The government has given a big relief, now customs duty will not be imposed on the import of medicines for rare diseases.

New Delhi. The Center has given full exemption from basic customs duty on all drugs imported for the treatment of rare diseases as well as food items for special medical purposes. Official sources said this would help in easy availability of medicines for treatment of critical and rare diseases.

The government has also exempted pembrolizumab (Keytruda), used in the treatment of various forms of cancer, from basic customs duty. Drugs generally attract 10 per cent customs duty, while certain categories of life-saving drugs and vaccines attract 5 per cent duty.

To avail this exemption, the individual importer has to submit a certificate from the Central or State Director of Health Services or the District Medical Officer or the Civil Surgeon of the district.

While exemptions have already been granted to drugs specified for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy or Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the government has received several applications seeking customs relief for drugs and medicines used in the treatment of other rare diseases. are being received.