IGST relief for imported COVID donation

The government has decided to waive off Integrated GST (IGST) till June 30 on the import of COVID-relief material received as a donation. The Finance Ministry stated that of late, the government has received several representations from organisations & corporations outside India seeking exemption from IGST on the import of COVID-19 relief material donated/received free of cost from outside India for free distribution. This move will expedite  customs clearances for such imports.

“Accordingly, the Central Government has…granted exemption from IGST on import of such goods received free of cost for free distribution for covid relief,” the ministry said. Consequently, the CBIC said that state governments were also requested to set up Help Desks to facilitate donors and relief agencies and give wide publicity to the same. “Close coordination between States and Customs was emphasised to ensure that supplies reach the end-users without delay,” CBIC tweeted .