Budget 2026:Soaps, detergents, umbrellas likely to turn expensive; customs processes to be simplified

Union Budget 2026 proposes changes in customs duties, impacting soaps, detergents, and umbrellas while simplifying customs processes for businesses.

The Union Budget has removed Basic Customs Duty on quite a range of products but also raised the duty on some. It also envisions simplification of the Customs procedures, moving into “Trust based systems” for ease of doing business.

Also read | Union Budget 2026 LIVE

The basic customs duty on potassium hydroxide will go up to 7.5 % from nil, increasing input costs for industries such as chemicals, soaps, detergents, and batteries unless there is adequate domestic availability. The duty on umbrellas (other than garden umbrellas) has been revised from a flat 20% to 20% or ₹60 per piece, whichever is higher, in a move to curb low-priced imports.

Duties on umbrella parts, trimmings, and accessories will go up to 20% from 11%, or ₹25 per kg, whichever is higher, raising the cost for domestic assemblers using imported inputs.

All dutiable goods imported for personal use will see a reduction of duty from 20 % to 10%.