No more LED TVs through free baggage
YESTERDAY, it was widely reported in the Press that the government has banned duty- free import of flat screen television by air travellers in a bid to prop up rupee, which declined below the 63 level against USD (which as per Goldman Sachs would touch 65). This ban, it is said, is to come into force from August, 26, 2013.
In the Rajya Sabha yesterday, a copy of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue) Notification No. 84/2013-Customs (N.T.), dated the 19th August, 2013, seeking to further amend Notification No. 30/98-Customs (N.T.), dated the 2nd June, 1998, so as to disallow import of “Flat Panel (LCD/LED/Plasma) Television” as part of free baggage allowance, along with Explanatory Memorandum, under Section 79 of the Customs Act, 1962 (52 of 1962), was laid on the Table of the House.
In the days to come, we would get to read televisions being smuggled into the country. Fortunately, they cannot be hidden in undergarments or body parts! So, they are right royally brought in without paying proper duty even by Customs officers.
But, where is the notification ? - CBEC is yet to make it public.