New GST for FMCG Products: Tax Overview for Fast-Moving Consumer Goods
FMCG—Fast-Moving Consumer Goods—include essential items like toothpaste, soap, snacks, soft drinks, packaged foods, and detergents. These products are bought frequently and in large quantities across households in India. But what does GST mean for the FMCG industry?
In this blog, we simplify the GST for FMCG products, exploring current tax rates and the broader impact of GST on FMCG distributors and sector growth.
New GST Rate on FMCG Products in India
Effective after 22 Sep 2025, India’s GST schedule for FMCG rationalises slabs. Items formerly at 12% generally move to 5%, many at 28% align to 18%, and a narrow demerit/luxury set sits at a special 40% slab. Exemptions for essential unbranded basics continue.
FMCG Slabs – At a Glance (Expected)
| Category | Examples | New GST Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Essential unbranded items | Unbranded flour, pulses, milk, curd | 0% (Exempt) |
| Branded daily groceries | Branded rice/wheat flour, packaged ghee | 5% |
| Toiletries and cleaning items | Toothpaste, soaps, detergents | 18% |
| Snacks & ready-to-eat foods | Namkeen, chips, biscuits, noodles | 5% or 18% |
| Chocolates & cocoa products | Bars, pralines, cocoa-based confectionery | 18% |
| Soft drinks (aerated/energy drinks) | Aerated beverages, energy/cola drinks | 40% (special slab) |
Note: The 12% slab is discontinued; most 12% items shift to 5%. A limited demerit list (e.g., aerated drinks) moves to the special 40% slab.
New GST Rate Examples for Common FMCG Items
| FMCG Product | New GST Rate |
|---|---|
| UHT / packaged milk | 0% |
| Packaged curd | 5% |
| Biscuits (branded) | 18% |
| Soap and shampoo | 18% |
| Detergent powder / liquid | 18% |
| Ready-to-cook noodles | 5% |
| Aerated drinks | 40% (special slab) |
| Packaged paneer or cheese | 5% |
| Toothpaste and deodorant | 18% |
Classify products precisely by HSN and composition; branding/packaging and aeration determine final slab within this framework.
Old GST Slabs for FMCG Products in India
(Old GST Rates – Applicable Until 21st September)
FMCG items fall into different GST slabs—0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%—based on their use, branding, and packaging.
| Category | Examples | GST Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Essential unbranded items | Unbranded flour, pulses, milk, curd | 0% |
| Branded daily groceries | Branded rice, wheat flour, packaged ghee | 5% |
| Toiletries and cleaning items | Toothpaste, soaps, detergents | 18% |
| Snacks & ready-to-eat foods | Namkeen, chips, biscuits, noodles | 12%–18% |
| Soft drinks, chocolates | Aerated drinks, energy drinks, candy bars | 28% |
Old GST Rate Examples for Common FMCG Items
| FMCG Product | GST Rate |
|---|---|
| Packaged milk and curd | 5% |
| Biscuits (branded) | 18% |
| Soap and shampoo | 18% |
| Detergent powder/liquid | 18% |
| Ready-to-cook noodles | 12% |
| Aerated drinks | 28% |
| Packaged paneer or cheese | 12% |
| Toothpaste and deodorant | 18% |
Classify products precisely by HSN and composition; branding/packaging and aeration determine final slab within this framework.
Impact of GST on FMCG Distributors
| FMCG Product | GST Rate |
|---|---|
| Packaged milk and curd | 5% |
| Biscuits (branded) | 18% |
| Soap and shampoo | 18% |
| Detergent powder/liquid | 18% |
| Ready-to-cook noodles | 12% |
| Aerated drinks | 28% |
| Packaged paneer or cheese | 12% |
| Toothpaste and deodorant | 18% |
Classify products precisely by HSN and composition; branding/packaging and aeration determine final slab within this framework.
GST Impact on FMCG Sector: Key Takeaways
- Simplified tax structure – All goods are now under a unified GST regime
- ITC availability – Distributors, wholesalers, and retailers can claim credit on inputs
- Wider reach – Reduced tax cascading has improved the affordability of FMCG goods
- Better compliance – E-way bills and e-invoicing ensure transparency in supply chains
- Competitive pricing – Elimination of multiple tax layers has reduced pricing distortions
Whether you’re a distributor, retailer, or manufacturer, understanding GST for FMCG products is key to better pricing, improved profitability, and smooth operations. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime has simplified taxation, brought uniformity, and made India’s vast FMCG market more accessible and organized.
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I am a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) and LLB graduate with 10 years of experience in corporate auditing, taxation, and financial consulting. My expertise includes corporate audits, income tax planning, HSN code classification, and GST rate advisory. Through my blogs and articles, I aim to simplify corporate taxation, auditing, and GST compliance, making financial matters more accessible for professionals and business owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the GST rate for FMCG products in India?Ranges from 0% to 28%, depending on the item. Most essential items: 0%-5%, branded/processed goods: 12%-18%, luxury FMCG (soft drinks, deodorants): 28%.
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How has GST impacted FMCG distributors?It has streamlined supply chains, reduced transport costs, and enabled tax credit claims, improving business efficiency.
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Do all FMCG businesses need to register for GST?Yes, if annual turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh (₹20 lakh for service distributors), GST registration is mandatory.
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Can small FMCG traders opt for the Composition Scheme?Yes. Traders with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore can pay tax at a lower fixed rate without claiming ITC.
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What are the challenges of GST in the FMCG sector?Frequent rate changes, managing ITC across products, and the need for accurate invoicing and compliance.