SINDOOR STICK (NOT POWDER)-TAXABLE OR TAXFREE

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PardeepBassi (Querist)
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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)
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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)
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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

Aashok Kumar Sharma

(Expert)
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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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