Amid concerns over new variants of Covid- 19, the government has announced an exemption from customs duty to Covid-19 vaccines, which will be available till March 31, 2023.

In a notification, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs said the exemption would come into force from Saturday (January 14) and will remain up to and inclusive of March 31, 2023, adding that the Central government is satisfied 'it is necessary in the public interest so to do'.

The import of vaccines would otherwise attract basic customs duty of 10%. The exemption to Covid-19 vaccines was earlier until June 2022.