The CBIC has published the 4th and 5th sets of FAQs to provide clarifications on issues concerning the implementation of revised GST rates, following the decisions of the 56th GST Council meeting. These FAQs aim at offering the necessary guidelines and clarifications to manufacturers, retailers, and consumers during the transitional period, ensuring smooth and timely compliance.
Revised Pricing on Unsold Stock
One of the main issues related to the revision of the retail sale price of unsold pre-packaged goods is dealt with by FAQ-4. The Department of Consumer Affairs had initially issued an Advisory on 9th September 2025, allowing packers, manufacturers, and importers to change the prices by sticking labels or printing online, provided they publicized the change in two newspapers. But this Advisory has now been replaced by the new one dated 18th September 2025. The revised guidelines of the new advisory are as follows:
i) Price Stickering on a Voluntary Basis: Packers, manufacturers, or importers may, on a voluntary basis, affix revised price labels on unopened packages that were manufactured before 22nd September 2025. More importantly, the old price should be clearly visible.
ii) Newspaper Advertisement not required: The obligation to publish revised prices in two newspapers has been lifted.
iii) Mandatory Communication to Dealers: Businesses are required to distribute circulars about new prices directly to wholesale dealers and retailers rather than using public advertisements. The Director, Legal Metrology (Central Government), and Legal Metrology officials in all States/UTs should receive copies of these circulars that are duly authorized.
iv) Consumer Awareness Measures: Businesses, through dealer, retailer, and consumer workshops, and other communication vehicles such as e-mail, print, and social media, are expected to propagate GST rate revisions.
CBIC FAQs (Part 4)
Where to Raise GST-Related Complaints?
CBIC’s FAQs (Part 5) points out to the frustrated consumer a scenario that causes discontent where despite the provisions of the GST Council, the consumer does not receive the benefits resulting from GST rate changes. If new lower GST rates have not reached you as a final consumer, you may file your grievance via the following modes of communication:
National Consumer Helpline (NCH): Call toll-free at 1915 or send a WhatsApp message to 8800001915.
INGRAM Portal: Besides, you are also allowed to submit your complaint through the Integrated Grievance Redressal Mechanism (INGRAM) portal.
The creation of these mechanisms aims to promote the timely and efficient resolution of consumer grievances related to GST.
CBIC FAQs (Part 5)
Related Posts:
CBIC FAQs: Decisions of 56th GST Council Explained
CBIC FAQs (Part 2): Decisions of 56th GST Council Explained
CBIC FAQs (Part 3): GST Rate Revision Issues Clarified (56th GST Council)