GST on packed curd, paneer from Monday

Get ready to pay goods and services tax (GST) on a host of pre-packaged food items that were hitherto exempt from Monday.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs on Thursday notified the decision of the GST Council on ending tax exemption for products including pre-packaged, pre-labelled curd, lassi and butter milk. Such retail packs will attract GST at a rate of 5% from July 18.

Also 18% GST will be imposed on the fee charged by banks for the issue of cheques from Monday. Hospital room rents (excluding ICU) exceeding ₹5,000 per day per patient will also be taxed.


Consumers will also have to pay more for LED lights, fixtures and LED lamps, which will now attract GST of 18%, up from earlier 12%.

Even stationary items have been placed under the 18% GST slab.