Centre cuts import duty on parts needed to make EV batteries, phones

NEW DELHI : The Centre on Tuesday announced that they have removed import duties on parts which are needed to manufacture electric vehicle batteries and phones.

The decision was announced by the Union Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman amid broader tariff cuts to support local manufacturers to face the potential impact of reciprocal US tariffs.

“We aim to boost domestic production and enhance export competitiveness by reducing duties on raw materials,” Sitharaman said ahead of a vote to pass Finance Bill 2025 in parliament.

35 items used to make EV batteries will be exempted from import duty after the announcement while 28 items required to manufacture mobile phones will not attract import duty.The government has been preparing to reduce the impact of Trump’s reciprocal tariffs set to take effect from April 2.