<h1>Excise Duty Overhaul: Exemptions for Biscuits, Water Filters, Biodiesels; Reduced Rates for Petrol, Diesel, Umbrellas, and More.</h1> Effective March 1, 2007, several changes to excise duty rates were implemented. Full exemptions were granted for packed biscuits under Rs.50 per kg, certain food mixes, specified water purification equipment, non-electric household water filters, and biodiesels. Excise duty was reduced from 16% to 8% on umbrellas, plywood, footwear parts, and gauze. The ad valorem component for petrol and diesel was decreased from 8% to 6%. Textile-related duties saw reductions, while specific machinery lost its exemption. USB flash memory and DVD drives received exemptions. Cigarette and biri excise duties were revised, and dual rates were set for cement, varying by price and packaging.