Overview

• From September 22, the overhauled GST shifts to two main slabs of 5% and 18% with a 40% demerit rate, moving many everyday items into 0% or 5%.
• New advisories make revised price stickers on pre‑September 22 stock voluntary and drop the newspaper ad requirement, with old packaging allowed until March 31, 2026 after MRP correction.
• Retailers report delayed revised MRPs and price lists, while GST officials warn of anti‑profiteering action and say sellers must ensure customers are charged the reduced rates.
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says the September 22 date aligns with Puja/Navratri buying and rules out compensating states for rate‑cut revenue loss, framing the impact as shared.
• Crisil cites an estimated short‑term annualised revenue hit of about Rs 48,000 crore but sees limited fiscal risk, and FICCI expects lower rates to curb illicit trade and boost formalisation.