New electric vehicle scheme links lower import duty with FDI

EVs attract a BCD of 100 per cent for those priced above $40,000 per unit and 70 per cent BCD for those priced at $40,000 or less

The government has notified the scheme to promote manufacturing of electrically operated passenger vehicles (EVs) in India and issued two notifications 19/2024-Customs and 20/2024-Customs both dated March 15, 2024, exempting the social welfare surcharge and reducing the basic customs duty (BCD) to 15 per cent on imports of EVs falling under the heading 8703 of the Customs Tariff subject to certain conditions. The government hopes the scheme will attract foreign direct investment in the manufacture of EVs.
 

EVs attract a BCD of 100 per cent for those priced above $40,000 per unit and 70 per cent BCD for those priced