The GST Council has announced tax cuts on electronic goods, providing significant relief to consumers. The 28% tax slab has been eliminated, replaced by only two slabs: 5% and 18%. Products like TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners, and dishwashers will now be cheaper. However, the question remains whether mobile phones and laptops will also see price reductions.
The government has reduced the GST on televisions (LCD and LED), monitors, and projectors from 28% to 18%. Previously, high taxes inflated their prices, but now consumers can expect to save approximately 2,000 to 3,000 rupees on TVs and monitors.
Air conditioners, dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines have also been moved to the 18% tax slab from 28%. This could lead to savings of around 1,000 to 2,000 rupees on refrigerators and washing machines, while the price of air conditioners may decrease by 1,500 to 3,000 rupees.
Consumers will not receive any price relief on mobile phones and laptops. Both categories already have an 18% GST, which the government has maintained. This means there’s no change in the tax structure for smartphones and laptops. Consequently, their prices will remain the same for now, and consumers will not get any additional benefit. In other words, there will be no price reduction for smartphones. Similarly, the GST on laptops will remain at 18%.
