The government on Monday waived Integrated GST (IGST) till June 30 on import of COVID-relief material received as a donation, a move that will speed up customs clearances for such imports, including those by charitable organisations.

The Finance Ministry in a statement said the government had received several representations from charitable organisations, corporate entities, and other associations 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.
“Accordingly, the Central Government has…granted exemption from IGST on import of such goods received free of cost for free distribution for covid relief,” it said, adding the exemption would be applicable till June 30.

This exemption will also cover goods already imported, but lying uncleared at the Customs ports.

Following this decision, Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, Revenue Secretary Tarun Bajaj and CBIC Chairman Ajit Kumar interacted with Chief Secretaries of States/UTs and briefed them on the exemption from Customs duty and IGST on specified COVID relief material.