Cos' body for higher duty on copper used in solar module

Mumbai: A domestic copper producers' association has written to the government seeking an increase in customs duty on copper products used in solar modules while retaining the existing duty on certain other products.

The Indian Primary Copper Producers Association (IPCPA), in its pre-budget representation letter last week, requested retaining the 5% basic customs duty on refined copper and semis products, and a 7.5% duty on copper pipes and tubes without any exemption or concession for countries under free trade agreements. ET has reviewed a copy of the letter.

The industry body is also seeking an increase in the basic customs duty on solar photovoltaic (PV) ribbon and busbars to 10% from 5%. While India has a 30,000-tonne capacity for these products against an annual demand of around 25,000-28,000 tonnes, plants are underutilised because of imports from China, the association said.