Maharashtra government has reduced the excise duty on imported scotch by 50%

The Maharashtra government has reduced excise tax on imported scotch whisky by 50% in order to put its pricing in line with that of other states, according to a senior official here on Friday.

“The excise duty on imported blended scotch has been reduced from 300 percent to 150 percent of the manufacturing cost,” a government official told PTI. She stated that the notification was issued on Thursday.

The sale of imported scotch generates approximately Rs 100 crore in revenue for the Maharashtra government each year.

According to the official, revenue is likely to climb to Rs 250 crore as sales increase from one lakh to 2.5 lakh bottles. The duty cut will also reduce smuggling of scotch from other states and the sale of counterfeit booze, she said.