New Delhi: The government on Friday exempted from customs duty imports of inflammatory diagnostic kits till October 31, a move aimed at increasing Covid-19 testing "Customs duty on imports of inflammatory diagnostic (marker) kits, namely-IL6, D-Dimer, CRP, LDH, Ferritin, Pro Calcitonin (PCT) and blood gas reagents , has been exempted till October 31, 2021, to supplement testing efforts ," the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) tweeted.India reported 3,86,452 new cases of Covid-19 infections and 3,498 deaths on Friday.Last week, the government had exempted duty on Covid-19 vaccines, medical grade oxygen and related equipment as the nation battled its worst health crisis with a "tsunami" of infections setting a new world record for cases.It also directed customs officers to clear all import consignments, including life-saving drugs and oxygen equipment, used in Covid-19 treatment on the highest priority.A 10 percent customs duty and 5 percent health cess were applicable on these items so far.

Source: Economic Times May 01, 2021 06:10 UTC