Chapter VI OFTHE DUTY ON TIMBERAND OTHER FOREST-PRODUCE

1. (1) The 1[Central Government] may levy a duty in such manner, at such places and at such rates as it may declare by notification in the 2[Official Gazette] on all timber or other forest-produce--
   • (a) which is produced in 3[the territories to which this Act extends], and in respect of which the 4[Government] has any right;
   • (b) Which is brought from any place outside 3[the territories to which this Act extends]: 5* * * * *
2. (2) In every case in which such duty is directed to be levied ad valorem, the 1[Central Government] may fix by like notification the value on which such duty shall be assessed.
3. (3) All duties on timber or other forest-produce which, at the time when this Act comes into force in any territory, are levied therein under the authority of the 6[State Government], shall be deemed to be and to have been duly levied under the provisions of this Act. 7[(4) Notwithstanding anything in this section, the 6[State Government] may, until provision to the contrary is made by 8[Parliament], continue to levy any duty which it was lawfully levying before the commencement9 of 10[the Constitution], under this section as then in force: Provided that nothing in this sub-section authorises the levy of any duty which as between timber or other forest-produce of the 11[State] and similar produce of the locality outside the 11[State] discriminates in favour of the former, or which, in the case of timber or other forest-produce of localities outside the 11[State], discriminates between timber or other forest-produce of one locality and similar timber or other forest-produce of another locality.]

Nothing in this Chapter shall be deemed to limit the amount, if any, chargeable as purchase-money or royalty on any timber or other forest-produce, although the same is levied on such timber or produce while in transit, in the same manner as duty is levied.