Central Excise Duty In India

Indirect taxation contributes significantly towards government revenues. Indirect taxation, inter-alia, comprises of Central Value Added Tax (CENVAT - excise duty), Customs duties, Service tax, Central sales tax and Value-added taxes (formerly known as Sales Tax). Excise duty, customs duties, service tax and Central sales tax are administered by the Union Government whereas the value-added taxes are administered by the States. Excise duty and Custom duties contribute nearly 50% of the total revenue collection of the Union Government.

This article gives a bird's eye view of the statutory enactments under which excise duty is collected, the procedural requirements, the administrative setup and the quasi judicial authorities to deal with disputes between the Government and assesses.