Government imposed 40 percent duty on onion export, new rates implemented

To control onion prices, the central government has imposed 40 percent duty on export. The government has decided to give exemption from duty on import of indigenous gram till March 31, 2025. Along with this, duty exemption on import of yellow peas has also been increased through ‘Bill of Entry’ issued on or before October 31, 2024.

The Finance Ministry has said in a notification that all these changes will be effective from May 4. At present there is a ban on export of onion. However, the central government has been allowing export of onions to its friendly countries. Recently, export of a certain quantity of onion was allowed to six countries including UAE and Bangladesh.

In August last year, the central government had imposed 40 percent export duty on onion exports till December 31, 2023. However, to control the prices of onion in the domestic market, the government had imposed a ban on its export, which is still in effect. It is noteworthy that ‘Bill of Entry’ is a legal document which is filed by importers or customs clearance agents on or before the arrival of imported goods.