Government of India Banned Duty-Free Import of Flat Screen TVs by Air Travellers

The Union Government of India on 19 August 2013 banned duty-free import of flat screen televisions by people who travel through air. This move came after the Rupees fell below 63 levels against the US Dollar.

The Government issued a notification according to which the import of flat panel (LCD/LED/Plasma) televisions as part of free baggage allowance would be disallowed with effect from 26 August 2013. As of now, air travellers were allowed to bring the flat-panel televisions as part of their baggage. From 26 August 2013 onwards, the travellers will have to pay the customs duty on these TVs.

It is important to note that for containing the Current Account Deficit (CAD) as well as for arresting the rupee depreciation, the Government increased the duty on platinum, silver and gold to 10 percent. The Union Finance Minister, in the meanwhile, also explained that in order to compress the import of non-essential goods, certain other steps would also be taken.

Certain other items which cannot be imported duty free include specified quantity of tobacco and liquor, firearms, specified numbers of cigarettes and cigars, gold or silver as well as cartridges of fire arms.