BackGovernment raises import duty on some items, including smartphone, TV
Imported smartphones will cost more with customs duty on them being increased to 15% from nil now
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New Delhi: The government on Friday hiked import duty on smartphones, television sets, microwave, LED lamps and some other electronic items in a bid to protect domestic manufacturers.
Imported smartphones will cost more with customs duty on them being increased to 15% from nil now, the finance ministry said in a notification. The move will impact telecom companies that were sourcing cheap smartphones to offer bundled services to customers in a bid to capture market.
Customs duty on television sets has been doubled to 20%. LED lamps would now be charged with a 20% import duty, the notification issued on Friday night said. The tax on import of microwave ovens too has been doubled to 20%, the notification said.
Customs duty on video recording equipment as well as TV cameras has been increased to 15% from current 10%. Import duty on set top boxes has been doubled to 20%. Also, customs duty on lamps and lighting fittings including searchlights and chandeliers has been doubled to 20% while the same on electricity meters has been increased from 10% to 15%, the notification said.
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