COVID-19: Rules For Import of Oxygen Cylinders Eased

The second wave of Covid-19 is proving hard to deal with as the authorities are grappling with shortage of beds, oxygen and even vaccine.

Moreover, the multiple mutations of Coronavirus have been making it much stronger weakening the immunity of even the youth. There are reports that a majority of the deaths were occurring due to shortage of oxygen.

In the face of such a grim situation and the increasing demand for oxygen, the Government of India relaxed the rules for transportation of oxygen concentrators from any part of the world.

Generally, oxygen concentrators received as gifts or ordered online from overseas would attract Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) but the finance ministry slashed the GST payable from 28% to 12%, even if imported for personal use. There will be no customs duty too on import of oxygen concentrators.

Last week, the government had notified changes to the foreign trade policy easing import of oxygen concentrators for personal use through e-commerce portals, post and courier. These changes will be under implementation till June 30, 2021.

Oxygen concentrators will get customs clearance by treating them on par with gifts, the government said. Till now, such an exemption was allowed only for life saving drugs and rakhis.

Relaxation of this rule will allow family or friends of patients living in other countries to send oxygen concentrators to the patients without much hassle.

Hope this relaxation in rules will save an more patients suffering from Covid-19.