Customs duty exemption for sports goods imported for training

The Finance Ministry has, vide a notificated dated January 19, 2010, extended the customs duty exemption available on import of sports goods and requisites for training purposes also.

Earlier, this exemption was limited to import for holding of sports competitions, an official press release said.

The notification has also enlarged the list of items that can be imported without customs duty. Synthetic playing surfaces, fitness equipments, sports medicine, sports apparel and anti-doping testing related equipments have been added to the list.

While earlier only the Sports Authority of India was allowed to import these items, now the Sports Authorities of the States have also been included.

Further, national sports federations have also been abllowed to import such items on behalf of their state/district affiliate associations also. Earlier, national sports federations could make such imports for their own use, the release added.

NNN