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GST 2.0 Rollout: Centre Tightens Pass-Through Checks as Complaints Rise and Inspections Widen

A dedicated complaint pipeline now routes alleged price manipulation to tax authorities with brand‑wise pricing data due by September 28.

Overview

  • Consumer Affairs has warned that failure to pass on tax cuts will be treated as an unfair practice, with a special team tracking roughly 100 complaints filed via NCH/INGRAM and channels including 1915 and WhatsApp 8800001915.
  • CBIC and state tax officials are collecting pre‑ and post‑September 22 brand‑wise prices and conducting store checks, with the Centre expecting comprehensive implementation reports by September 28.
  • Officials are scrutinising tactics such as retiring old models or minor feature changes to justify higher prices, and related complaints are being linked to revenue enforcement as GSTAT prepares to start accepting appeals by end‑September.
  • Early pass‑through is uneven, with examples of about 10% household grocery savings and FMCG firms using higher grammage instead of lower MRPs, while many kirana shops cite old‑rate inventory and cash‑flow constraints that could delay full transmission for 10–20 days.
  • Auto demand surged at launch, but dealers report a one‑time Rs 2,500 crore hit from the lapse of compensation cess; the government has indicated no plan to refund or credit these losses even as some OEMs signal support.