IMPOSITION OF HEALTH CESS ON IMPORT OF CERTAIN ITEMS

Clause (139] of the Finance Bill, 2020 read with Fourth Schedule to the said Bill provides for levy of 'Health Cess'. Health Cess is proposed to be imposed on the import of Medical devices falling under headings 9018 to 9022, at the rate of 5% ad valorem on the import value of such goods as determined under Section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962. This Health Cess shall be a duty of Customs. Any Export Promotion scrips shall not be used for payment of said Cess. Health Cess shall not be imposed on medical devices which are exempt from BCD. Further, inputs/parts used in the manufacture of medical devices will also be exempt from Health Cess. The proceeds of Health Cess shall be used by the Union for funding of health infrastructure in the Country.