India exempts import duty on goods for FIFA U-17 World Cup

Central government has exempted import duty on sports items and a wide range of goods for the upcoming Under-17 football World Cup to be held in India from October 6 to 28. The first FIFA event to be held in India will have have 52 matches spread over six cities. The final will be played at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium match on October 28.

A Central Board of Excise and Customs notification said that all sports goods, sports equipment and sports requisites, fitness equipments, team uniform/clothing, spares, accessories and consumables will be exempted from the customs duty. However, the importers will have to furnish undertakings that all the goods, excluding gift items, souvenirs and mementos, will be



re-exported within three months of conclusion of the World Cup.

Doping control equipment, first aid kits, satellite phones/GPS, dining/kitchen items and office consumables are also among the goods that have been exempted from import duty.

Broadcast equipment and supplies used in organising and during the event imported by FIFA Host Broadcasters have also been exempted. These goods will also be exempted from the integrated tax levied under GST. 

A total of 24 countries, including hosts India, will compete in the tournament which will be played in six cities -- New Delhi, Margao, Kochi, Guwahati, Kolkata and Navi Mumbai.