Question : IMPOSITION OF CUSTOMS DUTY ON STEEL



(a) the rates of duty on import of steel prevailing in the country during the last three years;

(b) whether any change is being considered in the near future; and

(c) if so, the details thereof alongwith reasons therefor?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE(SHRI S.S. PALANIMANICKAM)

(a): The rates of basic customs duty applicable to different categories of steel items during the last three financial years are indicated below:


S.No. Categories of steel Rate of customs duty items 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

1. Steel items i.e. ferro-alloys,flat 5% 5% 5% rolled products (hot rolled & cold rolled),bars,rods,angles,shapes and sections of stainless steel/other alloy steel,and wire of other alloy steel.

2. Tubes & pipes 10% 10% 10%

3. Seconds and defectives of iron and 10% 10% 10% steel

4. Melting scrap of iron and steel 5% Nil Nil

5. Melting scrap of Stainless steel 5% 5% 5%

During the year 2008-09, the basic duty on S.No. 1 was reduced to `Nil’ in April to contain inflationary pressures, but was restored to 5% in November.

(b): At present there is no such proposal under consideration.

(c): Does not arise in view of reply to (b) above.