COVID-19 surge: Customs duty, GST proving to be a hurdle for Bengaluru organisations receiving aid from abroad

People and NGOs purchasing supplies from abroad are also mired in red tape

Shilpa Govardhan, a doctor of Indian origin in the United States helped raise $2,500, which was used to purchase 150 pulse oximeters and 150 thermometers to be donated to organisations in Bengaluru. The shipment via courier arrived in the city on May 7, but it has been stuck with Customs since. In Bengaluru, volunteer Ravindra Vijay, who is coordinating with officials here to receive the care package, said the consignment would be released only if Customs duty amounting to ₹1.2 lakh was paid. “The pulse oximeters and thermometers are not for any commercial purpose; it is for COVID-19 management and meant for patients belonging to lower socio-economic groups,” he stated. On April 24, 2021, the Ministry of Revenue, Government of India, exempted Customs duty on medical equipment related to oxygen generation, such as oxygen concentrator (including flow meter, regulators, connectors, tubings), oxygen generators, etc. This exemption will be in force till July 31, 2021. However, it does not include supplies like thermometers that Dr. Govardhan had sent. etc.