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February 12, 2026

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Explore GST

GST 5 Per cent Items List for Daily Use Products

The goods and services tax (GST rates have been put into action from September 22nd. The reforms are intended to simplify the tax structure and affect a wide range of goods and services. The tariff on several common foods will be lowered from 18% to 5%. As per the official sources, the goal of the GST reform is to move most goods into the 5% and 18% tax bands.

“The new rates will come into effect from September 22, starting with the first day of Navratti, except in the case of gutka, tobacco goods, and cigaratters”.Sitharaman said.

The New GST Rates List 2025 (Approvals from September 22, 2025)

The most extensive change in Goods and Services Tax GST since 2017 is now a reality. The harmonised two-tier taxation system was introduced in the entire country on September 22nd, 2025. The majority of goods and services will now incur a tax of 5%, while others will incur a tax of 18%. The 40% tax will be on ultraluxe goods.

The government has altered taxes for food products, basic usage articles, vehicles, healthcare, and luxury products. This will help make basic products cheaper while maintaining a higher rate for luxury/sin products.

Message from PM Modi to Citizens

Posting on X, Prime Minister Modi said, “So, let us celebrate the GST Bachat Utsav during the ongoing holiday season. This is because lower GST rates would mean every consumer saves more money, and business would also find it easy”.

Big Savings with New GST Reforms

The GST next-gen reforms, which went into effect on Monday. Will save households 13% on groceries and other everyday expenses, while a compact car buyer may save about RS. 70,000.

Government estimates indicate that purchases of stationery, clothes, shoes and medications would result in savings of 7-12%, while individual health and life insurance policies, which are exempt from GST as of Monday, would result in savings of up to 18%.

With the implementation of the GST next-gen change on Monday, up to 375 products, including food, agri equipment, apparel, medications, and cars, became more affordable. The reform has been referred to as GST Bachat Utsav by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to the government’s estimation, buying tractors up to 1800cc will save RS. 40000. Previously, 12-18%, the GST rate on tractors has been reduced to 5%.

New GST Rate on Essential Food Items

The central government has changed the GST slab for essential food items. Check the full list below:

Item	Revised GST Rate	Previous Rate
Pre-packaged & labelled Chhena/Paneer	0%	5%
Roti	0%	5%
Pizza bread	0%	5%
Khakhra	0%	5%
Condensed milk	5%	12%–18%
Butter	5%	12%–18%
Ghee	5%	12%–18%
Cheese	5%	12%–18%
Dairy spreads	5%	12%–18%
Chocolates	5%	12%–18%
Pasta	5%	12%–18%
Baked goods	5%	12%–18%
Namkeens	5%	12%–18%

The New GST Rate on Dry Fruits, Spices, and Other Ingredients

The GST slab has been lowered for dry fruits, spices, and other products that will be sold in India. Check the full list below:

Item	Revised GST Rate	Previous Rate
Dried nuts	5%	12%–18%
Dried fruits	5%	12%–18%
Malt	5%	12%–18%
Starches	5%	12%–18%
Vegetable extracts	5%	12%–18%
Sausages	5%	12%–18%
Sugar products	5%	12%–18%

New GST Rate on Beverages (Sugary, Aerated and Caffeinated)

A whole new slab has been introduced in the new GST Rate announcement. The beverages fall under this new slab. Check the full list below:

Item	Revised GST Rate	Previous Rate
Packaged coconut water	40%	18%–28%
Soya milk drinks	40%	18%–28%
Other non-alcoholic sugary beverages	40%	18%–28%
Caffeinated beverages	40%	28%
Carbonated fruit drinks	40%	28%

40% GST Rate- Luxury and Sin Goods

The 40% GST slab applies to sin and luxury goods, including:

Pan Masla

Unmanufactured tobacco and tobacco refuse

Cigars, cheroots, cigarillos, cigarettes of tobacco extracts and essences

Products containing tobacco or nicotine intended for inhalation without combustion.

Luxury Vehicles & Equipment

High-end motor cars and SUVs exceeding prescribed engine capacity/length

Hybrid motor vehicles (petrol engines >1200cc or diesel engines >1500cc and length >4000 mm)

Motorcycles with engine capacity exceeding 350 cc

Personal-use aircraft, yachts, and pleasure/sports vessels

Revolvers and pistols (other than specified defence items)

Smoking pipes, cigar or cigarette holders and parts thereof

Gaming & Betting

Specified actionable claims involving betting, casinos, gambling, horse racing, lottery or online money gaming

Note: For items marked with an asterisk (*), the new rates will come into effect on a date to be separately notified, after the government settles all pending compensation-cess liabilities.

Conclusion

The new list of GST reforms for the upcoming generation has been made applicable from today, i.e., September 22, 2025, having 0%, 5%, and 18% slab rates. Consumers in India have already started enjoying the lower pricing of essential items, household items, and services, but consumers of high-end items have to pay their high price.

These reforms are intended to increase savings, enable a reduction in the prices of essential commodities, and foster effective spending. The new small businesses plan helps plan the purchases wisely in order to maximize the savings achieved.

FAQS

How does GST of 5% apply to daily usage products?

5% GST is a level of tax on essentials used by people on a daily basis, and the goods or commodities in this group could fit into the essentials category as necessities in their own right.

What are some common examples of daily-use goods that fall under the 5% category of GST?

Such items that would come under a 5 percent GST rate could include: Packaged food grains, Edible oils, Sugar, Tea, Coffee-excluding instant coffee, Home medicine, Coal, LPG for household use, and others like paneer and butter if packed and branded, etc.

Do 5% GST Charges apply to every food product?

This does not mean all food items are subject to 5% GST. Exempted are unbranded and unpackaged food items. On the other hand, most packaged necessities are charged 5% GST. Packaged luxury food items may invite higher GST rates.

Is the 5% GST charged on medicines and health products?

Yes. Most of the essential medicines, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment attract a GST of 5 percent so that their prices remain affordable.

Can GST rates on use products change in the future?

Yes, GST rates can change periodically by the GST Council. Essential commodities may stay in a low tax bracket, though taxation rates can differ depending on economic factors.

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