GST exemption on import of Covid-related equipment extended till August 31

The GST Council has decided to extend the GST exemption on import of Covid-related equipment till August 31.

In a move that is likely to help increase availability of critical equipment required in the treatment of Covid-19, the GST Council on Friday extended the GST exemption on import of Covid-related equipment received as relief till August 31. The Council has also included Amphotericin-B, which is used in treatment of black fungus or mucormycosis, in the list of items exempted from GST. The GST Council has however left taxes on Covid-19 vaccines and medical supplies unchanged. Earlier this month, Nirmala Sitharaman ruled out exempting Covid vaccines, medicines and oxygen concentrators from GST, saying such an exemption will make the lifesaving items costlier for consumers as manufacturers will not be able to offset the taxes paid on inputs.