Author: admin_gst

Department of Posts, JSC Russia Post sign pact to boost cross-border e-commerce
GST
Dated:- 5-12-2025
PTI
New Delhi, Dec 5 (PTI) The Department of Posts has signed a bilateral agreement with JSC Russia Post on International Tracked Packet Service to boost cross-border postal cooperation and e-commerce trade between India and Russia, an official statement said on Friday.
The operationalisation of International Tracked Packet Service (ITPS) between India and Russia will create a cost-effective, trackable and reliable logistics channel for low-value consignments, an essential requirement for the global e-commerce ecosystem, it added.
“The Department of Posts and JSC Russia Post have signed a bilateral agreement on the Internation

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improving price competitiveness and market access for Indian sellers,” according to the statement.
To support small businesses in accessing global markets, the Department of Posts, in collaboration with the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), has set up 1,013 Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs) across the country.
A substantial share of exports via the postal channel originates from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, demonstrating the increasing participation of small enterprises and individual entrepreneurs in the international marketplace.
“The launch of ITPS with Russia is expected to particularly benefit MSMEs, artisans, start-ups and rural entrepreneurs, enabling them to sell their products on Russian e-marketplaces with competit

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Exempt cooperative sector from GST, demands CPI-M member
GST
Dated:- 5-12-2025
PTI
New Delhi, Dec 5 (PTI) CPI-M member V Siadasan on Friday demanded that cooperatives should be exempted from GST, as the sector encourages equitable growth and community-based enterprises.
“I urge the government to look into it and demand GST exemption for cooperative sector products,” he said during the special mention in the Rajya Sabha.
The cooperative sector has long played a decisive role in promoting economic equality, social welfare and inclusive development in India.
“This is especially true in states like Kerala, where thousands of cooperatives and societies operate across agricultural, dairy, handloom, banking, housing and small-scale

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ctor products from GST will significantly strengthen local economies. It will help maintain price stability, ensure better returns for members and support sustainable community-based production systems,” he said.
Sandosh Kumar P of CPI raised the issue for the development of Sabarimala, which is facing a massive pilgrim influx.
Despite the efforts of the Kerala government and Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and associated agencies, the existing infrastructure and available land within the permissible boundaries remain insufficient to ensure the safety, comfort and orderly movement of millions of pilgrims.
“In this context, there is an urgent need to get the approval of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change for the alloc

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Auto Suspension of GST Registration due to Non-Furnishing of Bank Account Details as per Rule 10A
GST
Dated:- 5-12-2025

Dear Taxpayers,
As per Rule 10A, taxpayers (except those registered under TCS, TDS, or Suo-moto registrations) must furnish their bank account details within 30 days of grant of registration or before filing details of outward supplies in GSTR-1 or IFF, whichever is earlier.
The following updates have been implemented on the GST Portal with respect to Rule 10A:
* Automatic Suspension:
If a taxpayer fails to furnish bank account details within 30 days of registration, the system will automatically suspend the registration. The suspension order can be viewed at: Services > User Services > View Notices and

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Home, auto loans to get cheaper as RBI cuts interest rates to support 'goldilocks' economy
GST
Dated:- 5-12-2025
PTI
Mumbai, Dec 5 (PTI) Home, auto and other loans are likely to cost less as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday cut key benchmark interest rate for the first time in six months and vowed to provide Rs 1 lakh crore liquidity boost to banking sector to support a “goldilocks” economy in the face of high US tariffs.
The six-member monetary policy committee, led by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, voted unanimously to lower the repurchase or repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25 per cent and retained a neutral stance, which gave room for further rate cuts.
The step is being seen as lending support to the economy th

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ses to borrow more, and supports economic activity.
The RBI also reiterated its commitment to providing adequate liquidity to the banking system as it announced intent to conduct open market purchases of government bonds up to Rs 1 lakh crore in two tranches of Rs 50,000 crore each on 11th and 18th December and a buy-sell swap of USD 5 billion on 16th December.
Both measures will add durable liquidity at a time when banks face seasonal liquidity pressures.
This is the fourth rate cut by the central bank since February 2025, taking the total to 125 basis points. It held rates in August and October bimonthly monetary policy meetings.
“Inflation at a benign 2.2 per cent and growth at 8.0 per cent in H1:2025-26 (April-September of 2025-

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, the Indian economy has shown remarkable resilience and is poised to register high growth. The headroom provided by the inflation outlook has allowed us to remain growth supportive.” He went on to add that RBI will continue to meet the productive requirements of the economy in a proactive manner while ensuring macroeconomic stability.
Indian exports have plunged after US President Donald Trump slapped a 50 per cent tariff on goods from the country.
RBI will conduct open market operations of Rs 1 lakh crore to buy bonds this month, and another USD 5 billion in forex swaps to add liquidity to the banking system and speed up transmission of lower rates.
Commenting on the RBI decisions, Crisil chief economist Dharmakirti Joshi said the

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RBI raises FY26 GDP growth projection to 7.3 pc
GST
Dated:- 5-12-2025
PTI
Mumbai, Dec 5 (PTI) Reserve Bank on Friday raised the GDP growth projection to 7.3 per cent for the current fiscal from its earlier estimate of 6.8 per cent following robust economic performance in the July-September quarter.
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) registered a six-quarter high growth of 8.2 per cent in Q2 of 2025-26, underpinned by resilient domestic demand amidst global trade and policy uncertainties.
On the supply side, real Gross Value Added (GVA) expanded by 8.1 per cent, aided by buoyant industrial and services sectors.
Unveiling the December monetary policy, Reserve Bank Governor Sanjay Malhotra said economic activity during the firs

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expansion in non-food bank credit, and high capacity utilisation.
The governor also noted that merchandise exports declined sharply in October amid subdued external demand, accompanied by softer services exports.
On the supply side, agricultural growth is supported by healthy kharif crop production, higher reservoir levels and better rabi crop sowing.
Manufacturing activity continues to improve, while the services sector is maintaining a steady pace, Malhotra said.
“Taking all these factors into consideration, real GDP growth for 2025-26 is projected at 7.3 per cent, with Q3 at 7 per cent; and Q4 at 6.5 per cent. Real GDP growth for Q1 of 2026-27 is projected at 6.7 per cent and Q2 at 6.8 per cent. The risks are evenly balanced,” h

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Gross and Net GST revenue collections for the month of Nov, 2025
GST
Dated:- 5-12-2025

The gross and net GST revenue collections for the month of Nov, 2025.
Thanks,
Team GSTN
News – Press release – PIB

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FAQs on GSTR -9/9C for FY 2024-25
GST
Dated:- 5-12-2025

Additional list of Frequently Asked Question along with the response has been compiled in response to comment received from various channel. The additional FAQ dt 4-12-2025 is intended to further assist the Taxpayer in better understanding of various Tables of GSTR-9/9C and their key aspects – such as reporting of various values in Tables. 
S.No
Query
GSTN Reply
1
If I paid GST on RCM for FY24-25 in GSTR 3B of FY25-26. Should this liability and ITC of RCM be reported in GSTR 9 of FY 2024-25 or FY 2025-26?
This RCM Liabilities and ITC on said RCM transaction should be reported in GSTR-9 of FY 2025-26.
Explanation- As clarified by CBIC vide Press release dated 3rd July 2019, the RCM Liability may be reported in the year, in which it was paid along with applicable interest (if any). Relevant extract of the said press release –
g) Reverse charge in respect of Financial Year 2017-18 paid during Financial Year

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is no mention of how to show ITC of 23-24 reverse in 24-25 in table 7.
The ITC claimed for FY 2023-24 in the FY 2024-25 needs to be reported in 6A1.
However, ITC reversal of FY 2023-24, reported in GSTR 3B for FY 2024-25, need not to report in the Table 7 of GSTR 9 of FY 2024-25.
Table 6B to table 6H and Table 7A to table 7H will contain the details of ITC for the current year only (2024-25)
3.
Table 12B of GSTR-9C for FY 2024-25 becomes reductant as Table 7J of GSTR 9 of FY 2024-25 does not consider the ITC of FY 2023-24 claimed or reversed in FY 24-25
Table 12B capture the ITC booked in earlier FY and claimed in current FY. Therefore, this amount will neither appear in Table 12A nor in Table 12E. Hence it appears that this FY, this may create a mismatch.
However, in case of any differences in Table 12F of GSTR 9C, taxpayer may provide the reason for un-reconciled differences in ITC in Table 13 of GSTR 9C.
4.
Table 7J of GSTR 9 does not consider 6A1 and therefore the amount i

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25 so ITC claimed in 3B of FY 24-25 which we need to report in 6A1 of FY 24-25.
So ideally it shouldn't be reported in Table 12B of GSTR 9C as there will be no unreconciled difference but if such ITC is taken in the books in FY 2024-25 instead of FYT 2- 023-24 then 12A of 9C will be high and 12E auto-populated from 7J of 9 will be less and there will be unreconciled difference in 12F for which we should give reasons or how to show this unreconciled difference?
ITC which pertain to FY 23-24 should not form part of Audited financial statement of 24-25. However, apparently the ITC amount as reported in Audited Financial Statement depends upon methodology adopted by taxpayer.
Accordingly, the value in Table 12A to 12C of GSTR 9C may be reported as per the accounting methodology adopted by taxpayer. However, if in case of any differences in the Table 12F of GSTR 9C, taxpayer may provide the reason for un-reconciled differences in ITC in Table 13 of GSTR 9C.
7.
Where is non-GST purc

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GST registration cancellation upheld for fake business premises, non-existent operations, contravention of CGST Rules Rule 21A
Case-Laws
GST
HC upheld cancellation of petitioner's GST registration, dismissing the writ petition. The Court accepted the appellate authority's findings that there were serious inconsistencies regarding the petitioner's declared place of business, including submission of two rental agreements for different premises with conflicting dates. It further held that the petitioner had not conducted any business from the declared place, constituting contravention of Rule 21A of the CGST Rules. Finding no perversity or legal infirmity in the cancellation order or the appellate confirmation, HC declined to exercise writ jurisdiction.
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Fraudulent ITC dispute remitted to appellate remedy under Section 107 CGST; writ relief refused, limitation protected
Case-Laws
GST
HC held that allegations of fraudulent ITC availment involve complex factual issues unsuitable for adjudication in writ jurisdiction, especially where departmental proceedings and detailed orders exist. Noting that the petitioner had received an email and was obliged to participate, the Court found any defect in DRC-07 to be inadvertent, not fatal. HC declined to set aside the impugned order and DRC-07, instead directing the petitioner to avail the statutory appellate remedy under Section 107 CGST Act. It permitted filing of appeal against the order and DRC-07 by a specified extended date, insulating such appeal from dismissal on limitation grounds.
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GST registration cancellation, delayed appeal, and fake invoice link lead to petition dismissal with costs for unreliable affidavit
Case-Laws
GST
HC upheld cancellation of petitioner's GST registration and refusal to condone delay in filing the appeal. It held that there was no violation of principles of natural justice, as the petitioner had been afforded ample opportunity and had made false and contradictory statements on oath regarding his connection with the registered entity. The affidavit in support of delay condonation was found unreliable and devoid of credible explanation, justifying rejection. Observing prima facie that the premises were likely used for issuing fake invoices to claim input tax credit, HC dismissed the petition and imposed costs of Rs. 5,000, payable to a government hospital within four weeks.
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GST AAR classifies Quick Lime and Hydrated Lime under Heading 2522, confirms continued 5% rate despite new notification
Case-Laws
GST
AAR held that the applicant's products, namely 90% Quick Lime and 85%-95% Hydrated Lime with 10%-15% impurities, are classifiable under Heading 2522 as Quicklime and Slaked Lime, and not under Heading 2825. On this classification, the applicable GST rate is 5% under the relevant rate notification. The AAR observed that although N/N. 1/2017-Central Tax (Rate) was superseded by a subsequent notification, the concessional 5% GST rate on Quick Lime and Hydrated Lime under Heading 2522 remained unchanged.
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ITC denial on fictitious invoices under S.74 GST Act set aside; tax already credited to revenue
Case-Laws
GST
HC examined proceedings under S.74 GST Act against the purchasing dealer for alleged inadmissible ITC on fictitious invoices without movement of goods. It found the supplier had filed GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B and that GSTR-2A was auto-populated, with no dispute by authorities regarding these statutory records. HC held there was no material indicating fraud or wilful misstatement by the petitioner and that tax collected had reached the revenue. Relying on binding precedent that ITC cannot be denied where the selling dealer was registered and tax deposited, HC quashed the impugned orders and allowed the petition.
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Sales incentives as services: GST payable on tour packages valued via section 194R TDS, rule 35 applies
Case-Laws
GST
AAR held that non-monetary benefits/perquisites, including tour packages received by the applicant from a manufacturer for achieving sales targets, constitute a taxable “supply of services” in the course or furtherance of business. No exemption under Notification No. 12/2017-Central Tax (Rate) applies. The applicant is the supplier of sales promotion/business support services and the manufacturer is the recipient; accordingly, the applicant must raise a tax invoice on the manufacturer. For valuation, the value of service is the value of gifts/perquisites/tour packages as reflected in the TDS certificate under section 194R of the Income-tax Act. The applicant may issue invoices on a tax-inclusive basis in terms of rule 35 of the valuation provisions.
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Assignment of GIDC leasehold rights not a taxable GST supply; SCN under s.74 quashed, s.7(1)(a) and s.9 inapplicable
Case-Laws
GST
HC examined the validity of a SCN issued u/s 74 of the State GST Act concerning taxability of assignment of leasehold rights in industrial plots. Relying on its prior rulings, HC held that assignment/sale/transfer of leasehold rights in GIDC-allotted land constitutes transfer of benefits arising from immovable property, which falls outside the ambit of “supply” under s.7(1)(a), read with Sch. II cl.5(b) and Sch. III cl.5. Consequently, such transaction is not exigible to GST u/s 9. The impugned SCN was quashed and the writ petition allowed.
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Software consultancy to overseas parent held export of services, zero rated under Section 16 IGST; refund allowed
Case-Laws
GST
HC held that the petitioner, an Indian company, rendered software consultancy and related services to its overseas parent on its own account and not as an “intermediary” under the IGST Act. On a conjoint reading of the service agreement, the petitioner's role was found to be that of an independent service provider, not an agent or broker arranging or facilitating supplies of another. Consequently, the services qualified as “export of services” and “zero rated supply” under Section 16 of the IGST Act. The impugned orders denying classification as export and rejecting refund of unutilised ITC were quashed, and respondents were directed to process refund claims within limitation.
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Paddy treated as agricultural produce; godown rent for exclusive storage under Entry 54 of Notification 12/2017 attracts nil GST
Case-Laws
GST
AAR held that paddy qualifies as “agricultural produce” as it is derived from cultivation of plants and undergoes only such processing (dehusking) as is normally carried out by a cultivator, without altering its essential characteristics, merely rendering it marketable in the primary market. Consequently, paddy falls within the scope of “agricultural produce” under the relevant GST notification. Therefore, services by way of renting of a godown used exclusively for storage of paddy are covered under Entry 54 of Notification No. 12/2017-Central Tax (Rate), attracting Nil rate of GST, and such rental income is not liable to GST.
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Pre-SCN consultation under Rule 142(1A) not mandatory; taxpayer directed to appeal under Section 107 CGST Act
Case-Laws
GST
HC dismissed the writ petition challenging recovery of excess ITC with interest and penalty on the ground of absence of pre-SCN consultation under Rule 142(1A) CGST Rules. Relying on its earlier decision and post-Notification No. 79/2022-Central Tax regime, HC held that pre-SCN consultation is no longer mandatory, particularly in complex, large-scale fraudulent ITC transactions involving multiple entities where such consultation would be meaningless. As the SCN was issued after the notification and the limitation for appeal had not expired, HC directed the petitioner to avail the statutory appellate remedy under S.107 CGST Act. The sum of Rs.1.66 crores already deposited may be adjusted towards pre-deposit.
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Escrow freight deposits not consideration under Section 7 CGST Act; GST applies only on intermediary facilitation commission
Case-Laws
GST
AAR held that amounts deposited by shippers into an escrow account operated by the applicant for onward remittance to carriers do not constitute “consideration” under Section 7 of the CGST Act, as the sums never accrue to the applicant and are held purely as deposits belonging to the transacting parties. The applicant's only taxable supply is its facilitation service as an intermediary, for which it receives subscription/commission, on which it is already discharging GST. Consequently, no GST is payable on the freight amounts handled through the escrow mechanism, which are outside the scope of supply in the applicant's hands.
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NDA says Bill seeking excise duty on tobacco a health safeguard; hurts poor, breaks GST spirit: Oppn
GST
Dated:- 4-12-2025
PTI
New Delhi, Dec 4 (PTI) Members of the ruling NDA on Thursday said in the Rajya Sabha that the bill seeking to levy excise duty on tobacco products is aimed at safeguarding public health and not earning revenue, and further claimed that the interests of tobacco farmers will be taken care of.
Opposition parties, however, opposed the Bill, saying it not only undermines the GST foundational promise of one nation, one tax but also disproportionately affects the poorest and the most vulnerable sections of society.
Supporting the Bill, TDP MP Masthan Rao Yadav Beedha said by keeping tobacco expensive, the g

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DA, said the Bill will benefit the people of the country.
“Government health expenditure as a percentage of GDP rose from 1.13 per cent in 2014-15 to 1.84 per cent in 2021-22,” TMC (M) MP G K Vasan said, highlighting the deteriorating impact of the use of tobacco on public health.
Vasan said the Bill does not impose any new tax and what was earlier collected under cess will be collected under the central excise tax.
Seconding Vasan's views, another BJP MP Dr Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade said once a person gets addicted to tobacco, he or she not only becomes a patient but also economic, mental and social burden on the family.
He stated that the Bill is a strong effort to stop the vicious cycle of use of tobacco, which causes several type

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it is a slow poison,” Maurya said, appreciating PM Modi for envisaging the bill.
BJP MP from Goa Sadanand Mhalu Shet Tanvade called the Bill an economically prudent and socially responsible initiative while according to Mahendra Bhatt, BJP Uttarakhand MP, it is a decisive step in the direction of welfare of the state.
Opposition party NCP-SCP opposed the Bill saying it undermines the GST foundational promise of one nation, one tax.
NCP-SCP MP Dr Fauzia Khan said, “This will leave manufacturers dealing with two tax audits, two valuation regimes, doubling the filings and the risk of all excise disputes. The Bill and its explanation do not clarify whether the dual systems will coordinate or share data, nor do they address the audit comp

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No GST on leasing out residential premises as hostel for students: SC
GST
Dated:- 4-12-2025
PTI
New Delhi, Dec 4 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Thursday held that leasing out of residential premises to an entity which is using it as hostel for students and working professionals is exempted from GST.
A bench of justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan upheld the verdict of the Karnataka High Court which said that leasing out of residential premises to an entity which is using it as hostel to students and working professionals is exempt under GST.
“In the case on hand, the ultimate use of the property as residence remains unchanged. However, if 18 per cent GST is levied on this transaction between the respondent No. 1 and the lessee

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its eligibility to seek exemption for the renting services provided and filed an application before the Authority of Advance Ruling, Karnataka.
The AAR, Karnataka held that the renting of residential dwelling for use as residence is not covered under entry 13 and the benefit of exemption according to notification is not available.
The petitioner filed an appeal before the Appellate Authority for Advance Ruling which held that the property rented out is a hostel and cannot be termed as residential accommodation or residential dwelling and denied the benefit of exemption.
The Karnataka High Court held that the leasing out of residential premises to an entity who is using it as 'hostel' to students and working professionals is exempt under

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Parliament approves bill to levy excise duty on tobacco
GST
Dated:- 4-12-2025
PTI
New Delhi, Dec 4 (PTI) Parliament on Thursday approved a bill to levy a higher excise duty on tobacco and related products once the GST compensation cess ends, with the Rajya Sabha returning the legislation to Lok Sabha.
Lok Sabha had passed the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on Wednesday.
Replying to a discussion on the bill in Rajya Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke on the various aspects of the legislation, and responded to questions from various members.
Sitharaman also told the House that farmers are being encouraged to give up tobacco and grow other cash crops.
“This is being done in Andhra, Bihar, Karnataka, Ma

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Opposition in RS calls for govt initiative to check tobacco use
GST
Dated:- 4-12-2025
PTI
New Delhi, Dec 4 (PTI) Several opposition MPs on Thursday expressed concern in the Rajya Sabha that the government is focusing on increasing revenue from tobacco, rather than initiating strong public health measures to control its use.
Participating in a discussion on a bill seeking to levy more excise duty on tobacco products, members also asked the government to put a check on surrogate advertisements on tobacco products.
The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, was moved in the Upper House on Thursday by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Choudhary.
Speaking on the Bill, Congress deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha Pramod Tiwari said the bill should have been sent to a Parliamentary panel for scrutiny.
Tiwari said the bill is silent on tobacco farmers and labourers who work in the sector.
He said the money earned through levying excise dut

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teps to control pan masala and tobacco advertisements that are being done by celebrities and influencers across the media. What is the government doing to control these kinds of advertising?” she questioned.
She said global best practices show that tobacco taxes are most effective only when paired with strong public health interventions.
“Therefore, this bill is a pure and simple revenue move. It is not a public health reform. This is a revenue move to profiteer from taxes. It is not a public health reform,” she added.
Ghose also said the Centre owed West Bengal around Rs 2 lakh crore.
Noting that tobacco addiction is a major problem faced by the country, DMK MP R Girirajan said instead of taking steps to reduce its consumption, the government is imposing taxes.
“It will only lead to more avoidance of tax as opposed to revenue collection. The middle class, all over the country, is very unhappy that they are paying the majority of taxes, and that they are not getting any tax deduct

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ear,” he added.
There is a massive revenue loss due to tobacco-related health issues, he added.
“The question arises if it can be totally banned…The liquor ban in Gujarat has totally failed; it is delivered at home. Same with Bihar… No matter if your intentions are good… You have to see whether it works or not,” he said.
“Your intention is not clear; it looks like you are doing this just for revenue generation.” BJP MP Arun Singh said that under the NDA regime, the share of taxes given to states has increased.
“During the UPA, 32 per cent of the taxes were given to states…Our government decided to give 42 per cent to states,” he added.
He said that as far as health is concerned, the BJP government “does not need to learn from UPA”, and mentioned government schemes like Ayushman Bharat.
“Congress never thought people should get clean water.” The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill will replace the GST compensation cess, which is currently levied on all tobacco products like

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Rajya Sabha members seek ban on 'misleading' advertisements on tobacco products
GST
Dated:- 4-12-2025
PTI
New Delhi, Dec 4 (PTI) Several members of the Rajya Sabha on Thursday asked the government to immediately stop “misleading” advertisements to promote tobacco, liquor and other products, while citing an alarming number of deaths due to cancer and other diseases associated with the consumption of such intoxicants.
They were speaking on the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced in the Upper House earlier during the day. The bill proposes to levy a higher excise duty on tobacco and related products once the GST compensation cess ends.
BJP's Sanjay Seth said it has been seen that people from different walks of life be it a man, woman or children have started using tobacco and related products and because of which cancer, heart and lung diseases are on the rise.
According to a report of the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 1.35 million people

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r such harmful products by film actors or actresses.
He proposed a licence for sellers of gutkha and cigarettes, akin to the similar mandatory requirement for liquor sellers, to discourage sales.
BJP's Govindbhai Laljibhai Dholakia, who started to speak on the matter with a Sanskrit verse, mentioned his “addiction-free” export firm.
“Our company is Shri Ramakrishna Export. It has more than 7,000 employees. Today, our company is tobacco-free. There is nobody who suffers from addiction. I want India to become tobacco-free like this company,” he said, adding that tobacco is the biggest cause of death among the country's youths.
AIADMK's M Thambidurai extended his support to the bill, provided the shares of the state governments get their due share.
“This bill is a timely and necessary reform aimed at safeguarding public health, maintaining revenue stability and ensuring that harmful products like tobacco do not become cheaper as the GST compensation cess is gradually phased out.

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ose, that is to stabilise tobacco taxation, to strengthen the health policy of the central government to ensure reduction of cancer patients, heart and lung diseases.
He supported the bill, saying the legislation is in the national and public interest.
The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed by a voice vote in the Lower House on Wednesday.
The bill, once enacted, will give the government the fiscal space to increase the rate of central excise duty on tobacco and related products after the GST compensation cess, which is currently levied on all tobacco products like cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, hookah, zarda, and scented tobacco, ceases to exist.
Currently, a 28 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) plus cess at a varied rate is levied on tobacco and related products.
The bill proposes to levy an excise duty of 60-70 per cent on unmanufactured tobacco. Excise on cigars and cheroots is proposed at 25 per cent or Rs 5,000 per 1,000 sticks, whichever is highe

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Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary inaugurates the 68th Founding Day of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), New Delhi, today.
GST
Dated:- 4-12-2025

MoS Finance reiterates Government's endeavour to ensure that honest taxpayers can do business with dignity and that the use of India's land, waterways, or air becomes impossible, risky, and futile for illegal trade
CBIC Chairman encourages DRI officers to continue leveraging technology, risk management tools, and global partnerships to strengthen India's border security framework
DRI DG highlights DRI's relentless efforts in busting smuggling syndicates and choking the stream of illicit funds generated from smuggling
DRI releases its annual flagship

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on the occasion, MoS Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, lauded DRI's steadfast commitment to protecting India's economic borders and trade infrastructure since its establishment in 1957. He commended DRI for tackling global challenges, technological changes, and the emergence of organised international crime networks and continuing to perform its duties with steadfastness, dedication, and efficiency on every front. He underscored that the endeavour of the Government is to ensure that honest taxpayers can do business with dignity and that the use of India's land, waterways, or air becomes impossible, risky, and futile for illegal trade.
CBIC Chairman Shri Vivek Chaturvedi praised DRI for its unwavering professionalism and its central role

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Commendation Certificates for Meritorious Service and Excellence were awarded to DRI officers for exceptional contributions to enforcement and intelligence operations.
DRI also released the Smuggling in India Report 2024-25, its annual flagship publication that highlights trends in illicit trade, major enforcement achievements, emerging challenges, and policy recommendations.
The ceremony was attended by 30 international delegates from 15 participating countries in the 10th Regional Customs Enforcement Meeting (RCEM), reflecting the growing partnership between India and global enforcement agencies in combating transnational smuggling. Their presence underscored DRI's role as a key contributor to international customs collaboration.
DRI

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Fitch ups India's FY'26 GDP growth forecast to 7.4 pc on better consumer spending, GST reforms
GST
Dated:- 4-12-2025
PTI
New Delhi, Dec 4 (PTI) Fitch Ratings on Thursday raised India's GDP growth forecast for the current fiscal to 7.4 per cent, from 6.9 per cent, on increased consumer spending and improved sentiment boosted by GST reforms.
It said falling inflation gives the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) room for one more policy rate cut in December to 5.25 per cent, following 100 bp of cuts in 2025 so far.
Fitch said GDP growth accelerated further in the July-September quarter to 8.2 per cent, from 7.8 per cent in the April-June quarter.
“Growth will ease over the remainder of the financial year 2025-26 (to end-March), but

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