventilators and any other device from which Oxygen can be generated in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 25 of the Customs Act, 1962 read with Section 141 of Finance Act, 2020. The Government also decided to exempt Covid vaccines from basic import duty for the next three months. The Notification No. 28/2021–Custom shall remain in force upto and inclusive of the 31st July, 2021.

The decisions were taken at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister to review the steps taken to boost oxygen availability in the country. The PM emphasized that there was an immediate need to augment the supply of medical grade oxygen as well as equipment required for patient care both at home and in hospitals.

Further, to ensure uninterrupted supply of medical oxygen, for management of COVID patients, Central Government decides to restrict use of medical oxygen only for medical purposes. The decision is in wake of acute shortage of oxygen. Central Government has exercised its powers under Section 10(2)(l) read with 65 of the National Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Tags : CUSTOM DUTY WAIVER OXYGEN