Transition Provisions for Goods in Transit under GST

With the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India, there has been a lot of confusion among business owners regarding the treatment of goods in transit. The GST regime has brought about significant changes in the way businesses operate, and it is essential to understand the transition provisions for goods in transit under GST.

What are the Transition Provisions for Goods in Transit under GST?

The GST regime mandates that all goods in transit as of 1st July 2017, the appointed date for GST implementation, will be subject to the provisions of the GST law. The government has provided the following two options for businesses to avail of the transition provisions for goods in transit:

Option 1: The supplier can issue a new invoice for the goods in transit and charge GST as per the applicable rate. The recipient can claim input tax credit (ITC) on the same.

Option 2: The supplier can issue a revised invoice for the goods in transit without charging any GST. The recipient cannot claim ITC on the same.

It is crucial to note that businesses must opt for either of the above options for goods in transit as of 1st July 2017, failing which they will not be able to claim the ITC.

Can ITC be Claimed on Goods in Transit?

Businesses can claim ITC on goods in transit under GST, subject to certain conditions. The ITC can be claimed only if the goods in transit are accompanied by the following documents:

Original invoice or bill of supply
Delivery challan
Certified copy of the invoice or bill of supply
Certified copy of the transport document

It is essential to ensure that all the documents are in order and that the ITC is claimed within 180 days from the date of the invoice. Businesses must also ensure that the goods have been received and accounted for in their books of accounts before claiming the ITC.

Wrapping Up

Transition provisions for goods in transit under GST are a crucial aspect that businesses must understand to avoid any confusion and loss of ITC. By opting for the appropriate option, businesses can ensure that they comply with the GST law and claim the ITC on goods in transit. It is also essential to ensure that all the necessary documents are in order and that the ITC is claimed within the stipulated period.