GST Council cuts rates on 177 items in 28% bracket; govt revenue to take Rs 20,000 cr hit

The GST Council on Friday decided to reduce tax rate on a wide range of mass use items - from chewing gums to detergents - to 18 percent from current 28 percent, said Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi. The all-powerful council pruned the list of items attracting the top 28 percent tax rate to just 50 from 227 previously, Modi told reporters here. In effect, the council, in its 23rd meeting, cut rates on 177 goods. [caption id=“attachment_4203337” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image. Reuters.[/caption] Facing intense heat from opposition-ruled states over keeping mass used goods in the 28 percent bracket which was meant for luxury and de-merit goods, the council pruned the list to 50 as against 62 that was recommended by its fitment committee. The goods and services tax (GST), implemented “from 1 July, has five tax slabs of 0 percent, 5 percent, 12 percent, 18 percent and 28 percent. “There were 227 items in the 28 percent slab. The fitment committee had recommended that it should be pruned to 62 items. But the GST Council has further pruned 12 more items,” Modi said. He said all types of chewing gum, chocolates, preparation for facial make-up, shaving and after-shave items, shampoo deodorants, washing powder detergent and granite and marble will attract lower 18 percent tax rate. “There was unanimity that in 28 percent category there should be only sin and demerit goods. So, today the GST Council took a historic decision, that in the 28 percent slab there will be only 50 items and the remaining items have been brought down to 18 percent,” he said. Paints and cement have been retained in the 28 percent tax bracket, he said. “Luxury goods like washing machines and air conditioners have been retained at 28 percent.” The decision taken by the GST Council will have a revenue implication of Rs 20,000 crore annually. “There is consensus that slowly 28 percent slab should be brought to 18 percent. But it will take some time because it has a big revenue implication,” he said. Modi also said that it was important the system under GST regime stabilises as only four months were remaining for the close of the current financial year. (With inputs from IANS)