The Indian Ice-cream Manufacturers' Association (IICMA) is appealing to the government to reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on ice cream from 18% to 5%. They argue that ice cream, being a dairy product with similar ingredients to milk-based sweets and flavoured milk (which are taxed at 5%), is unfairly classified as a luxury item. The association highlights that most ice cream sold in India is affordable, costing less than £0.30 per serving, and can be a source of nutrition, especially for children. IICMA believes lowering the GST would boost consumption, improve tax compliance, and benefit both manufacturers and consumers.
In a unique and persuasive pitch to the government, the Indian Ice-cream Manufacturers' Association (IICMA) invoked a quote famously attributed to Steve Jobs - "If you want to make everyone happy, don't be a leader, sell ice cream" - to make a case for reducing the GST on ice cream from 18% to 5%.
During a recent meeting with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, IICMA representatives argued that ice cream should not be taxed at a higher rate than similar dairy products. The association pointed
IICMA is requesting that the government reduce the GST on ice cream from 18% to 5%.
They argue that ice cream is a dairy product with similar ingredients to other dairy items like milk-based sweets and flavoured milk, which are taxed at a lower rate of 5% or 12%.
No, IICMA refutes the perception of ice cream as a luxury, stating that over 80% of ice cream sold in India is priced below ₹30 per serving and is accessible even in rural areas.
The association suggests that ice cream offers essential nutrients like proteins, fats, and energy, serving as a supplementary nutritional food, particularly for children and undernourished populations.
IICMA believes that a reduced GST could increase consumption, improve tax compliance, minimise tax evasion, and potentially offset any initial revenue loss.
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