Indian Beverage Association Urges GST Council to Reclassify Aerated Drinks as 'Food/Merit' Goods

Last updated: 02 September 2025


Quick Summary
The Indian Beverage Association (IBA) is calling on the GST Council to reclassify aerated drinks. They want them moved from the 'sin/demerit' category, which currently incurs a 40% tax (28% GST + 12% cess), to the 'food/merit' category with an 18% GST slab. The IBA argues this classification is unfair, as soft drinks don't pose the same public health risks as items like tobacco. They propose a sugar-based tax system instead and also want GST on fruit juices reduced to 5%.

The Indian Beverage Association (IBA) has appealed to the GST Council to reclassify aerated beverages from the current 'sin/demerit' category to the "food/merit" category, placing them under the 18% GST slab instead of the existing 40% tax burden. At present, carbonated drinks attract 28% GST plus 1
Daily Limit Reached

You have reached your daily limit of 2 Free News

Subscribe to CCI PRO for unlimited access

Why Upgrade to CCI PRO?
  • No Ads
  • WhatsApp Broadcasts
  • Daily E-Newsletter
  • Unlimited News Access
BEST VALUE
2 YEAR PLAN
3,499
(Inclusive of GST)
1 YEAR PLAN
1,999
(Inclusive of GST)
Buy CCI PRO Now

Already a PRO member? Login here for an ad-free experience.

FAQ :

The IBA is urging the GST Council to reclassify aerated beverages from the 'sin/demerit' category to the 'food/merit' category.

Currently, aerated drinks attract 28% GST plus a 12% compensation cess, totalling 40%.

The IBA proposes placing aerated drinks under the 18% GST slab.

The IBA suggests adopting a sugar-based taxation approach, similar to global models, to differentiate between high-sugar and healthier drink options.

Lowering GST could improve affordability, spur demand, unlock economic growth for distributors and retailers, encourage investment, and support job creation.

The IBA has reiterated its demand to rationalise GST on fruit juices from 12% to 5% to boost affordability and demand.




News posted by

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.

Click here to Login and post comments    OR



More »


Popular News





CCI Pro



Company
23 July 2026
CA Inter

Vikram Jadhav and Company

Pune

CA Inter

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 16 July 2026
CA Article

Pipara & Co. LLP.

Mumbai

CA Inter

View Details
Company
22 July 2026
Senior Chartered Accountant

SKSS

Patna

CA

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 16 July 2026
Article Assistant

G A R U D & Associates

New Delhi

CA Inter

View Details
Company
Featured 18 July 2026
Senior Manager- Finance & Accounts

apricus india

Ahmedabad

CA

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 16 July 2026
Article Assistant

Sahil Agarwal & Company

Mumbai

CA Inter

View Details
Company
06 July 2026
Accountant

Agarwal Anoop and Associates

Noida

CA Final

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 28 July 2026
Article/Intern/Semi-Qualified/Fresher B.Com

VNSS & Co

Mumbai

Others

View Details