Exemption to digital still image video camera
What is digital still image video camera? Are digital cameras which are capable of both still photography as well as video film shooting eligible for the exemption? This was one of the subjects for deliberation in a conference of Chief Commissioners.
Digital video camera has been described as cameras that capture light images, convert them to digital electronic signals and then record such digital image data on internal or removable media (built-in memory or diskettes). These images can be reproduced by connecting the camera to a video monitor (or TV), an ADP machine, or by inserting the media in the ADP machine. This type of digital cameras can produce both video signals (e.g., NTSC, PAL, SECAM or other similar video format) and computer readable image data like MPEG. This was WCO's descriptions.
Based on the report of the Chief Commissioners, Board clarifies that the exemption would be available to digital cameras with still image recording as its principal function. Of course this would also include digital cameras that can record moving images for a limited period of time. what is the "Limited period of time?" That would be decided after some show-cause notices and may be a couple of conference of Chief Commissioners.
CBEC Circular No.32/2007 dated 10th September, 2007.