GST Rates on Food Products – Pre-Packaged and Labelled

The introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India has been a game changer for many businesses in India. The new tax regime has brought a lot of changes in the way various industries operate, including the food industry. The GST council has levied tax on various food products based on different categories. In this article, we will discuss the GST rates on food products that are pre-packaged and labelled.

What is Pre-packaged and labelled food?

Pre-packaged food refers to any food item that is enclosed in a wrapper, container or any other kind of packaging before it is sold. Labelled food, on the other hand, refers to pre-packaged food that has a label or sticker on it, which provides information about the food product to the consumer.

GST Rates on Pre-packaged and Labelled Food Products

The GST council has levied different rates of tax on various food products that are pre-packaged and labelled. Below is a list of GST rates on such products:

1. 5% GST on Paneer, Vegetables, Fruits, Nuts, Pickle, Murabba, Chutney, Jam, Jelly, Ice Cream, and other food products that are not classified elsewhere.

2. 12% GST on Butter, Cheese, Ghee, Dry Fruits in packaged form, Namkeen, Bhujia, and other food items that are classified elsewhere.

3. 18% GST on Fruit juices, Packed Coconut water, Packed Tender coconut water, Ayurvedic Medicines, and other similar items.

4. 28% GST on Chocolates, Aerated Drinks, Waffles coated with chocolate, Caffeinated Beverages, Energy Drinks, and other such products.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the GST council has levied different rates of tax on pre-packaged and labelled food products based on their category. The tax rates for these products are in line with the broader objective of the GST regime, which is to bring uniformity and transparency in the tax structure. It’s important for businesses dealing with pre-packaged and labelled food products to keep track of the GST rates to avoid any non-compliance issues.