<h1>GST rate overhaul effective 22 Sept 2025: new rates, 40% sin/luxury levy, ITC rules, import IGST, e-way continuity</h1> The 56th GST Council's decisions, effective 22 September 2025 (except cigarettes/chewing tobacco/ beedi where new rates await discharge of compensation-cess liabilities), revise multiple GST rates, introduce a special 40% rate for selected sin/luxury goods and select services, and rationalise rates across goods and services (notably lower rates for many consumer items, medical devices, renewable energy equipment, select vehicles, and agricultural machinery). Rules clarify time-of-supply, input tax credit (ITC) entitlement and reversal on supplies after rate change, IGST on imports follows notified rates, e-way bills in transit remain valid, options provided for transport services (merit 5% with no ITC or standard 18% with ITC), and refund mechanisms for inverted-duty credits are maintained with process reforms.