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Dear Readers,Welcome to the latest issue of Microb
Under the 2024-25 budget, the Finance Ministry on 23rd July, 2024 announced a significant rise in the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on laboratory chemicals classified under HSN 98020000 from a mere 10% to an astonishing 150%. As a result of this decision, the cost of essential lab chemicals increased significantly thereby putting more financial constraints on researchers and academic institutions across the country.
On August 1st, 2024, sensing wider implications for the research community, the Ministry rolled back the BCD hike to the original 10% duty with conditions attached. To those researchers who depend on laboratory chemicals in their R&D activities, it was seen as a sigh of relief.
The rolled back BCD of 10% had a condition attached to it, i.e. “Importers must declare that the chemicals procured are for R&D purposes only”. If this condition is violated by an importer then he shall pay full duties at 150%. At first glance this seems like a reasonable compromise but it poses a major problem for many in the research community. This means that only some will benefit from reduced duty through undertaking requirement; for instance, USA’s and European’s biggest brands importing lab chemicals for sale across India cannot make such a declaration because they can’t guarantee intended use solely for research purposes.
Hence these particular products continue to attract custom duties at the rate of 150%, leading to higher product prices. This is evident from a quick look at their websites & prices in force today.
Essentially, Indian scientists and even the wider scientific fraternity do not benefit much from this. Foreign manufacturers are forced to import lab chemicals at the 150% duty level which has resulted in increased prices to compensate for these added costs.
Consequently, it is the researchers who face inflated prices, often up to 2.5 to 4 times what an equivalent Indian product cost. Put simply, the “duty rollback” does not lessen the financial burden of imported chemicals on the research community.
This situation calls for a new strategy in procuring laboratory chemicals. The research community should consider sourcing from India manufacturers, as there are many important benefits that a researcher can enjoy:
The relatively lesser cost of indigenous laboratory chemical products offers a big relief to financially deprived scientific research communities whose funding is often inadequate.
Indian products availability ensures stable supplies and minimizes delays.
Strict quality standards and regulatory compliance by Indian manufacturers ensure global benchmarks are met and hence the scientific research is appropriately benefitted.
Local production leads to quicker deliveries hence continuity in research work remains intact.
Besides benefiting researchers this move has implications for India’s economic growth and industrialization, it promotes local manufacturing thereby generating jobs.
We conclude that the current BCD on laboratory chemicals provides insufficient support to the education & research community. To ensure sustainable R&D in India, the research community should start to prioritize sourcing from within India. Recognizing the substantial advantages of Indian products will lead to cost reduction, ensure quality, and support a self-reliant and innovative scientific environment in India.
Mr. Akash Agarwal Managing Director, Sisco Research Laboratories Pvt Ltd
Ms. Geeteshree Dhotre Assistant Marketing Manager,
Sisco Research Laboratories Pvt Ltd
For nearly 50 years, Sisco Research Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. has been a cornerstone of the scientific research community. Established to set the gold standard in laboratory products, SRL has been a trusted provider of top-quality laboratory chemicals, bioreagents, culture media, biotechnology products and specialized fine chemicals. Their state-of-the-art production facilities and commitment to excellence ensure they meet the highest quality standards across various sectors, offering reliable and cost-effective solutions tailored to support research needs.
