GST rate on alcohol based hand sanitizers- CBIC clarifies on exiting rate of 18%

The issue of GST rate on alcohol based hand sanitizers  has been reported in  few sections of media. .

It is stated  that hand sanitizers attract GST at the rate of 18%. Sanitizers are disinfectants like soaps, anti-bacterial liquids, dettol etc which  all  attract duty standard rate of 18% under the GST regime. The GST rates  on various items are  decided by the GST  Council where the Central Government and  all the state governments together deliberate and take decisions.

It is further clarified  that inputs for manufacture of hand sanitizers are  chemicals packing material, input services,  which also attract a GST rate of 18%. Reducing the GST rate on sanitizers and other similar items would lead to an inverted duty structure and put  the domestic manufacturers at disadvantage vis-a-vis importers. Lower GST rates help imports by making them cheaper. This is against the nation’s policy on Atmanirbhar Bharat. Consumers would also eventually not benefit from the lower GST rate if domestic manufacturing suffers on account of inverted duty structure.

• Refund can not be denied on the ground that it was claimed in a return filed u/s 148 – ITAT
• Distinction between religious & charitable purposes is determined by institution’s primary or dominant object
• Fit case to issue notice u/s 148 – Relevancy of material & application of mind to objections important
• AO is under an obligation to assign reasons for rejecting explanation of the assessee
• CBIC issues SoP for clearance of imported goods through Foreign Post Offices