NEW DELHI, Dec 21:Union Minister Anant Geete said Friday the Department of Heavy Industries has proposed slashing of customs duty on parts of electric vehicles (EVs) to the finance ministry, which has to take a call on it.
“We have requested (reduction of import tariff) to the finance ministry. The finance ministry has to decide on it,” Geete said at the launch of e-rickshaw, e-scooter and e-cycle manufactured by Nibe Motors here.
The e-scooter and e-cycle made by the Nashik-based start-up Nibe Motors have been certified by the Automotive Research Association of India, which comes under the administrative control of the Union heavy industries ministry.
Senior officials in the heavy industries ministry earlier said it has proposed reducing customs duty on EV parts, which are currently not exempt from import tariff to the Department of Revenue.
To boost production of EVs in the country, the ministry has also suggested defining semi-knocked-down and completely-knocked-down kits used for assembling such vehicles for streamlining of customs duty.
Currently, key components for EVs, including battery, controller, charger, converter, energy monitor, electric compressor and motor attract zero customs duty. On the other hand, parts including metals and plastics attract 28 per cent basic customs duty. (PTI)
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