(a) the rates of duty applicable on import of life saving drugs and equipments which are required in manufacturing the same, item-wise during each of the last three years and the current year;
(b) whether any proposal for changes in the rate of such duty is received by the Government; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and response of the Government thereon?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI JAYANT SINHA)
(a): At present, life saving drugs specified in the List 3 annexed to the notification No.12/2012- Customs dated 17th March, 2012 (Sl. No. 148) of Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue published vide G.S.R.185 (E), dated the 17th March, 2012, are exempt from basic customs duty. Further, certain other drugs (including life saving drugs), specified in List 3 annexed to the Sl. No. 147 of notification No 12/2012- Customs dated 17th March, 2012, attract concessional basic customs duty of 5%. The equipments required in manufacturing the life saving drugs falling under Chapter 84 of the First Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 attract basic customs duty of 7.5%. These duty rates have remained same during the last three years
(b): Representations seeking exemption from customs and excise duties on life saving drugs / equipment etc. are received throughout the year in Department of Revenue. They are forwarded to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for examination and recommendations, if any. At present, no proposal / recommendation for changes in the rate of such duty has been received from Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
(c): Does not apply in view of the reply to part (b) above.