Duty-free
Govt extends duty-free imports of urad till March 2026 to stabilise prices
India has extended duty-free imports of Urad for another year until March 31, 2026, according to a government notification. The provision was earlier in place until the end of March this year. Myanmar is the main exporting country of Urad to India. "The free import policy of Urad stands extended up to March 31, 2026," the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has said in a notification. The move would help in stabilising prices of the commodity in the domestic markets. The imports stood at USD 601.12 million during April-November this fiscal. Out of this value, USD 549 million worth of the grain was imported from Myanmar. The imports stood at USD 663.21 million in 2023-24 (USD 646.6 million from Myanmar). Besides Myanmar, India imports Urad from Singapore, Thailand, and Brazil. The bilateral trade between India and Myanmar was USD 1.74 billion in the last fiscal. It was USD 1.76 billion in 2022-23. The trade gap is in favour of Myanmar. The major Urad producing states are
 "Govt extends duty-free imports of urad till March 2026 to stabilise prices")
Singapore airport retailer to run duty-free outlet at Noida airport
The airport announced that the international duty-free outlet, to be operated by Heinemann, will feature a selection of premium liquors, tobacco, confectionery, perfumes, cosmetics, and chocolates
 "Singapore airport retailer to run duty-free outlet at Noida airport")
Singapore airport retailer to run duty-free stores at Noida airport
Heinemann will run duty-free stores at Noida International Airport, while BWC Forwarders will manage domestic retail and international duty-paid retail
Chatroom: Denial of ITC on inter-state transfer of duty-free goods unfair
'The testing requirement will apply for exports to all countries, without exception'
 "Chatroom: Denial of ITC on inter-state transfer of duty-free goods unfair")
Japan charges Apple with $98 mn additional tax for abuses of rules
Apple's Japan unit has been charged $98 million in additional taxes by the authorities in Tokyo for overlooking abuses of rules covering duty-free purchases, the media reported
 "Japan charges Apple with $98 mn additional tax for abuses of rules")
Looking at duty-free access for ODOP products in FTAs: Piyush Goyal
The minister also called for integration of One District One Product initiative with ONDC
 "Looking at duty-free access for ODOP products in FTAs: Piyush Goyal")
Govt extends time for duty-free import of diamonds sent for certification
The extended time period would be available to exporters to bring back cut and polished diamonds after due certification and grading by specified laboratories abroad
 "Govt extends time for duty-free import of diamonds sent for certification")
How flights will operate after the lockdown is lifted
The Standard Operating Procedure being formulated by the DGCA will make it mandatory for airlines to keep all middle seats and the last three rows empty to minimise contact
 "How flights will operate after the lockdown is lifted")
Get ready for social distancing when you fly next after lockdown ends
From elimination of middle seat to thermal screening air travel to see new normal
 "Get ready for social distancing when you fly next after lockdown ends")
Airport retail in India to grow to $9.3 bn by 2030 from $1.4 bn: Report
Delhi airport earns close to $10-11 duty-free revenue per passenger, while Mumbai earns a duty-free revenue in the range $9-10 per passenger
 "Airport retail in India to grow to $9.3 bn by 2030 from $1.4 bn: Report")
Limiting liquor sale won't be in the right spirit, say private airports
The commerce ministry has recommended restricting the purchase of tax-free alcohol to one bottle at duty-free shops
 "Limiting liquor sale won't be in the right spirit, say private airports")
Flyers can now buy duty-free goods worth Rs 25,000
Earlier ceiling to purchase goods at duty-free shops was Rs 5,000
 "Flyers can now buy duty-free goods worth Rs 25,000")
