Govt now allows BCCI duty free import for WC

New Delhi, Feb 10 (PTI) The Government has allowed zeroduty import of sports and broadcasting equipment by BCCI forthe World Cup cricket tournament starting February 19.

Last month the government had de-recognised BCCI as a anational sports federation and had decided to take away thecustoms duty benefits it enjoyed.

"The Central Government hereby exempts the (specified)goods...when imported into India for the purpose of organisingthe ICC World Cup 2011, from the whole of the dutyof customs leviable...," a Finance Ministry notification said.

The concessions come within three weeks after the Centrehad withdrawn customs duty exemption on import of goods by theBCCI or bodies certified by it, following non-compliance ofmandatory requirements.

The decision on January 17, took away the exemptionsfollowing the Sports Ministry de-recognising BCCI as anational sports federation or the apex body for cricket inIndia.

As per the latest notification dated February 9, dutyrelaxation has been given on sport equipment; medicalinstruments; photographic and audio-visual equipment;broadcast equipment and supplies; and computer and otheroffice equipment.

The duty waiver would be on goods imported by the Boardof Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or by any importerauthorised by BCCI in relation to World Cup, 2011.

The importers of equipment for World Cup, however willhave to furnish a bond for the value of the imported goodssupported by a bank guarantee to the extent of 25 per cent.

Besides, the imported goods would have to be re-exportedwithin three-months from the date of official closure of theWorld Cup.

The imports and the subsequent re-export would beallowed from the sea ports at Mumbai or Chennai, InlandContainer Depot at Tuglakabad. The imports would also beallowed from airports at Mumbai, Chennai or Delhi.

India along with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka isorganising the ICC World Cup Cricket 2011 which is beingco-hosted by BCCI.