Galvanized steel exports from Kolkata port hit

Sudden customs duty impositaion brings exports down

Export of galvanized steel from Kolkata port has been hit by a sudden move of the customs authorities in Kolkata to impose 20% export duty on the commodity.

“From last week the custom authorities have suddenly started imposing 20% export duty on galvanized steel, which has severely impacted the export of steel from Kolkata. Except, Kolkata, no other port has been imposing such duty on steel,” said a spokesperson of Engineering Export Promotion Council.

Several export consignments were stranded in the port area due to the confusion surrounding sudden imposition of the duty, said the EEPC official.

According to the second schedule of the customs tariff,  , all  products  under  HS  Code  7210  (Flat  rolled  products  of  iron or  non-alloy  steel,  plated  or  coated  with  Zinc)  are subject to 20% export duty. However, so long no such duty was being imposed, and Kolkata port was the only port to impose such duty, said EEPC spokesperson.

 

Exporters have requested EEPC to take up the matter with the  customs authorities and include flat  rolled  products  of  iron or  non-alloy  steel,  plated  or  coated  with  Zinc, in the exemption category.

Customs authorities could not be reached for comments.