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Question

_______ is a tax imposed on imports and exports of goods.

The correct answer is

Custom Duty

Understanding Tax on Imports and Exports: Custom Duty

The question asks to identify the tax imposed on goods when they are imported into or exported from a country. Let's examine the given options to find the correct type of tax.

Analyzing the Options

  • Excise tax: This is a tax imposed on specific goods manufactured or produced within a country. It is levied at the time of manufacture or production, not typically on imports or exports.
  • Custom Duty: This is a tariff or tax imposed on goods transported across international borders. It is specifically applied to imports and, in some cases, exports. This aligns directly with the description in the question.
  • Service tax: This is a tax levied on services provided, not on the import or export of physical goods.
  • Sales tax: This tax is imposed on the sale of goods and services within a country, typically at the point of sale to the consumer. It is not primarily a tax on international trade at the border.

Why Custom Duty is the Correct Answer

Based on the definitions, Custom Duty is the tax specifically designed for goods moving into or out of a country across its customs borders. It is a tax imposed on imports and exports of goods. This tax plays a crucial role in international trade, influencing the cost of imported goods and sometimes generating revenue for the government.

Therefore, the tax imposed on imports and exports of goods is Custom Duty.

Comparison of Tax Types
Tax Type Imposed On Relation to Imports/Exports
Excise tax Manufacture/Production of specific goods Primarily domestic, not directly on imports/exports
Custom Duty Imports and Exports of goods Directly applied to international trade
Service tax Provision of services Not on goods, irrelevant to goods imports/exports
Sales tax Sale of goods/services within a country Primarily domestic, point of sale tax

Revision Table: Key Tax Concepts

Understanding Different Taxes
Term Definition Context
Custom Duty Tax on goods crossing international borders (imports/exports). International trade taxation, border control.
Imports Goods brought into a country from abroad. Subject to import duties.
Exports Goods sent out of a country to abroad. May be subject to export duties (less common than import).
Excise Tax Tax on specific goods produced domestically. Domestic production, often on items like alcohol, tobacco, fuel.
Sales Tax Tax on the sale of goods and services, typically at the point of sale. Domestic consumption, retail transactions.

Additional Information: Role of Custom Duty

Custom Duty serves multiple purposes for a country. It is a source of revenue for the government. It can also be used as a tool of trade policy to regulate imports and exports. For example, high import duties (tariffs) can make foreign goods more expensive, potentially protecting domestic industries. Similarly, export duties can influence the availability and price of goods for export.

The calculation of Custom Duty can be based on the value of the goods (ad valorem duty) or based on their quantity or weight (specific duty). Regulations and rates vary significantly from country to country and depend on the type of goods being traded.

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Important Questions from Goods and Services Tax (GST)

  1. Which amendment introduced Goods and Service Tax (GST)?

  2. Which of the following is correct with respect to GST in India?

    I. The GST Act was passed by the Parliament in 2016.

    II. GST law came into force from July 2016.

  3. What is the name of the all-India tax passed by the parliament in 2017?

  4. Which was the first State in India to pass the GST bill?

  5. In the 25th GST Council Meeting, held before the Budget 2018, rates for how many goods have been reduced?

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