Custom duty

Customs duty is a variant of Indirect Tax and is applicable on all goods imported and a few goods exported out of the country. Duties levied on import of goods are termed as import duty while duties levied on exported goods are termed as export duty. Countries around the world levy custom duties on import/export of goods as a means to raise revenue and/or shield domestic institutions from predatory or efficient competitors from other countries.

Customs duty is levied as per the value of goods or dimensions, weight and other such criteria according to the goods in question. If duties are based on the value of goods, then they are called as ad valorem duties, while quantity/weight based duties are called specific duties. Compound duties on goods are a combination of value as well as various other factors.

Custom duty in India is defined under the Customs Act, 1962 and enables the government to levy duty on exports and imports, prohibit export and import of goods, procedures for importing/exporting and offences, penalties etc. All matters related to custom duty fall under the Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC). The CBEC, in turn, is a division of the Department of Revenue of the Ministry of Finance. CBEC formulates policies that concern collection or levying of custom duties, custom duty evasion, smuggling prevention and administrative decisions related to customs formations.

CBEC has various divisions that take care of the field work including Commissionerate of Customs, Customs, Customs (preventive and Central Excise Zones, Central Revenues Control Laboratory and Directorates etc. CBEC also oversees proper tax administration for foreign and inland travel.