GST Council keeps only 50 items out of 223 in highest slab; 173 items to become cheaper

Now, lower 18% GST will be levied on chewing gums, chocolates, after shave, deodorant, washing power, detergent, marble, said Modi, who heads a five-member Group of Ministers (GoM) to monitor technology-related implementation issues of the GST.
New Delhi: The GST Council on Friday decided to keep only 50 items, mostly demerit, sin and luxury goods in top 28% bracket, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi said.
The Council lowered the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates for a number of daily-use products ranging from chewing gums to marble.
Now, lower 18% GST will be levied on chewing gums, chocolates, after shave kits, deodorant, washing power, detergent, marble, said Modi, who heads a five-member Group of Ministers (GoM) to monitor technology-related implementation issues of the GST.
As per reports, the Council today decided to lower rates of 173 items in the highest tax slab of 28%.
The GoM had earlier suggested slashing tax rate to 1 percent for manufacturers and restaurants opting for the scheme from 2 percent and 5 percent, respectively.
It was in favour of doing away with the tax rate distinction between AC and non-AC restaurants, those which are not covered under the composition scheme and tax them at a flat 12 percent.
Currently, non-AC restaurants are taxed at 18 percent.
It also suggested that eating out at hotels that have room tariff of more than Rs 7,500 should attract a uniform 18 percent rate instead of any separate category for 5-star hotel, which currently falls under the 28 percent bracket.