New Delhi, Feb. 1 -- The Union Budget 2026, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, has proposed changes to the basic customs duty rate for several items.

The government aims to reduce input costs, boost domestic manufacturing, and promote export competitiveness.

The new rates take effect from 2 February 2026.

- Critical Minerals: Customs duty on monazite has been reduced from 2.5% to nil.

- Renewable Energy: Customs duty on sodium antimonate used in solar glass manufacture has been cut from 7.5% to nil. Specified capital goods for manufacturing lithium-ion cells for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) will also attract zero duty.

- Nuclear Energy: Several changes have been made here. Customs duty on all goods r...