1) The excise duty structure on mobile handsets has been restructured so as to provide that all mobile handsets will attract 1% excise duty if CENVAT benefit is not availed of. The duty will be 6% if CENVAT benefit is availed of. Consequently, all imported mobile handsets shall attract 6% CVD [Sl.No.263A of the Table of notification No.12/2012-Cental Excise, dated 17.03.2012 as amended by notification No.4/2014- Central Excise, dated 17.02.2014 refers].
2) The general excise duty on all machinery & equipment, appliances etc and parts thereof falling under Chapters 84 and 85 of the Central Excise Tariff has been reduced from 12% to 10%. The existing duty concessions, whether by way of tariff entry or notifications, will continue to be available as before [Sl.No.345 and 346 of the Table of notification No.12/2012-Cental Excise, dated 17.03.2012 as amended by notification No.4/2014- Central Excise, dated 17.02.2014 refers].
It may be noted that the duty rates notified against Sl.Nos.345 and 346 for the above goods are valid up to 30-06-2014 only. After this date, the rates applicable would be the rates as mentioned elsewhere in the Table of the notification or in the Tariff against the respective items.
3) The excise duty on small cars, motor cycles, scooters, commercial vehicles and trailers has been reduced from 12% to 8% and on SUVs from 30% to 24%. The excise duties on large and mid segment cars have been reduced from 27% and 24% to 24% and 20% respectively. In line with the duty reduction on commercial vehicles, the excise duty on chassis has been reduced appropriately. Duty has also been reduced on hybrid motor vehicles, hydrogen vehicles, etc. The existing duty concessions (e.g. on tractors) by way of notification will continue to be available as before [Sl.No.347 to 369 of the Table of
The reliefs granted are good; it is unethical. A Finance Minister who all along been making provisions populist politics now wokes up to calls of economy. This act lacks honesty. The economy was suffering down slide for last many years. He made up the gaps with the proceeds of temporary nature and claims control of deficit. Should an outgoing government bind a incoming governments; I leave it to the wisdom of our Parliamentarians.