<h1>2013 Budget Brings Changes to Service Tax, Excise, and Customs: New Exemptions and Duty Revisions Effective March 1.</h1> The 2013 budget introduced several notifications and amendments concerning Service Tax, Central Excise, and Customs effective from March 1, 2013. Key changes include the classification of resident public limited companies under specific Finance and Central Excise Act sections, amendments to previous service tax notifications, and revisions to customs duties and exemptions, such as duty-free limits on jewelry for returning residents and exemptions for sports trophies. Central Excise updates include zero duty for certain garments, revised duty rates on stainless steel products, and procedural changes for CENVAT credit recovery. Legislative changes were also highlighted in related circulars and instructions.