ISLAMABAD, June 12: The government has raised customs duty on nine items to provide protection to the production of local industries.

Through the Finance Bill 2003-04 by making amendments in the first schedule to the Customs Act 1969, the government raised the customs duty on the nine items.

The customs duty raised from 5 per cent to 25 per cent on CRT monitors in used/second-hand condition; from 10 to 25 per cent on electric motors and generators under HS code 8501.4090; from 10 to 20 per cent on electric motors and generators of HS code 8501.6400 of an output exceeding 750 kVA; from 10 to 20 per cent on electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits or for making connections to or in electrical circuits for a voltage up to 145 kV under HS code 8535.4010.

The customs duty was raised from 40 per cent to 100 per cent on second-hand and used dumpers designed for off-highway under HS code 8704.1010 and duty was raised on others of electricity meters under HS code 9028.9020, respectively.