Chana (Chickpeas) and Masoor (Lentils) Customs Duty Hiked to 30% from Nil

· Tur Dal Continues at 10%; Yellow Peas 50%

· Other Pulses Nil Duty

There has been a record production of pulses in the current year. However, despite sufficient domestic availability, import of pulses continue to take place on account of low prevailing international prices. Such imports suppress the domestic prices of pulses and adversely affect the interest of farmers.

2. At present, tur attract 10% import duty. Further, Government has recently imposed 50% import duty on yellow peas. Other pulses, however, attract Nil import duty.

3. Production of Chana (Chickpeas) and Masoor (Lentils) are expected to be high during the forthcoming Rabi season, and cheap imports, if allowed unabated, are likely to adversely affect the interest of the farmers. Taking these factors into consideration and to protect the interest of the farmers, Government has decided to impose 30% import duty on Chana (Chickpeas) and Masoor (Lentils), with immediate effect.

4. Notification number 93/2017-Customs dated 21.12.2017 has been issued in this regard.

[Ref: Notification No. 93 /2017-Customs dated 21 December 2017]

In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 25 of the Customs Act,1962 (52 of 1962) and sub-section (12) of section 3 of Customs Tariff Act, 1975 (51 of 1975), the Central Government being satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest so to do, hereby makes the following further amendments in the notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue), No. 50/2017- Customs, dated the 30th June, 2017, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (i), vide number G.S.R. 785(E), dated the 30th June, 2017, namely:-

In the said notification, in the Table, at serial number 20, for the entry in column (3) “Pulses [other than Tur, Chickpeas or Masoor (Lentils)]” shall be substituted.

[F.No.354/368/2017 TRU]