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​​​​​​​Key Highlights of the 56th GST Council Meeting – Rate Rationalization & Trade Facilitation

Rupesh Sharma
GST rate rationalisation, sector exemptions, trade facilitation and reforms including omission of Section 13(8)(b) effective Sept-Nov 2025 The 56th GST Council recommended comprehensive rate rationalisation, sector-specific exemptions and trade-facilitation measures effective mainly from 22 Sept 2025 (services/goods) and phased measures from 1 Nov 2025, with sin goods retaining old rates pending compensation cess liabilities. Institutional reform mandates GSTAT operational by Sept-Dec 2025 with a backlog window until 30 June 2026 and a Principal Bench acting as NAAAR. Key legal changes: specified-premises clarification for standalone restaurants, RSP-based valuation for tobacco products, omission of Section 13(8)(b) (place of supply = recipient), adjustments to post-sale discount/ITC reversal rules, provisional refund regimes, simplified registration for small/ECO sellers, and detailed transition timing rules for rate applicability. (AI Summary)

Overview of Rate Changes

  • Goods: Rationalisation across food, agriculture, fertilizers, textiles, handicrafts, renewable energy, construction materials, and others.
  • Services: Transport rates streamlined, job work rationalised, beauty & wellness moved to concessional rates, entertainment/gaming taxed higher, and life/health insurance proposed for exemption.

Effective Dates

  • 22 Sept 2025: Changes for services and most goods.
  • Sin goods (tobacco, pan masala, gutkha, bidis) will continue at old rates until compensation cess loan obligations are fully discharged.

Institutional Reform – GSTAT

  • GSTAT to be operational for appeals by Sept 2025, hearings by Dec 2025.
  • Backlog appeals window open until 30 June 2026.
  • Principal Bench to also function as National Appellate Authority for Advance Ruling (NAAAR).
  • Aims to strengthen dispute resolution and ensure consistency in rulings.

Specified Premises Clarification

  • Stand-alone restaurants cannot classify themselves as “specified premises”.
  • Such restaurants cannot opt for 18% with ITC and will remain at 5% without ITC.

Special Exemptions

Ad hoc IGST and compensation cess exemption for import of a new armoured sedan car by the President’s Secretariat for the President of India.

Other Legal Amendments

  • Intermediary Services: Omission of Section 13(8)(b); place of supply now location of recipient.
  • Post-Sale Discounts: Section 15(3)(b)(i) deleted; To ensure ITC reversal by the recipient, Section 34 should be amended to refer to Section 15(3)(b), where the value of supply is reduced through a GST Credit Note.
  • RSP-Based Valuation: Applicable to pan masala, gutkha, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, zarda, etc.

Measures for Trade Facilitation

  • Risk-Based Provisional Refunds (Exports): 90% refund sanction based on system-driven risk checks (effective 1 Nov 2025).
  • Provisional Refunds for Inverted Duty Structure (IDS): Extended to IDS cases (effective 1 Nov 2025).
  • Refunds on Low-Value Export Consignments: Threshold removed to support small exporters.
  • Simplified GST Registration for Small/Low-Risk Businesses: Automated within 3 working days for liability ≤ ₹2.5 lakh/month (effective 1 Nov 2025).
  • Simplified Registration for ECO Suppliers: Facilitates small sellers on e-commerce platforms, no need for multiple state registrations.

GST 2.0 – Sectoral Impact Analysis

  1. Food & Beverages

The food sector saw one of the most extensive rationalisations under GST 2.0. Essential goods like milk, paneer, and roti have been exempted, while luxury consumables such as aerated beverages face steep increases to 40%. This dual approach eases burden on households while discouraging unhealthy consumption.

Description

Old Rate

New Rate

UHT milk, Paneer (packaged), Pizza bread, Roti/Khakhra

5%

Nil

Paratha, Parotta & other Indian breads

18%

Nil

Cheese, Ghee, Dried fruits & nuts, Preserved foods, Fruit juices, Namkeens

12%

5%

Chocolates, Ice cream, Sugar confectionery, Soups, Broths

18%

5%

Other non-alcoholic beverages

18%

40%

Aerated waters, Pan masala, Carbonated beverages

28%

40%

Impact: The sweeping reductions ease household expenditure and help resolve long-standing inverted duty issues in the sector. However, the steep 40% slab for aerated beverages, caffeinated drinks, and pan masala reflects a public health and revenue-driven stance. Businesses may face transition challenges in pricing, labelling, and managing inventories during the switch.

  1. Agriculture & Fertilisers

Agriculture machinery, irrigation equipment, and tractors have seen a significant rate cut to 5%, supporting rural mechanisation and farm efficiency. Fertiliser inputs and bio-pesticides are also reduced, addressing cost pressures.

Description

Old Rate

New Rate

Diesel engines ≤15HP, irrigation pumps/sprinklers, harvesters, composting machines, tractors

12%

5%

Tractor tyres & tubes

18%

5%

Sulphuric acid, Nitric acid, Ammonia

18%

5%

Gibberellic acid, bio-pesticides, micronutrients

12%

5%

Impact: Lower GST on tractors, farm machinery, irrigation equipment, and fertiliser inputs is expected to reduce input costs and encourage mechanisation in the agricultural sector. Bio-pesticides and micronutrients moving to 5% also support sustainable farming practices. These measures address a key industry demand and should ease rural inflationary pressures.

  1. Textiles & Footwear

Inputs such as synthetic yarns and technical textiles are reduced to 5%, tackling inverted duty structures. Footwear and garments up to ₹2,500 are taxed at 5%, while luxury apparel faces 18%.

Description

Old Rate

New Rate

Synthetic/man-made yarns, fabrics, carpets, embroidery, trimmings

12%

5%

Apparel & footwear ≤ ₹2,500

12%

5%

Apparel > ₹2,500, Footwear > ₹2,500

12%

18%

Impact: Rate cuts for yarns, technical textiles, and low-value apparel resolve inverted duty structures and provide relief to MSMEs and exporters. However, the hike to 18% for garments above ₹2,500 could hurt consumer demand in the premium retail segment, create classification disputes, and complicate inventory and MRP management for retailers.

  1. Healthcare & Pharma

Healthcare goods saw sweeping relief, with 36 life-saving drugs fully exempted and diagnostic kits reduced to 5%. However, exemptions may create ITC blockage, raising concerns over input costs for hospitals and pharmacies.

Description

Old Rate

New Rate

Life-saving drugs (e.g., Agalsidase Beta, Imiglucerase, etc.)

5% / 12%

Nil

Medicines, medicaments, oxygen, hydrogen peroxide

12%

5%

Thermometers, surgical instruments

18%

5%

Impact: Exempting 36 life-saving drugs and lowering GST on diagnostic kits and medicaments improves affordability and access to healthcare. However, full exemptions mean ITC blockage, which may raise costs for hospitals and distributors. The sector also faces transitional challenges as inventories purchased at higher tax rates will now be sold at lower rates.

  1. Automobiles & Mobility

Rate rationalisation addresses classification disputes, lowering GST on most vehicles from 28% to 18%. However, luxury cars and SUVs are placed at 40%, alongside yachts and personal aircraft.

Description

Old Rate

New Rate

Small cars (≤1200cc petrol / ≤1500cc diesel)

28%

18%

Three-wheelers, motorcycles ≤350cc

28%

18%

Luxury cars, SUVs, motorcycles >350cc, yachts, aircraft for personal use

28%

40%

EVs and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles

12% / 5%

5%

Impact: Reducing GST to 18% on most passenger and commercial vehicles addresses classification disputes and lowers overall ownership costs. By contrast, luxury cars, SUVs, and motorcycles above 350cc now fall in the 40% slab, which could suppress demand in the premium segment. Relief for EVs and fuel-cell vehicles reinforces the government’s push for sustainable mobility.

  1. Construction & Infrastructure

Cement has been reduced from 28% to 18%, easing cost burdens on housing and infrastructure. Marble, granite, and certain particle boards are cut to 5%. Works contract services for government projects move from 12% to 18%.

Description

Old Rate

New Rate

Cement (Portland, clinkers, etc.)

28%

18%

Marble, granite blocks, particle boards

12%

5%

Works contract services (Govt, earthwork, oil & gas)

12%

18%

Impact: Cutting GST on cement and building materials from 28% to 18% is a significant relief for developers, lowering project costs and improving affordability in housing. However, raising GST on works contract services for government projects may escalate infrastructure costs, creating budgetary challenges for the public sector.

  1. Energy Sector

Coal has been increased to 18% to discourage dependence on fossil fuels, while renewable devices like solar cookers, solar water heaters, and windmills are cut to 5%, signalling policy shift toward clean energy.

Description

Old Rate

New Rate

Coal, lignite, peat

5%

18%

Solar cookers, solar water heaters, renewable devices

12%

5%

Impact: The GST hike on coal from 5% to 18% addresses the issue of inverted duty accumulation in the mining sector but significantly raises costs for industries dependent on coal, such as power, cement, and steel. These costs are likely to be passed on to end consumers. On the other hand, reducing GST to 5% on renewable energy devices and equipment improves project viability, lowers capital costs, and signals a strong policy shift towards accelerating clean energy adoption in line with India’s climate commitments.

  1. Consumer Durables & Electronics

To make essential appliances more accessible, GST on ACs, TVs, and dishwashers has been reduced from 28% to 18%. Communication devices for defense/police also see relief.

Description

Old Rate

New Rate

Air conditioners, dishwashers, televisions (≤32 inches)

28%

18%

Communication radios, walkie-talkies (defense/police)

12% / 18%

5% / Exempt

Impact: The reduction of GST from 28% to 18% on consumer appliances such as air-conditioners, televisions, and dishwashers enhances affordability and is expected to drive demand, particularly during the festive season. This move also eases working capital pressures for manufacturers and distributors. Relief on communication devices used by defense and police strengthens public infrastructure and enhances security readiness. Overall, the measures are poised to boost consumption, support domestic manufacturing, and expand access to essential household technologies.

  1. Transport Services

The GST Council has rationalised transport rates into a clear two-slab structure of 5% without ITC and 18% with ITC. Passenger and goods transport options have been streamlined, providing businesses flexibility in choosing credit-linked or concessional rates.

Service Description

Old Rate

New Rate

ITC Availability

Air passenger transport (other than economy)

12%

18%

ITC available

Passenger transport by motor vehicle (fuel incl.)

12%

18% (standard) / 5% (concessional)

18% with ITC; 5% without ITC

Renting of motor vehicles (fuel incl.)

12%

18% (standard) / 5% (concessional)

18% with ITC; 5% without ITC

Goods transport by GTA

12%

18% (FCM) / 5% (RCM/FCM)

18% with ITC; 5% without ITC

Rail/container transport (other than Indian Railways)

12%

18% / 5%

18% with ITC; 5% without ITC

Pipeline transport of fuels

12%

18% / 5%

18% with ITC; 5% without ITC

Impact: The rationalisation brings clarity and flexibility but increases cost under the ITC-eligible option. Logistics providers and transport operators will need to carefully evaluate whether to operate under the concessional 5% scheme or the 18% credit-linked structure depending on their client profiles.

  1. Insurance

The Council has proposed major relief for insurance services by exempting life and health insurance, while reducing the GST rate for third-party motor insurance.

Service Description

Old Rate

New Rate

ITC Availability

Life insurance premiums

18%

Exempt

ITC not available

Health insurance premiums

18%

Exempt

ITC not available

Third-party insurance for goods carriage

12%

5%

ITC available

mpact: Exemptions on life and health insurance will make coverage more affordable, supporting higher insurance penetration. However, exemption leads to ITC blockage for insurers. The reduction on third-party motor insurance premiums benefits the logistics and transport sector by lowering compliance costs.

  1. Restaurants (Specified Premises Clarification)

The Council clarified that standalone restaurants cannot classify as “specified premises.” They will continue to be taxed at 5% without ITC.

Service Description

Old Rate

New Rate

ITC Availability

Standalone restaurants

5%

5%

ITC not available

mpact: This clarification prevents misclassification and ensures uniformity. However, since ITC remains blocked, standalone restaurants continue to absorb tax costs on inputs, even though customers benefit from lower tax outgo.

  1. Job Work Services

Rates have been rationalised to support specific industries while increasing the levy for generic job work.

Service Description

Old Rate

New Rate

ITC Availability

Job work for pharma, leather, printing, umbrella, bricks

12%

5%

ITC available

Other job work services

12%

18%

ITC available

Impact: The rationalisation reduces costs for sectors such as pharma, printing, and leather, helping MSMEs. However, the higher 18% levy on generic job work may burden smaller players outside these specified industries, increasing compliance and cash flow challenges.

Applicability of Rates on Transition (Section 14)

Scenario

Supply Done

Invoice

Payment

Time of Supply (Rule)

Which Rate Applies

1

Before rate change

After

After

Earlier of Invoice/Payment Date

New Rate

2

Before rate change

Before

After

Date of Invoice

Old Rate

3

Before rate change

After

Before

Date of Payment

Old Rate

4

After rate change

Before

After

Date of Payment

New Rate

5

After rate change

Before

Before

Earlier of Invoice/Payment Date

Old Rate

6

After rate change

After

Before

Date Of Invoice

New Rate

Note:

  • Date of payment is the earlier of entry in supplier’s books or credit in bank account.
  • If bank credit occurs after 4 working days from invoice date, then actual bank credit date is treated as the date of payment.     
  • For the supply of goods, the time of supply is deemed to be the date of invoice as per Notification No. 66/2017-CT Dt. 15.11.2017. Therefore, the applicable tax rate would be the rate prevailing on the date of invoicing, and the provisions of Section 14 would apply accordingly.                                                                                       

Reference to Annexure

For ease of reference and implementation, a comprehensive sector-wise and HSN-wise tabulation of all rate changes, exemptions, and ITC conditions is provided in the annexure below. This detailed mapping ensures clarity for stakeholders across industries and supports accurate classification, invoicing, and compliance planning.

Conclusion

The 56th GST Council’s recommendations mark a pivotal recalibration of India’s indirect tax landscape, balancing fiscal prudence with sectoral stimulus. By rationalizing rates, expanding exemptions, and clarifying ITC eligibility, the Council has addressed long-standing industry concerns while paving the way for smoother compliance and greater economic inclusivity. These changes are not merely arithmetic, they reflect a strategic shift toward harmonized taxation, sectoral competitiveness, and transparent governance.

Annexure

Sector-wise GST Rate Rationalisation on Goods and Services (with HSN/SAC Codes)

Sector

Old Rate

New Rate

HSN/SAC

(grouped)

Representative Items /

Scope

ITC availability / condition

Food

5%

Nil

0401, 0406, 1905, 1905/2106

UHT milk; Paneer (pre‑packaged & labelled); Pizza bread; Khakhra/chapathi/roti

 

Food

18%

Nil

2106

Paratha, parotta & other Indian breads (by any name)

 

Food

12%

5%

0402 91 10, 0402 99 20, 0405, 0406, 0801, 0802, 0804, 0805, 0813, 1108, 1501-1506, 1516-1518, 1601-1605, 1701, 1704, 1902, 1905 90 30, 2001-2009, 2009 89 90, 2101 30, 2102, 2103, 2106 (texturised veg proteins, batters), 2106 90 (namkeens), 2106 90 91 (diabetic foods), 2201 (20L bottles), 2202 99 10, 2202 99 20, 2202 99 30

Condensed milk; ghee/butter/dairy spreads; cheese; dried nuts & fruits; starches; animal/marine fats & oils; prepared meats/fish; refined sugar; sugar‑boiled confectionery; pasta; extruded/expanded snacks; pickles/veg & fruit preserves; fruit juices incl. tender coconut water; roasted chicory; yeasts; sauces & condiments; soya bari/mungodi/batters; namkeens; diabetic foods; drinking water (20L); soya milk drinks; fruit‑pulp/juice drinks (non‑carbonated); beverages containing milk

 

Food

18%

5%

1107, 1302, 1520 00 00, 1521, 1522, 1702, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1901, 1904, 2104, 2105 00 00, 2106 (food prep n.e.s.), 2201 (non‑flavoured, no sugar), 2202 99 (plant‑based milk drinks), 3503, 3505

Malt; vegetable saps/extracts & thickeners; glycerol; vegetable/bees waxes; degras; other sugars & syrups; cocoa butter/powder/chocolates; malt extract & certain food preparations; cereal flakes; soups/broths; ice‑cream & edible ice; food preparations n.e.s.; waters (not flavoured/sugared); plant‑based milk drinks; gelatin; dextrins & starch‑based glues

 

Food

18%

40%

2202 91 00, 2202 99

Other non‑alcoholic beverages (non‑alcoholic, non‑aerated categories)

 

Food

28%

40%

2106 90 20; 2202 10; 2202 (Carbonated beverages of fruit drink/with fruit juice); 2202 99 90

Pan masala; aerated waters; carbonated beverages of fruit drink / with fruit juice; caffeinated beverages

 

Tobacco

18%

5%

1404 90 10; 1404 90 50

Bidi wrapper leaves (tendu); Indian katha

 

Tobacco

28%

18%

2403

Bidis

 

Tobacco

28%

40%

2401; 2402; 2403; 2404 11 00; 2404 19 00

Unmanufactured tobacco (other than leaves); cigarettes/cigars/cigarillos; other manufactured tobacco; products for inhalation without combustion (tobacco/nicotine)

 

Agriculture

12%

5%

8408 (≤15HP); 8414 20 20; 8424 (nozzles); 8424 (sprinklers, drip systems, sprayers); 8432 (+ parts 8432 90); 8433; 8436; 8479 (composters); 8701 (tractors, except specified road tractors); 8716 20 00; 8716 80

Diesel engines ≤15HP; hand pumps; drip/sprinkler irrigation nozzles & systems; soil preparation/harvesting/poultry & beekeeping machinery & parts; composting machines; tractors (most); agricultural trailers; hand‑propelled/animal‑drawn vehicles

 

Agriculture

18%

5%

4011, 4011 70 00, 4013 90 49

Rear tractor tyres, tyre tubes; tractor tyres/tubes

 

Fertilizer

18%

5%

2807; 2808; 2814

Sulphuric acid; nitric acid; ammonia

 

Fertilizer

12%

5%

29/380893; 3808 (bio‑pesticides list); 28 or 38 (micronutrients per FCO)

Gibberellic acid; bio‑pesticides (Bt variants, Trichoderma spp., Pseudomonas fluorescens, NPV, neem, cymbopogon); specified micronutrients (FCO‑registered)

 

Coal

5%

18%

2701; 2702; 2703

Coal; lignite; peat (incl. agglomerates)

 

Renewable Energy

12%

5%

7321/8516; 8419 12; 84,85,94 (renewable devices & parts); 87 (fuel‑cell motor vehicles ≤4000mm)

Solar cookers; solar water heaters; designated renewable energy devices & parts; fuel‑cell (hydrogen) motor vehicles (≤4000mm)

 

Textiles

12%/18%

5%

5401; 5402‑5406; 5508; 5509‑5511; 5601‑5607; 5609; 5701‑5705; 5802‑5805; 5807‑5811; 5901‑5902

Man‑made filament/staple yarns & sewing thread; waddings/felts/non‑wovens; rubberised/plastic‑coated yarn; metallised/gimped/chenille yarn; twine/cordage/ropes; carpets & rugs; terry/tufted fabrics; gauze/tulles/lace/tapestries/labels/trimmings; embroidery/quilted products; book cloth/tracing canvas; tyre cord fabrics

 

Paper & Packaging

12%

Nil

4802 (exercise/graph/lab notebooks); 4820 (exercise books); 4905 (maps & charts)

Exercise/graph/lab notebooks; exercise books; maps & charts

 

Paper & Packaging

12%

5%

4802 (hand‑made paper & paperboard); 4817 30; 4819 10, 4819 20; 4823; 48 (paper splints, asphaltic roofing); 48 (paper sacks/bags)

Hand‑made paper; paper stationery compendiums; cartons/boxes/cases; moulded paper‑pulp trays; splints for matches; asphaltic roofing; paper sacks/bags

 

Paper & Packaging

12%

18%

4804; 4805; 4806 20 00; 4806 40 10; 4807; 4808; 4810; 4802 (other uncoated writing/printing)

Kraft/other uncoated papers; greaseproof & glassine; composite paper; embossed/corrugated; coated papers; other uncoated writing/printing

 

Personal Care

18%

5%

3304; 3305; 3306; 3307 (shaving); 3401

Talcum/face powder; hair oil & shampoos; toothpaste & dental floss; shaving cream/lotions & aftershave; toilet soap (bars/cakes)

 

Personal Care

12%

5%

33061010

Tooth powder

 

Home Fragrance

12%

18%

33074100

Odoriferous preparations operating by burning (other than agarbatti etc.)

 

Healthcare & Pharma

12%

5%

28 (Anaesthetics, steam, potassium iodate, iodine 2801 20); 2804 40 10 (medical oxygen); 2847 (medicinal H2O2); 3001‑3006 (wide range of medicaments & pharmaceutical goods)

Anaesthetics; steam; potassium iodate; iodine; medical oxygen; medicinal H2O2; medicaments in Chapters 3001‑3006

 

Healthcare & Pharma

5%

Nil

30 (Agalsidase Beta; Imiglucerase; Eptacog alfa activated)

Specific life‑saving drugs

 

Healthcare & Pharma

12%

Nil

30 (Onasemnogene abeparvovec; Asciminib; Mepolizumab; Pegylated Liposomal Irinotecan; Daratumumab (incl. SC); Teclistamab; Amivantamab; Alectinib; Risdiplam; Obinutuzumab; Polatuzumab vedotin; Entrectinib; Atezolizumab; Spesolimab; Velaglucerase Alpha; Agalsidase Alfa; Rurioctocog Alpha Pegol; Idursulphatase; Alglucosidase Alfa; Laronidase; Olipudase Alfa; Tepotinib; Avelumab; Emicizumab; Belumosudil; Miglustat; Velmanase Alfa; Alirocumab; Evolocumab; Cystamine Bitartrate; C1‑Inhibitor injection; Inclisiran)

Specified advanced drugs & biologics

 

Healthcare & Pharma

12%

5%

111 (FF/UMEC/VI; Brentuximab vedotin; Ocrelizumab; Pertuzumab; Pertuzumab+Trastuzumab; Faricimab)

Other specified drugs

 

Household & Infant

12%

5%

3926 (feeding bottles; plastic beads); 4014 (nipples); 4015 (surgical/medical rubber gloves); 4016 (rubber bands)

Feeding bottles; plastic beads; nipples; rubber gloves; rubber bands

 

Household & Infant

5%

Nil

4016 (erasers)

Erasers

 

Stationery & Education

18%

5% / Nil

96032100 (toothbrushes 18→5); 9608/9609 (pencils, crayons, chalk 12→Nil)

Toothbrushes; pencils/crayons/chalk

 

Stationery & Education

12%

5%

3605 00 10; 3701; 3705; 3706; 3818; 4701‑4706 (various rates); 5401 etc (textile overlap)

Safety matches; x‑ray films; photographic films; silicon wafers; various pulps (see Paper section for rates)

 

Wood & Cork

12%

5%

4404‑4421 (multiple lines incl. hoopwood, wood flour, sleepers, veneers, bamboo flooring, frames, packing cases, carved wood, casks/barrels, tools/handles, bamboo joinery, tableware/kitchenware, marquetry, ornaments, hangers, spools, match splints, etc.); 4502‑4504 (natural & agglomerated cork; art ware of cork)

Extensive list of wood & cork products including handicraft articles

 

Leather

12%

5%

4107; 4112; 4113; 4114; 4115

Bovine/equine; sheep/lamb; other animal leathers; chamois/patent/metallised; composition leather & wastes

 

Optical & Photographic

12%

5%

3701 (x‑ray film); 3705; 3706; 9001; 9003

Photographic plates/films; contact lenses; spectacle frames & mountings

 

Base Metal Artware

12%

5%

8306

Bells, gongs, statuettes & frames etc. of base metal

 

Hardware & Household

12%

5%

7310/7323/7612/7615 (milk cans); 7317 (animal shoe nails); 8420 (hand‑operated rubber roller); 6909 (ceramic packing jars); 7015 10 (glasses for corrective spectacles & flint buttons); 7020 (globes/chimneys for lamps)

Milk cans; shoe nails; rubber roller; ceramic/ glass household hardware

 

Fasteners & Closures

12%

5%

9607

Slide fasteners & parts

 

Handicrafts & Arts

12%

5%

44/68/83 (idols of wood/stone/metals); 9701‑9706 (paintings, engravings, sculptures, collections, antiques)

Idols; paintings & art; sculptures; antiques & collections

 

Construction Materials

12%

5%

68 (Sand‑lime bricks; stone inlay work)

Sand‑lime bricks; stone inlay work

 

Construction Materials

28%

18%

2523

Cement (Portland, aluminous, slag, supersulphate, clinkers)

 

Automotive Engines & Parts

28%

18%

8407; 8408; 8409; 8413 (selected fuel/lube/cooling pumps); 8511; 8507 (non‑Li‑ion accumulators/power banks)

Spark‑ignition & diesel engines; parts; fuel/lube/cooling pumps; ignition/starting equipment; non‑Li‑ion accumulators

 

Nuclear

12%

5%

8401

Fuel elements (cartridges) for nuclear reactors

 

Oil & Gas Operations Inputs

12%

18%

Any Chapter (specified petroleum operations list)

Goods required for petroleum/CBM operations under specified schemes

 

Biofuels

12%

18%

3826

Biodiesel (other than supplied to OMCs for HSD blending)

 

Arms & Smoking Accessories

28%

40%

9302; 9614

Revolvers & pistols (non‑rifles); smoking pipes/cigarette holders & parts

 

Other Proposals

28%/18%

5%

8806

Unmanned aircrafts

 

Baggage/Personal Use (IGST)

28%

18%

9804

All dutiable articles intended for personal use

ITC N/A

(IGST on baggage)

Baggage/Personal Use (IGST)

12%

5%

9804

All drugs & medicines intended for personal use

ITC N/A

(IGST on baggage)

IGST Exemptions (Imports)

18%

Nil

49; 71; Any Chapter; 88/8536; 84/85; 84/85/87/90/93; 88; 89; 8807

Tech documentation; small diamonds; works of art & antiques; flight/target simulators; HACFS parts; IADWS parts; military transport aircraft; deep submergence & unmanned underwater vessels; ejection seats

ITC N/A

on exempt imports

Transportation (Passengers)

12%

18%

9964

Air transport of passengers in other than economy class

ITC available

Transportation (Passengers)

— / 12%

18% (option)

9964

Passenger transport by motor vehicle (fuel cost included): concessional option 5% with ITC of input services (same line) continues; standard option revised 12%→18% with ITC

5% option: restricted ITC; 18% option: full ITC

Transportation (Goods)

12%/5%

18%/5%

9965/9967 (rail/container, pipeline)

Goods in containers by rail (other than IR): standard rate to 18% with ITC; concessional 5% without ITC; pipeline transport of specified fuels: 5% without ITC or 18% with ITC

At 5%: no/limited ITC; at 18%: ITC available

Transportation (GTA)

12%

18% (FCM option) / 5% w/o ITC (RCM/FCM)

9965

GTA: 5% without ITC (RCM/FCM) or 18% with ITC (FCM) replacing earlier 12% with ITC

5%: no ITC; 18%: ITC available

Transportation (Rentals)

12%

18% (option)

9966

Renting of passenger motor vehicles (with operator, fuel cost included): concessional 5% with restricted ITC continues; standard rate revised to 18% with ITC

5% option: restricted ITC; 18% option: ITC available

Transportation (Goods carriage rentals)

12%

18% / 5% (restricted)

9966

Renting of goods carriage (with operator): 5% with restricted ITC or 18% with ITC

5% option: restricted ITC; 18% option: ITC available

Transportation (Multimodal)

12%

18% / 5% (restricted)

9965

Multimodal transport of goods within India: 5% (where no leg is by air) with restricted ITC; otherwise 18% with ITC

5%: restricted ITC; 18%: ITC available

Job Work

12%

5%

9988

Umbrella; printing (Ch.48/49); bricks (5% items); pharma (Ch.30); hides/skins/leather (Ch.41)

ITC available

Job Work (Residual)

12%

18%

9988

All job‑work services not elsewhere covered

ITC available

Works Contracts (Oil & Gas offshore)

12%

18%

9954

Composite supply of works contract & associated services for offshore oil & gas E&P

ITC available

Works Contracts (Earthwork to Govt.)

12%

18%

9954

Predominantly earthwork (>75%); and sub‑contractor to such main contractor (Govt.)

ITC available

Local Delivery Services

18%

18% (scope change)

996813 / Sec.9(5)

Local delivery services incl. restaurant delivery: to be notified under Sec.9(5) for ECO where supplier not liable for registration (rate remains 18%)

ITC available where applicable to ECO

Other Services

12%

5%

9971/9994/9996

Third‑party insurance of goods carriage; CETP effluent treatment; biomedical waste treatment; cinema admission ≤₹100

ITC available at 5% for CETP/biomedical? (concessional with ITC per Annexure); cinema 5% with ITC

Beauty & Wellness

18%

5% (without ITC)

99972

Beauty and physical well‑being services (group 99972) now at 5% without ITC

No ITC (explicit)

Entertainment / Gaming

28%

40% (with ITC)

9996 / actionable claims (goods)

Admission to casinos/race clubs/sporting events like IPL; licensing of bookmakers; leasing/rental of goods falling under 40% GST; specified actionable claims (betting, casinos, gambling, horse racing, lottery, online money gaming)

ITC available

Insurance (Individual)

18%

Exempt

9971

All individual health insurance and life insurance (and reinsurance thereof) – proposed exemption

No ITC (exempt)

 

 

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