India exempts basic customs duty on key Ventilators, COVID19 test kits & PPEs

NewDelhi : Keeping in view the Coronavirus pandemic, the government of India has decided to exempt basic Customs Duty and Health Cess on key equipments used in the testing and treatment of the virus. The equipments include Ventilators, Face masks, surgical Masks, Personal protection equipment (PPE),Covid-19 test kits. This basic customs duty exemption shall be available upto the 30th September, 2020.

“In the context of Covid-19 situation, considering the immediate requirement of ventilators and other items, the Central Government has granted exemption from Basic Customs Duty and Health cess, on the import of the following goods, with immediate effect-Ventilators, Face masks, surgical Masks, Personal protection equipment (PPE),Covid-19 test kits, inputs for manufacture of the above items” said a government statement.

While the number of COVID19 cases is rising day by day, India is facing shortage of key equipments like ventilators, Covid-19 test kits. Doctors, Nurses and other medical staffs are also complaining about inadequate supply of Personal Protection Equipments (PPEs). India has already placed orders for these equipments to several countries including China, South Korea and Turkey.