SINDOOR STICK (NOT POWDER)-TAXABLE OR TAXFREE

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This query is : Resolved

PardeepBassi (Querist)

14 January 2011 DEAR ALL

PLEASE CLEAR THE CONCEPT REGARDING SINDOOR STICK -WEATHER IT WUD BE TREATED AS TAX FREE OR TAXABLE ITEM ? IF IT IS TAXABLE THEN WHAT IS THE CORRECT RATE OF TAX?

CA Shailesh Kumar Bhagat

CA Shailesh Kumar Bhagat (Expert)

16 January 2011 Pradeep, You have not mentioned the name of act under which you have raised the query.

Excise duty is apllicable oin sindoor stick.

In case of VAT - cannot be replied since it's vary from state to state.

PardeepBassi

PardeepBassi (Querist)

20 January 2011 Thanks very much sir,

It belongs to Himachal Pradesh

& Under Sales Tax Act .
Actually we make sale of Three type of sindoor Products
01 Sindoor Powder Based -Traditional
02 Sindoor Liqued Base
03 Sindoor Stick Base -Lipstick type

Question is that -All abobe three are taxfree in Himachal ?

Aashok Kumar Sharma online

Aashok Kumar Sharma

(Expert)

25 July 2025 Here’s a clear explanation based on your query about **Sindoor Stick (not powder)** and its taxability under **Himachal Pradesh Sales Tax Act**:

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### Taxability of Sindoor Products in Himachal Pradesh:

1. **Sindoor Powder Based (Traditional)**

* Generally, **Sindoor powder is exempt from VAT/sales tax in many states** as it is considered a religious article.
* However, specific exemptions depend on the state's VAT Act schedules.

2. **Sindoor Liquid Base**

* This is often treated like a cosmetic or chemical product.
* May attract VAT unless specifically exempted under the state law.

3. **Sindoor Stick Base (Lipstick Type)**

* Since it resembles a cosmetic product (like lipstick), **it is usually considered taxable under VAT**.
* It is unlikely to be treated as tax-free religious article because of its cosmetic form.

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### What about Himachal Pradesh?

* **You need to check the Schedule of exempted goods under Himachal Pradesh VAT Act.**
* Generally, **Sindoor powder is exempt**, but Sindoor stick or liquid base is **likely taxable** as a cosmetic product.
* The **rate of VAT** on cosmetic items in Himachal Pradesh typically ranges between **5% to 12.5%**, but you must check the current rate applicable.

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### Summary:

| Product Type | Tax Status in HP (likely) |
| ------------------- | --------------------------- |
| Sindoor Powder | Tax-Free (Exempted) |
| Sindoor Liquid Base | Taxable (Cosmetic category) |
| Sindoor Stick Base | Taxable (Cosmetic category) |

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### Recommendation:

* Verify the **latest Himachal Pradesh VAT schedules** or consult the commercial tax department of HP for confirmation.
* If you want, I can help you find the latest HP VAT exemption list or suggest how to check official notifications.

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Would you like me to help you draft an official letter/email to the tax department for clarification?

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