India s pharma sector on Wednesday said the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council s decision to exempt tax on rare diseases drugs is unlikely to benefit the population unless the waiver is extended to drugs that are made commercially available in the country.
The GST Council on Tuesday (July 11) said the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) on medicines and Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) used for treating rare diseases enlisted under the National Policy for Rare Diseases, 2021, will be exempt when imported for personal use subject to existing conditions. We support the government s move to address the needs of patients suffering from rare diseases.
The GST Council provided the exemptions at its 50th meeting; experts urge government to waive GST and Customs on all drugs for rare diseases and cancer
Panel also exempted tax on import of cancer drug Dinutuximab, and medicines used to treat rare diseases and food used in Food for Special Medical Purposes
Earlier, moviegoers used to pay 28 per cent GST on foods and beverages like popcorn, soft drinks and other snacks purchased at cinema halls. However, from now on, GST will be charged at only 5 per cent, at par with restaurants., Economy News, Times Now