After Separate GST For Caramelised Popcorn, Netizens Ask 'What Next? GST On Drinking Water?'

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on Saturday said that popcorn will attract different tax under the regime based on the category. The body stated that pre-packed and labelled ready-to-eat popcorn will be charged a 12 per cent tax rate, while caramalised popcorn will attract a 18 per cent GST. Clarifying these changes, the Council said, “There is no change in the tax rate of popcorn and the GST Council has only agreed that the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) will issue a circular clarifying the current taxation regime of popcorn. Ready-to-eat popcorn, which is mixed with salt and spices, and has the essential character of namkeens currently attracts a 5 per cent GST if it is not pre-packaged and labelled. If it is supplied as pre-packaged and labelled, a 12 per cent GST is levied. However, when popcorn is mixed with sugar (caramel popcorn), its essential character changes to that of a sugar confectionary, and would therefore be classifiable under HS 1704 90 90 and attract an 18 per cent GST.” However, this move didn’t go down well with social media and became the centre of jokes among Netizens. Many questioned the idea behind it all and criticised the authorities for making a simple snack like popcorn taxable at different slabs. One of the users said, “What next? GST on drinking water — 5% if you sip, 12% if you gulp and 18% if you spill.” What next? GST on drinking water — 5% if you sip, 12% if you gulp and 18% if you spill https://t.co/aTuofhl8Lx — Sagar (@sagarcasm) December 21, 2024 Meanwhile, another user expressed their frustration at the decision saying that this move is harmful particularly for the middle class people. He noted, "I would love to understand what kind of silly logic they use, going for a movie the most middle class activity one can do, entire family enjoys for few hours for thousand rupees and some popcorn." Also Read : GST Council Announces Rate Cut On Fortified Rice Kernels To 5% From 18%