Thursday, 4 September 2025

GST Council Meeting – Focus to boost consumption


  • The GST council decided to move to a two rate structure – 5% and 18% with a special maximum rate of 40% with effect from 22nd September.
  • Tax rates have been slashed across categories, with maximum benefit to FMCG, fertilizers, agricultural and medical equipment’s followed by cement, auto and durables.
  • Health and life insurance will be exempt from GST.
  • Tobacco products, luxury items will be charged at the highest rate of 40%.
  • GST council indicated that the fiscal impact of the rate rationalisation would be to the tune of INR 480 Bn (0.15% of GDP).

 

GST Reforms: Overview of Tax Rate Changes Across Key Product Categories

Product Categories

New Rate

Current Rate

Ayurvedic products

5%

12%

Branded Namkeens, Bhujia,Extruded snacks

5%

12%

Butter/Cheese/Ghee/Condensed Milk

5%

12%

Chocolates

5%

18%

Dry fruits/Nuts

5%

12%

Diapers

5%

12%

Biscuits/cookies/cakes

5%

18%

Paneer

NIL

5%

Toothpowder

5%

12%

Instant noodles/pasta/cornflakes/ketchup

5%

12%

Fruit Juices (non-aerated)

5%

12%

Paperboards

5%

12%

Packaged Water

5%

18%

Ice-creams

5%

18%

Hair Oil

5%

18%

Shampoo

5%

18%

Shaving Cream/Lotion

5%

18%

Toothpaste/toothbrush

5%

18%

Soaps

5%

18%

Coffee

5%

18%

Pencils, Sharpener, Crayons

0%

12%

Exercise book

0%

12%

Mathematical/Geometry box

5%

12%

Sin Goods

New Rate

Current Rate

Aerated beverages

40%

28% +
Compensation cess

Cigarettes

40%

28% +
Compensation cess

Home care segments

New Rate

Current Rate

Detergents/Homecare

18%

18%

Household Insecticides

18%

18%

Source: JM Financial

 

GST rate cut – key beneficiary & losers

Sector

Beneficiary stocks

Auto

 

4-W

Maruti

2-W

Hero Moto, TVS, Eicher Motors

CV

Ashok Leyland

Tractors

M&M, Escorts Kubota, VST Tillers

Auto Ancillary

SJS Enterprises, Motherson Sumi Wiring, Uno Minda

Consumer durables

Blue Star, Voltas, Havells, Dixon Tech

Insurance

Star Health, Nuva Bupa, PB Fintech, LIC

FMCG Stocks

HUL, Dabur, Marico

NBFCs

Bajaj Finance, Chola Investrment

Dairy Stocks

Parag Milk

Hotels

Lemon tree

Cement

Ambuja Cement, Ultratech Cement

Footwear

Campus Shoes, Bata

Medical equipments

Poly Medicure

Sector

Losers

Aerated beverages

Varun Beverages

Coal

Coal India

Source: JM Financial 

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