GST council to discuss tax relief on certain goods

The fitment committee, a group of officials that analyzes requests for tax rate modifications, has suggested reducing the GST rates for unfried snack pellets from 18% to 5%.

Image Source: Pixabay

The GST Council will debate tax reduction on specific medications, farm products, arthroplasty implants, and services like satellite launches by private entities during its meeting next week, a person with direct knowledge of the situation said.

Unfried snack pellets should have their GST rates reduced to 5% from 18%, according to the fitment committee, a group of officers that reviews proposals for tax rate changes. Additionally, it has been suggested that individuals who import cancer medication (dinutuximab/qarziba) for personal use be exempt from paying the 12% Integrated GST (IGST).

Similar relief for imported foods and medications for special medical needs (FSMP) was also suggested by the committee. Individual suggests tax exemption for private satellite launch services to create a fair playing field.

The Council is considering charging food and drinks at movie theatres at 5% instead of 18%. Clarifications will be made on tax duty for items like pan masala, chewing tobacco, and cotton sold to cooperative organizations. Raw cotton delivery is taxable and subject to 5% GST on a reverse charge basis.

GST Council to discuss online gaming tax regime, finalize appellate tribunal framework and consider industry demand for full reimbursement in mountain states. Changes to the GST rates for products and services have been requested by a number of stakeholders, including ministries from the federal and state governments. Finance Ministry and GST Council are unresponsive to article comments via email.