A)     Basic Customs Duty

This duty is leviable on the assessable value.  The basic customs duty rates are 0%, 15%, 25%, 30 % or
35%. The duty rates are dependant upon the tariff classification of the items of import. The applicable duty 

rate would be arrived at after taking into account the relevant notification applicable to the chapter under

which the item has been classified. 

B)     Additional Duty or Counterveilng Duty

This duty is leviable on the assessable value + basic customs duty. The duty rate is equivalent to the Central Excise Duty leviable on the similar item manufactured in India.  The duty rate is therefore  ascertained  from  the  Central Excise  Tariff.  Generally  the  CVD  rate  is 16%. However,  the  applicable  duty  rate  would be arrived at after considering the notification applicable to the relevant chapter under which the item has been classified.

In certain cases (mostly consumer goods) the CVD is chargeable on Minimum Retail Price (MRP).  In such cases the importer  has to declare the MRP of the item and the CVD is then chargeable on MRP and not on assessable value plus  basic customs duty.

C)    Special Additional Duty

This is a duty chargeable in lieu of sales tax and the general rate is 4 %. Specific exemption notifications  may  also  be  applicable. The special additional duty is leviable on assessable value + basic customs duty + CVD.  

D)    Other Duties

Besides the above three main duties, there are at times other duties applicable to the item of import.  Such other duties are Safe-Guard Duty, Antidumping Duty, Special Excise Duty under the Second Schedule, Additional Duties on Textiles, Excise Duties – Cesses Leviable under Miscellaneous Acts, Additional Duty under Additional Duties of Excise (Goods of Special
Importance) Act, 1957, National Calamity Contingent Duty etc.  Such duties if applicable will also have to be taken into account.

E)    Duty Calculation

The Gross Duty calculation for some of the general duty rates is as follows :-