From Paranthas to shampoos here’s listing the stranger things that attract GST

Odd items that attract GST

The inclusion of paan masala under the GST structure has been under discussion for a while. In the 40th meeting of the Council as well, no consensus could be reached. If you think paan masala is a weird item to argue about, take a look at some other oddities in the current list of items that attract GST.

Parotas are not rotis

In a recent GST ruling, Authority for Advance Rulings (Karnataka bench) distinguished between the two, holding that parotas would be subject to a higher GST rate of 18%.

Shampoos vs diamonds

Shampoo and detergents are two things used in every house. But, these are classified as luxury items and attract 28 per cent GST. In contrast, diamonds, gold and other precious metals which are bought be a minuscule population has been put under a special tax bracket of 0.25 percent and three percent.

Sanitary napkins vs sindoor

Despite repeated appeals by various activists and politicians, sanitary napkins are classified as non-essential items and attract 12 percent tax. This is actually higher than what it was earlier: around six percent. In contrast, sindoor, bangles and bindis have been classified as ‘essential’ and have been exempt from any taxes.

Future of literacy

Stationery, like notebooks, register, paper, boards, have been put in the 18 percent tax bracket. Only books are exempts from any taxes.

Cost of hygiene

Toothpaste and soap – Two of the things used by a majority of the population, every morning – is under the 18 percent tax slab

Human hair

Hair attracts 0% tax rate which is reserved for daily used and essential items. Human hair or the waste of human hair is used primarily for wigs and testing hair care products. Most of the hair waste in India is exported.