Representations have been received that certain suppliers are making supplies to the railways of items classifiable under any chapter other than chapter 86, charging the GST rate of 5%.

2. The matter has been examined. Vide notification No. 1/2017 - Central Tax (Rate) dated 28th June, 2017, read with notification No. 5/2017-Central Tax (Rate) dated 28th June, 2017, goods classifiable under Chapter 86 are subjected to 5% GST rate with no refund of unutilised input tax credit (ITC). Goods classifiable in any other chapter attract the applicable GST, as specified under notification No. 1/2017 –Central Tax (Rate) dated 28th June, 2017 or notification No.2/2017-Central Tax (Rate) dated 28th June, 2017.

3. The GST Council during its 25th meeting held on 18th January, 2018, discussed this issue and recorded that a clarification regarding applicable GST rates on various supplies made to the Indian Railways may be issued.

4. Accordingly, it is hereby clarified that

• only the goods classified under Chapter 86, supplied to the railways attract 5% GST rate with no refund of unutilised input tax credit and

• other goods [falling in any other chapter], would attract the general applicable GST rates to such goods, under the aforesaid notifications, even if supplied to the railways.
 

Yours faithfully,

(Mahipal Singh)
Technical Officer (TRU)
Email: mahipal.singh1980@gov.in

F.No.354/1/2018-TRU