Revised GST rates: Full list of items that will get cheaper or costlier

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the 56th GST Council meeting on September 3, 2025. The council approved major tax rate cuts, bringing some items down from 28 per cent to 18 per cent and others from 12 per cent to 5 per cent. The GST Council approved limiting slabs to 5 per cent and 18 per cent, effective from September 22, the first day of Navaratri. Here, we list the items that will get cheaper or costlier.

Items that will get cheaper from September 22

Dairy products like UHT milk and paneer, along with parathas, pizza bread and roti, have been fully exempted from GST.

Dry fruits like almonds, pistachios and cashews, as well as dates and citrus fruits, will attract 5 per cent GST.

Butter, ghee, cheese, jams, sauces, soups, pasta, 'namkeens' and confectionery now attract 5 per cent tax, down from 12 to 18 per cent.

In a major relief for patients, life-saving drugs, including Onasemnogene, Daratumumab, Agalsidase Beta, and Alectinib, are now exempt from GST.

Other essential healthcare items — such as medicines, medical equipment, diagnostic kits, bandages, thermometers, and oxygen — will now attract a reduced GST rate of 5 per cent, down from 12 to 18 per cent.

The GST rate for a wide range of personal care and consumer products has been reduced to 5 per cent. This includes everyday items like hair oil, shampoo, toothpaste, soap, shaving gear, talcum powder, toothbrush, candle, and matches.

Stationery items such as notebooks, pencils, sharpeners, and erasers will also see price cuts, along with toys, sports equipment, handicrafts, and bamboo or cane furniture.

GST on cement has been reduced from 28 per cent to 18 per cent, offering a major boost to the housing sector.

Lower rates will also apply to tractors, bicycles, motorcycles under 350cc, small petrol and diesel cars (under 1200–1500cc and less than 4m in length), electric and hybrid vehicles and ambulances.

Additionally, marble, granite blocks and eco-friendly materials like particle boards made from crop residue will now attract just 5 per cent GST.

Items that will get costlier from September 22

The GST on pan masala, gutkha, chewing tobacco and cigarettes has been increased from 28 per cent to 40 per cent.

Carbonated soft drinks, caffeinated beverages and fruit-based fizzy drinks will now also fall under the higher 40 per cent tax slab.

A 40 per cent GST will now apply to high-end items such as SUVs and large cars with engines over 1200cc (petrol) or 1500cc (diesel), motorcycles above 350cc, yachts and private jets.

Even revolvers and pistols will now attract 40 per cent GST.