CBIC Seeks Stakeholder Insights on Harmonizing GST Rate Schedule and Service Classification



Quick Summary
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is looking for input from stakeholders to harmonise the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate schedule with service classifications. Currently, businesses with turnover up to Rs. 5 Crore classify services at a 4-digit level, while those above Rs. 5 Crore use a 6-digit level based on UNCPC. The CBIC has released a draft schedule that combines service codes, descriptions, rates, and conditions for easier reading, aiming to promote ease of doing business. Feedback is requested by January 31, 2024, via email to js-tru2@gov.in.

As per Notification No. 12/2017-Central Tax dated June 28, 2017, as amended by Notification No. 78/2020-Central Tax dated October 15, 2020, taxpayers having turnover up to Rs. 5 Crore in the previous financial year are required to declare classification of services at a 4- digit level and those having turnover above Rs. 5 Crore at a 6-digit level.

Under GST, the Scheme of Classification of services adopted is based on UNCPC (UN Central Product Classification of Goods and Services). However, while the UNCPC adopts a 5 digit classification, the classification adopted for GST is a 4-digit classification with digits 99 pre-fixed to indicate that these are services. This scheme of classification has been annexed to the Rate Notification No. 11/2017-CT(R) dated June 28, 2017.

GST Harmonisation: CBIC Seeks Input on Service Rate Schedule

In the said Notification, the GST rate schedule specifying the applicable GST rates for different services does not mention the classification of services at the six digit level. Therefore, an attempt has been made to harmonize the GST Rate Schedule with the Classification of Services with a view to promote ease of doing business. The document annexed with this note (pages 1 to 74) is a self-contained draft schedule of GST rates on services, in which the service code (6-digit), the description of the service and the applicable rate, along with the condition applicable, are given together. Also, the numerous conditions specified in the existing rate notification have been standardized, coded and moved to a separate table which has made the main body of the notification easier to read.

All are requested to kindly provide feedback/ suggestions on the annexed draft schedule of GST rates on services latest by January 31, 2024. The same may be mailed at the email id js-tru2@gov.in.

The Draft rate schedule of services at 6 digit level of classification can be accessed here

FAQ :

The CBIC is seeking stakeholder feedback on harmonising the GST rate schedule and service classification to improve ease of doing business.

Taxpayers with turnover up to Rs. 5 Crore classify services at a 4-digit level, while those with turnover above Rs. 5 Crore use a 6-digit level.

The GST classification of services is based on the UN Central Product Classification (UNCPC) of Goods and Services.

The draft schedule aims to harmonise the GST rate schedule with service classification by presenting service codes, descriptions, rates, and conditions together in a clearer format.

Feedback and suggestions on the draft schedule must be submitted by January 31, 2024.

Stakeholders can submit their feedback and suggestions by emailing js-tru2@gov.in.




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Finance news reporter covering taxation, GST, income tax, business compliance, and economy updates. I simplify complex financial topics into easy-to-understand articles for professionals, taxpayers, and business owners on leading finance and tax platforms.

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