The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has released a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to guide both consumers and businesses on the impact of GST rate changes and the mechanisms available for grievance redressal.
Ensuring Transparency in Pricing (FAQ 4)
With GST rate revisions, concerns often arise about price changes on pre-packaged goods already in circulation. To address this, the Department of Consumer Affairs issued an advisory on 18th September 2025, superseding its earlier advisory dated 9th September 2025.
Key highlights:
- Optional Restickering of Prices: Manufacturers, packers, or importers may voluntarily affix revised price stickers on unsold packages manufactured before 22nd September 2025. The original printed price must remain visible and not be obstructed.
- No Newspaper Advertisements Required: The earlier mandate to advertise revised prices in two newspapers has been waived.
- Mandatory Circulars to Trade Channels: Manufacturers/packers/importers must send circulars on revised prices to wholesale dealers/retailers, with copies endorsed to the Director of Legal Metrology (Central) and Controllers of Legal Metrology in all States/UTs.
- Awareness Measures: Businesses are required to sensitize dealers, retailers, and consumers about GST rate revisions through electronic, print, and social media.
This step ensures that consumers are aware of their rights and that businesses maintain compliance at the retail level.
Raising Grievances (FAQ 5)
Consumers who feel they have not received the benefit of GST rate reductions can directly raise their complaints through the National Consumer Helpline (NCH).
Available channels:
- Toll-Free Number: 1915
- WhatsApp: 8800001915
- INGRAM Portal: Integrated Grievance Redressal Mechanism (https://consumerhelpline.gov.in)
This mechanism ensures that consumer complaints regarding overcharging or denial of GST benefits are formally recorded and addressed by the authorities.
Why This Matters
These FAQs are part of the government’s efforts to guarantee that GST rate reductions are effectively passed on to end consumers, as mandated under Section 171 of the CGST Act, 2017 (anti-profiteering provisions). By empowering consumers to report non-compliance and ensuring clear obligations on manufacturers and retailers, the system strengthens transparency and fairness in the market.
Source: gst learn
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