Health Issue: Cos seek 5% GST on water purifiers

Water purifier manufacturers and suppliers are pushing for a reduction in goods and services tax (GST) rates on their products, currently taxed at 12% or higher, to align with essential items like food.

In a letter to the revenue secretary, they requested reclassification under the 5% GST slab, citing the crucial role water purifiers play in ensuring public health and safe drinking water. The industry's appeal is backed by the government's initiative 'Har Ghar Jal' that aims to provide piped water connections to every household, they said.

The letter signed by the members of the Water Quality India Association (WQIA) said simplifying the GST structure will ease costs for the middle-class consumers, and boost demand - important steps that reflect the persistent commitment of the government and GST Council. The Centre has proposed to do away with the 12% and 28% GST slabs and adopt a two-slab structure of 5% and 18% along with a special slab of 40% for 'sin' goods.


The proposal was unanimously accepted by the Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST rate rationalisation and now will be discussed at length at the GST Council meeting scheduled for September 3-4.