Black Fungus Med 'Amphotericin B' Included In GST Exemptions List, Exemption To COVID Relief Items Extended Till August 31

In an important development, the Government of India has decided that the import of COVID-related relief items, even if purchased or meant for donating to Govt. or to any relief agency upon recommendation of State authority, will be Exempted from IGST till 31 Aug 2021.

Amidst the rise in the number of black fungus cases among the patients who have recovered from COVID-19, Amphotericin B (which is required for treating Mucormycosis fungal infection) has also been included in the list of items exempted from IGST.

#Breaking#AmphotericinB (required for treating #Mucormycosis fungal infection) has been included in list of items EXEMPTED from IGST, in view of rising cases of the infection: @FinMinIndia @nsitharamanoffc https://t.co/FawjsZxMLu

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) May 28, 2021

Earlier today, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways (I/C) & Chemicals & Fertilizers Mansukh Mandaviya had tweeted that the Government was putting in a lot of efforts to meet Amphotericin B requirement in the country. 

50,000 vials of #AmphotericinB arrives at Mumbai Airport.

We are putting in a lot of efforts to meet its requirement in the country.

I am thankful to @GileadSciences and @MylanNews for their outstanding support in India's fight against COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/I0QjP0qHTL

— Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) May 28, 2021

Further, a Group of Ministers would be formed by tomorrow, who will submit report by 8 June 2021, examining the need for further reductions & decide on any new rates in exemptions, announced the Finance Minister.

These decisions have been taken during the 43rd GST Council meeting which was held after a gap of 8 months. The Adhoc exemptions given for COVID-related equipment have been extended till August 31, 2021.

Presently, while the Oxygen regulators attract an IGST of 5%, the cylinders and the rakes for carrying the regulators are liable to 18% IGST.

This decision of the Government came after the Delhi High Court, yesterday, asked the Centre to place the facts of a case, before the GST Council, wherein the lack of GST exemption on imports of COVID-19 relief materials by corporate entities purchased for donations to States was challenged.B