<h1>GST Council restructures rates into 5% and 18% slabs, proposes 40% for select goods and broad cuts from Sept 22</h1> The GST Council unanimously restructured GST into two main slabs (5% and 18%) with a proposed special 40% slab for select goods, and approved broad reductions on many common-use items effective September 22; exclusions include certain tobacco products. State and central representatives committed to ensuring benefits reach end consumers. Reductions span food, healthcare, agricultural equipment, fertilizers, renewable energy, textiles, dairy projects (packaged milk and cheese to zero), ghee/butter/dry fruits (12% to 5%), and tractors/parts, aiming to lower input costs, boost consumption and support the food processing value chain while impacting state GST revenues.