FM Nirmala Sitharaman proposes duty-free imports of certain specified inputs for leather exports sector

New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday proposed duty-free imports of certain specified inputs for promoting the country's exports of leather. The Union Budget 2026-27 proposed a sharp rationalisation of the customs duty structure, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing a reduction in the tariff rate on all dutiable goods imported for personal use from to 10% from 20%.

The move will help provide cushion to leather exporters who are reeling under the steep 50 per cent US tariffs.

The country's leather and leather products shipments dipped marginally 0.23 per cent to USD 3.3 billion during April-December 2025-26.


She also exempted parts used to manufacture microwave ovens from basic customs duty.

Sitharaman announced that India will develop 15 archaeological sites, including Lothal, Dholavira, Rakhigarhi, Sarnath, and Hastinapur.

She also proposed to extend the time period of exports of final products from six months to one year for exporters of leather, and textile garments.

Further the minister said that the government will support Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India to scale up production of assistive devices.

With inputs from PTI