FinMin explains rationale for 18% GST on hand sanitizers, cites 'Atmanirbhar' policy

FinMin clears the air on GST rate applicable on alcohol based hand-sanitizers; Explains that sanitizers are disinfectants like soaps, anti-bacterial liquids, dettol, etc. and shall attract duty at standard rate of 18%; Further, clarifies that inputs for manufacture of sanitizers being chemicals, packing material, input services, shall also attract GST rate of 18%; Explains that “Reducing the GST rate on sanitizers and other similar items would lead to an inverted duty struc...