GST cut: 400 things you use daily are now cheaper

Shops asked to show 'GST discount' clearly

Big retail shops across India have been told to make sure customers can clearly see the discounts they are getting because of the new GST changes.

The commerce ministry has asked stores to put up posters, flyers, and even online ads saying “Discount due to GST.” The discount must also be shown in bills as a “GST discount,” especially on popular products.

From September 22, when Navaratri begins, nearly 400 items — from soaps, shampoos, and bread to cars, tractors, and air conditioners — will become cheaper.

The government has simplified GST into just two slabs: 5% for everyday goods and 18% for other items. The old 12% and 28% slabs will be removed. Basic food items like milk, bread, and paneer will have no GST at all.

Below are some of the items that are getting cheaper:

Dry fruits, nuts, jam, biscuits, cereals

Stationery – pencils, erasers, notebooks, sharpeners, crayons

Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) milk

Paneer / Chhena (pre-packaged & labelled)

Roti, Chapathi (Indian and pizza bread)

Khakhra and Packaged or processed foods (cornflakes, pasta, etc.)

Butter, ghee, cheese & dairy spreads

Namkeens, snacks like mixtures or pre-packed savouries

Shampoo, hair-oil, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and cosmetics like face powder.

Feeding bottles, baby nappies / diapers

Medical items like diagnostic kits, glucometer strips, thermometer

Corrective spectacles (glasses)

Utensils, tableware, kitchenware

Sewing machines & parts

Air-conditioners

Televisions (above 32") including LED & LCD, furniture and household items

Small motor vehicles / cars with smaller engine size, two-wheelers up to 350 cc

(With inputs from PTI)