Relief for Common Man: GST Council Reduces Rates on Essential Household Goods, Clothing, Footwear & Electronics

The 56th GST Council meeting held in September 2025 has brought a wave of relief for the common man and the aspirational middle class. In a landmark decision, the council has announced significant reductions in GST rates across a wide range of everyday household goods, food items, clothing, footwear, and even big-ticket electronics. These changes are expected to directly reduce monthly household budgets and bring cheer to millions of families.

🥛 Food & Kitchen Essentials – Cheaper Everyday Groceries

· Milk (UHT), Paneer (packaged) – GST reduced from 5% to Nil

· Butter, Ghee, Cheese, Dairy Spreads – from 12% to 5%

· Condensed Milk – from 12% to 5%

· Biscuits, Cakes, Pastry, Ice Cream – from 18% to 5%

· Namkeens, Bhujia, Snacks – from 12% to 5%

· Cornflakes, Pasta, Noodles & Breakfast Cereals – from 12–18% to 5%

· Dry Fruits (Cashew, Almonds, Pistachios, etc.) – from 12% to 5%

· Fruit Juices & Tender Coconut Water – from 12% to 5%

These reductions mean that from breakfast to evening snacks, families can enjoy more savings on daily essentials.

🛁 Personal Care & Toiletries – Affordable Hygiene Products

· Toilet Soap (bars/cakes) – from 18% to 5%

· Shampoo & Hair Oil – from 18% to 5%

· Toothpaste, Tooth Powder & Dental Floss – from 12–18% to 5%

· Toothbrushes – from 18% to 5%

· Shaving Cream, Aftershave Lotion – from 18% to 5%

· Talcum & Face Powder – from 18% to 5%

This ensures that personal hygiene is now more affordable for every household.

🍳 Utensils & Kitchenware – Essentials at Lower Cost

· Steel, Copper, Aluminium & Brass Utensils – from 12% to 5%

· Wooden, Glass & Terracotta Tableware – from 12% to 5%

· Feeding Bottles & Nipples – from 12% to 5%

A big relief for homemakers, making kitchen management easier on the pocket.

🧹 Household Utilities & Daily Items – Everyday Savings

· Candles – from 12% to 5%

· Safety Matches – from 12% to 5%

· Pencils, Crayons & Chalks – from 12% to Nil

· Erasers & Rubber Bands – from 12% to 5%/Nil

· Umbrellas & Bicycles – from 12% to 5%

These reductions directly touch daily-use products used by students, families, and households.

👗 Clothing & Textiles – Affordable Fashion

· Apparel up to ₹2500 per piece – from 12% to 5%

· Bedsheets, Towels, Quilts up to ₹2500 – from 12% to 5%

· Handmade Carpets, Rugs & Shawls – from 12% to 5%

This brings much-needed relief to families during festive and wedding seasons.

👟 Footwear – Everyday Comfort at Lower GST

· Footwear up to ₹2500 per pair – from 12% to 5%

A direct saving for families where footwear purchases are frequent.

📺 Electronics & Home Appliances – Big Savings for Households

· Televisions (LED/LCD) – from 28% to 18%

· Washing Machines & Dishwashers – from 28% to 18%

· Air Conditioners – from 28% to 18%

· Solar Water Heaters – from 12% to 5%

· Batteries (Non-Lithium) – from 28% to 18%

This move makes durable goods more affordable for middle-class households.

💡 Key Takeaway

The GST Council’s decision to slash tax rates across a wide range of goods is a direct boost for household budgets. From food to clothing, from footwear to electronics, these reductions ensure that the common man saves more every month.

This step not only reduces the tax burden but also increases purchasing power, thereby boosting overall consumption and the economy.

✅ Bottom line: Whether it’s milk and groceries, personal care items, clothes, shoes, or even televisions and washing machines – life just got more affordable under the new GST regime!

#NextGenGST