EXCISE DUTY

• No change in general CENVAT rates. 
• Basic exemption limit for SSI raised from 1 Crore to 1.5 Crore.
• Water purification devices, Bio-diesel, Water Carrying pipes with diameter exceeding 200 mm to be fully exempted from duty.

Rates Increased : 

•   Duty on cement costing more than Rs. 190/- per bag increased from Rs. 400 per metric tonne to Rs. 600 per metric tonne.
•  Additional duty raised by 5% on cigarette. 

Rates Reduced : 

• Petrol and Diesel - Existing Rate 8%, New Rate 6%. 
•  Footwear and Umbrella - Existing Rate 16%, New Rate 8%.
• Plywood - Existing Rate 16%, New Rate 8%. 
• Pan Masala not containing Tobacco - Existing Rate 66%, New Rate 45%. 
• Cement costing less than Rs. 190/- per bag - Existing Rate 400 per mt, New Rate 350 per mt.