6 October 2017

22nd GST Council MeetingExporter Relief & Rate Corrections

The 22nd GST Council Meeting addressed critical exporter concerns with working capital relief, reduced rates on 27 items, formed a GoM on dual control administration, and adjusted compensation cess on automobiles.

22nd
Meeting Number
6 Oct 2017
Date
New Delhi
Location
27
Items Rate-Cut
Yes
Exporter Relief
Granted
Return Extension
GoM Formed
Dual Control
Mid-Size Cars
Cess Changes

Key Decisions & Outcomes

Rate Reduction on 27 Goods

GST rates reduced on 27 items including man-made yarn, stationery items, dried tamarind, custard powder, and plastic raincoats from 18%/28% to lower slabs.

Exporter Relief Package

Extension of deadline for exporters to furnish bond/LUT. Nominated agency imports exempted from IGST. Merchant exporters given 0.1% rate for procurement.

Return Filing Deadline Extensions

GSTR-1, GSTR-2, and GSTR-3 deadlines extended for July, August, and September 2017 considering initial transition challenges.

GoM on Dual Control

Group of Ministers constituted to examine dual control mechanism between Centre and States for administration of GST on goods and services.

Compensation Cess on Mid-Size Cars

Cess increased on mid-size cars (engine capacity 1200-1500cc, length exceeding 4000mm) from 15% to 17% and large cars from 15% to 20%.

Job Work Compliance Easing

Simplification of job work procedures and extension of timelines for completing job work and returning finished goods.

Notable Rate Changes

ItemPrevious RateRevised Rate
Man-made yarn18%12%
Dried tamarind12%5%
Custard powder28%18%
Plastic raincoats28%18%
Stationery items (paper clips, etc.)28%18%
Parts of hearing aids18%Nil
Khakra and plain chapati12%5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main focus of the 22nd GST Council Meeting?

The 22nd GST Council Meeting focused on providing relief to exporters facing working capital blockage, reducing rates on 27 items to correct inverted duty structures, and forming a Group of Ministers to resolve the dual control issue between Centre and States.

How were exporters helped in this meeting?

Exporters received multiple reliefs: extension of bond/LUT deadlines, exemption of nominated agency imports from IGST, introduction of 0.1% concessional rate for merchant exporters procuring goods for export, and expedited refund processing timelines.

What is the dual control issue discussed in this meeting?

Dual control refers to whether Centre or States administer and audit GST taxpayers. A GoM was formed to recommend the threshold and mechanism for dividing administrative control of taxpayers between CGST and SGST authorities.

Why were compensation cess rates increased on cars?

Cess was increased on mid-size and large cars to maintain revenue neutrality after rate reductions on other items. Mid-size cars (1200-1500cc, >4m length) cess went from 15% to 17%, and large cars from 15% to 20%, while the base GST rate remained 28%.

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