Why is the Government Requiring Businesses to Showcase GST Savings?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Businesses must display old and new pricing.
- GST reform introduces two main rates: 5% and 18%.
- Expected price reductions on consumer durables and automobiles.
- FMCG companies demand strict compliance monitoring.
- Potential reduction in inflation rates through these reforms.
New Delhi, Sep 11 (NationPress) The Central Government has instructed businesses to exhibit provisional pricing lists for various products, including automobiles and consumer electronics, to highlight the reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates. These comparative pricing lists are to be made available on the GST website, enabling consumers to understand the benefits they can anticipate as the new two-tier system comes into force on September 22, as per several reports.
A significant transformation in the GST framework has been announced, introducing primarily two tax rates of 5 percent and 18 percent, along with a 40 percent tax rate for luxury and sin goods.
Additionally, retailers and dealerships must display both pre- and post-GST pricing at their outlets to guarantee transparency for consumers.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) convened with industry associations and ministries related to heavy industry, consumer products, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals to facilitate the seamless execution of the announced rate cuts from the GST Council meeting.
Industries have agreed to pass the benefits of these tax reductions onto consumers, with expectations of a 10 percent decrease in consumer goods and 12-15 percent in automotive prices.
Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies have called on the CBIC to introduce strict monitoring protocols to prevent firms from retaining these benefits.
They have requested the CBIC chairman to issue guidelines to all FMCG companies to ensure effective adherence to the new rates, including proper labeling and updated invoicing.
Food inflation is projected to decrease by 25-35 basis points over the next six months, as prices for prepared meals, oils, bread, and noodles decline due to reduced costs of butter and vanaspati.
Core inflation could potentially ease by 30-40 basis points, driven by lower prices for soaps, toothpaste, household appliances, and medications.
According to Bank of Baroda's research, India's GST reforms could reduce headline inflation by as much as 75 basis points and unlock approximately Rs 1 lakh crore in consumer spending.