Desi Chana in Tariff Item 0713 20 00 Customs Duty Hiked to 60% from 40%, Kabuli Chana Continues at 40%

[Notification No. 28 /2018 – Customs dated 01 March 2018]

Seeks to increase BCD tariff rate on Chickpeas, [Tariff item 0713 20 0] from 40% to 60% by invoking section 8A (1) (Emergency Powers to amend the Schedule Rate, available only to Parliament, by executive order) of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975. The Schedule Rate or Chickpeas raised to 60% but Kabuli Chana continued at 40% by notification 29/01.03.2018. Thus the Desi Chana (Kala Chana) segment and the dal made therefrom used as source material for besan is now at 60% duty under Schedule rate.

We have a very complicated system of duties now on pulses with the rates varying from Nil, 10%, 30%, 40%, 50% and 60% depending upon the pulse. Import from LDCs is fully exempt subject to origin certification. The coding and description system is also confusing and lack detail causing harassment to trade and avoidable administrative burden at customs clearance stages. – (Editor)

Whereas the Central Government on being satisfied that the import duty leviable on goods falling under heading 0713 20 00 of the First Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 (51 of 1975), should be increased and that circumstances exist which render it necessary to take immediate action.

Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 8A of the said Customs Tariff Act, the Central Government, hereby directs that the First Schedule to the said Customs Tariff Act, shall be amended in the following manner, namely:-

In the First Schedule to the said Customs Tariff Act, in Section II, in Chapter 7, against tariff items 0713 20 00, for the entry in column (4), the entry "60%" shall be substituted.

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