Budget 2020: FM proposes hike in Customs duties, outlines road map for more

Govt to trim exemptions by Sept, review customs law and procedures in line with ease of doing business

Addressing multiple objectives for supporting domestic industry, curbing non-essential imports, and raising revenue, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Budget on Saturday announced Customs duty hike on a range of items, including toys, furniture, electronic goods, and footwear.

Besides, health cess was introduced on medical equipment to create the infrastructure for health services.

It also proposed changes in Customs law to empower the government to prohibit imports of goods that harm the economy. Earlier this prohibition was limited to imports of gold and silver.

“Our policy of Make in India has started giving dividends. India is now making world-class goods and exporting such