Government exempts customs duty, cess on PPE, ventilators and COVID-19 testing kits.

The central government on April 9 granted exemption from basic customs duty (BCD) and health cess on the import of goods like face and surgical masks, ventilators, testing kits and personal protective equipments (PPE) BCD and health cess with immediate effect to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak.

The exemption will be available up to September 30, 2020, the Ministry of Finance said in a statement.

"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 these goods," the statement noted.