Upgrade of Indian Air Force jets affected by new customs rule

The Indian Air Force found out that from Apr. 1 this year, parts for the maintenance and upgrade of its aircraft have to pay customs duties. Thus, various imported spare parts and components are now idling at warehouses in the ports as duties have not been paid.

aeroprints.com [CC BY-SA 3.0 or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Previously, defense goods were exempted from customs duties but the recent amendment to the Customs Act only cover defense goods made in the country.

Besides the air force, the two other services are affected by the change as well.