Big-screen TVs get cheaper: How much GST will you pay on television models bigger than 32 inches?

The 56th meeting of the goods and services tax (GST) council has brought respite for the middle class, as the televisions bigger than 32 inches will attract 18% GST. Earlier, models above 32 inches were taxed at 28%.

The TV market has been witnessing a slow growth over the last year, due to several factors, including a high base and rising prices. This move is expected to boost demand.

As per the decision taken during the GST Council meeting last week, the GST tax rate has been reduced from 28% to 18% for the following TV-related items:

• Television sets (including LCD and LED television)
• Monitors and projectors, not incorporating television reception apparatus
• Reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receiver or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus, set top box for television and Television set (including LCD and LED television)

New GST rates on TVs

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said that the GST reform is not just about rationalising rates, but also about structural reforms and ease of living so that businesses can work together with great ease.

"We have corrected inverted duty structure problems, we have resolved classification-related issues, and we have ensured there will be stability and predictability about the GST reforms," Sitharaman said.

Leading consumer electronics manufacturer Sony India said it expects an uptick of 10% in demand following the GST rate cut. The company's Managing Director Sunil Nayyar stated that a benefit of 8% to 10% from the GST reduction on TV sets will also be passed on to consumers.

"With the GST reduction, we are hopeful that the entire benefit, ranging from 8 to 10 per cent, will be passed on to the consumers. This will definitely boost consumption, especially in the 55-inch and above TV segment, where customers stand to enjoy a significant price advantage," said Nayyar.

Additionally, Sony India will boost its marketing activities and investments in Diwali 2025 to capture and build on this positive consumer sentiment, he said.