This discussion clarifies the Goods and Services Tax (GST) status of rice. While often used interchangeably, 'exempt' and 'nil-rated' have distinct meanings in GST law. Exempt supplies are those that might otherwise attract tax but are relieved by an exemption notification, whereas nil-rated supplies have a GST tariff rate of 0% from the outset. The content highlights that rice falls under exempt supplies as per Notification No. 2/2017-Central Tax (Rate), not nil-rated.
20 April 2021
With All due respect to Expert , I would like to add something more to the Answer
Exempt Supply means supply of any goods or services or both which attracts nil rated of tax or which may be wholly exempt under section 11, or under section 6 of the Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act, and includes Non- Taxable supply.
Nil rated supply is nowhere defined in GST Law. The basic difference between nil rated and exempt supply is that the goods/services have GST Rate higher than 0% in case of exempt supply. But there is no tax on such goods/services due to exemption notification.
Whereas in case of NIL rated supply, the tariff is at NIL rate so there is no tax without the exemption notification.
Notification No.1/2017-Central Tax (Rate) deals with CGST Rate for Goods & this Notification does not include any Goods with Tariff Rate as Zero
Notification No.2/2017-Central Tax (Rate) deals with CGST exempt goods notified under section 11 (1)
Hope your Query is Resolved and you have clear picture of the Exempted Goods & Nil Rated Goods