SRINAGAR: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday announced duty relief on medicines used in the treatment of cancer and other critical illnesses in the Union Budget 2026, aimed at reducing treatment costs for patients.
Presenting the Budget in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman said 17 drugs and medicines used in cancer treatment will be fully exempted from basic customs duty (BCD). She also announced a reduction in customs duty on dutiable goods imported for personal use from 20 per cent to 10 per cent.
The Finance Minister further said the government will add seven more rare diseases to the list eligible for import duty exemption on medicines, drugs and food for special medical purposes used in their treatment when imported for personal use.
In addition, Sitharaman announced the exemption of basic customs duty on specified parts used in the manufacture of microwave ovens. She also announced a one-time measure to facilitate sales by eligible manufacturing units in special economic zones to the domestic tariff area at concessional rates of duty.
The measures will take effect as notified by the government.
