INDIA BUSINESS WORLD - FEBRUARY 16^th - FEBRUARY 29^th - 2008

AIDS DRUG EXEMPT FROM EXCISE DUTY

The anti AIDS drug Atazanavir as well as bulk drugs for its manufactures have been totally exempted from excise duty in the General Budget 2008-09 proposals. Excise duty on water purification devices, veneers and flush door, sterile dressing pads, specifying package material and breakfast cereals has been reduced from 16 to 8 per cent. The duty on filter as well as non-filter cigarettes has been enhanced.

To encourage cold chain facility, refrigeration equipment above 2 tonne refrigeration (TR) utilizing power of 50 KW and above on end use basis has been totally exempted from excise duty.