SURVEY: 52% WANTS RISE IN CUSTOMS DUTY

In a survey on Local Circles, nearly 52 per cent of the respondents support an increase in customs duty for non-essential goods.

The survey, which was conducted in view of the upcoming Union Budget, assumes that the government will impose restrictions on imports of non-essential goods.

Out of close to 22,000 citizens who participated in the survey,

26 per cent said these customs duty plus IGST rates on nonessential goods should be maintained while 21 per cent said it should be increased by

25 per cent. Another 19 per cent of the respondents said the rates should be increased by 50 per cent and 12 per cent said these rates should be doubled. However, 18 per cent of the respondents said that the customs duty plus IGST rates should be reduced.

According to the Local Circles, non-essential imports from China amount close to `4 trillion a year, creating a huge trade deficit. These imports have continuously been rising over the years giving tough and unfair competition to Indian businesses.

The centre may be gearing up to place restrictions on the import of non-essential goods, a move primarily aimed at curbing imports of non-essential items such as toys, plastic goods, sports items and furniture, especially from China.

When asked their view on the proposal to place restrictions on duty-free purchase of sin goods like alcohol and cigarettes. 36 per cent said the existing limits of 2 litres alcohol and 100 cigarette sticks should be continued while 29 per cent of respondents feel the duty-free limit should be halved