Major changes in GST rates on goods such as renewable energy goods, waste scrap after 45th GST council meeting

The GST Council’s 45^th meeting was held today in Lucknow under the chairmanship of the Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman. The GST Council has inter-alia made the following recommendations relating to changes in GST rates on supply of goods.

Major recommendations on GST rate changes in relation to Goods [w.e.f 1.10.2021 unless otherwise stated]

Other changes relating to GST rates on goods:

1. Supply of mentha oil from unregistered person has been brought under reverse charge. Further, Council has also recommended that exports of Mentha oil should be allowed only against LUT and consequential refund of input tax credit.
2. Brick kilns would be brought under special composition scheme with threshold limit of Rs. 20 lakhs, with effect from 1.4.2022. Bricks would attract GST at the rate of 6% without ITC under the scheme. GST rate of 12% with ITC would otherwise apply to bricks.

Clarification in relation to GST rate on Goods:

1. Pure henna powder and paste, having no additives, attract 5% GST rate under Chapter 14.
2. Brewers Spent Grain (BSG), Dried Distillers Grains with Soluble [DDGS] and other such residues, falling under HS code 2303 attract GST at the rate of 5%.
3. All laboratory reagents and other goods falling under heading 3822 attract GST at the rate of 12%.
4. Scented sweet supari and flavored and coated illaichi falling under heading 2106 attract GST at the rate of 18%
5. Carbonated Fruit Beverages of Fruit Drink” and “Carbonated Beverages with Fruit Juice attract GST rate of 28% and Cess of 12%. This is being prescribed specifically in the GST rate schedule.
6. Tamarind seeds fall under heading 1209, and hitherto attracted nil rate irrespective of use. However, henceforth they would attract 5% GST rate (w.e.f. 1.10.2021) for use other than sowing. Seeds for sowing will continue at nil rate.
7. External batteries sold along with UPS Systems/ Inverter attract GST rate applicable to batteries [ 28% for batteries other than lithium-ion battery] while UPS/inverter would attract 18%.
8. GST on specified Renewable Energy Projects can be paid in terms of the 70:30 ratio for goods and services, respectively, during the period from 1.7.2017 to 31.12.2018, in the same manner as has been prescribed for the period on or after 1^st January 2019.
9. Due to ambiguity in the applicable rate of GST on Fibre Drums, the supplies made at 12% GST in the past have been regularised. Henceforth, a uniform GST rate of 18% would apply to all paper and paper board containers, whether corrugated or non-corrugated.
10. Distinction between fresh and dried fruits and nuts is being clarified for application of GST rate of “nil” and 5%/12% respectively;
11. It is being clarified that all pharmaceutical goods falling under heading 3006 attract GST at the rate of 12% [ not 18%].
12. Essentiality certificate issued by Directorate General of Hydrocarbons on imports would suffice; no need for taking a certificate every time on inter-state stock transfer.

Thus, if we look at above various GST rates have been increased, including GST rates for goods used in generating renewable energy and railway parts.

Thus, on one hand government is motivating people to go for atma nirbhar bharat, for using electric vehicles, solar energy/ renewable energy and on the other hand they are themselves increasing GST rates on it and ultimately increasing price of them.

We had also talked about auto population of GSTR 1 late fees in GSTR 3B. To read CLICK HERE.

To read more about 45th GST council meeting CLICK HERE.

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