New Delhi, Feb 1 (PTI) Gross GST collections rose 6.2 per cent to over Rs 1.93 lakh crore in January, mainly on higher revenues from imports, sources said on Sunday.

Total refunds declined 3.1 per cent to Rs 22,665 crore.

Net Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenues, however, grew 7.6 per cent to about Rs 1.71 lakh crore in January.

Cess collection (from tobacco products) in January stood at Rs 5,768 crore. This compares to Rs 13,009 crore in collections in January last year when a cess was levied on luxury, sin and demerit goods such as cars, and tobacco products.

Effective September 22, 2025, GST rates on about 375 items were slashed, making goods cheaper. Also, a compensation cess is levied only on tobacco and related products, as opposed to luxury, sin and demerit goods earlier. The lowering of GST rates has impacted revenue collections.

Gross tax collections from domestic transactions grew 4.8 per cent to Rs 1.41 lakh crore, while import revenues were up 10.1 per cent to Rs 52,253 crore in January. PTI JD HVA

GST collections rose in January, while September 2025 rate cuts and narrowed compensation cess changed revenue composition. Gross GST collections rose 6.2% to over Rs 1.93 lakh crore in January and net GST revenues grew 7.6% to about Rs 1.71 lakh crore, while refunds declined 3.1% to Rs 22,665 crore. Domestic transaction collections increased 4.8% to Rs 1.41 lakh crore and import revenues rose 10.1% to Rs 52,253 crore. A policy change effective 22 September 2025 reduced GST rates on about 375 items and restricted the compensation cess to tobacco-related products, altering revenue composition and lowering cess receipts compared with the prior year.