The GST Council lowered tax rates on 66 items such as pickles, incense sticks, some movie tickets and printers after industries and states complained that the goods will become too expensive when the new indirect taxation system kicks in from July 1. Movie tickets costing Rs 100 and below will now attract 18%, against 28% proposed earlier, while those above Rs 100 will continue to attract 28% GST. Packaged food like pickles, mustard sauce and morabba will attract 12% GST, against 18% proposed earlier. On being asked about the tax rates on sanitary napkins, the finance minister said, “What has been decided earlier remains. The GST Council fit almost all goods and services in slabs of 5, 12, 18 and 28% tax during the Srinagar meeting in May.

Source: Hindustan Times June 11, 2017 11:04 UTC