GST has simplified the tax system for selling live plants and trees, reduced the tax burden, improved ease of business, and positively impacted business growth.
Plants and trees have a significant role in our lives and are an important part of our ecosystem. They are traded commercially for various purposes, including landscaping, ornamental, and fruits and flowers. The sale of live plants and trees attracts GST, a multi-stage tax levied on the supply of goods and services in India. This article will explore the implications of gst on plants the same.
GST on Live Plants and Trees
The GST rate here is 18% under the HSN code (Harmonised System of Nomenclature) code 6010. The rate applies to all types of plants and trees, including those used for ornamental purposes and those grown for their fruits and flowers.
Exemptions Under GST
Certain exemptions are available for selling live plants and trees. Some of the most common exemptions include
1. Sale of Seedlings and Saplings for Afforestation or Reforestation
The sale of seedlings and saplings for afforestation or reforestation is exempt from GST. This is because the government aims to encourage the growth of trees and plants for environmental and ecological reasons.
2. Sale of Bamboo
The sale of bamboo plants is exempt from GST as per notification no. 02/2017-Central Tax (Rate) dated 28 June 2017.
3. Sale of Medicinal Plants
The sale of medicinal plants is exempt from GST as they are considered goods of necessity, and their tax liability is deemed low.
Input Tax Credit
One of the benefits of GST for businesses engaged in the sale of live plants and trees is the availability of the Input Tax Credit (ITC). ITC refers to the tax paid on inputs (goods and services used in business) that can be claimed as a credit against the output tax (GST on sales).
This means businesses can reduce the overall tax liability by claiming ITC for the GST paid on inputs used in producing and selling live plants and trees.
Impact on the Agricultural Sector
GST has significantly impacted the agricultural sector, including the sale of live plants and trees. With the implementation of GST, the agricultural sector has become more organized and transparent. GST has also simplified the agricultural sector’s tax system, replacing multiple indirect taxes with a single tax. This has reduced the tax burden for businesses and improved the ease of doing business in the agricultural sector.
Impact on the Horticulturе Industry
Simplified Taxation
GST has streamlined the taxation structure by replacing multiple indirect taxes with a unified tax. This simplification has reduced the complexity of tax compliance for horticulture businesses, making it easier for them to fulfill their tax obligations
Reduction of Cascading Tax Effect
Previously, the horticulture industry faced cascading taxes, where taxes were levied at multiple points in the supply chain. GST has eliminated this issue by allowing businesses to claim input tax credits, thereby lowering the overall tax burden on the industry
Boost to Digitalisation
Adopting GST requirements has prompted businesses to integrate digital tools and accounting systems. This shift has increased digitization within the horticulture sector, enhancing operational efficiency and transparency
Improved Supply Chain Efficiency
The introduction of the e-way bill system under GST has improved the monitoring and control of goods in transit. This enhancement has led to better logistics management and reduced the risk of tax evasion
Increased Compliance
GST has incentivized better compliance among horticulture businesses. With penalties for non-compliance, businesses are motivated to adhere to tax regulations, benefiting both the government and the industry as a whole.
Supply Chain Management
GST has also significantly impacted supply chain management in the agricultural sector. The implementation of GST has created a unified market, facilitating the movement of goods and services across state borders. This has made it easier for businesses engaged in selling live plants and trees to source raw materials and sell their products in different states.
Exportation of Live Plants and Trees
The export of the above items is exempt from GST as per the provisions of the GST Act. This means businesses engaged in the export of live plants and trees can claim a refund of the GST paid on inputs used in producing and exporting the same.
This has made it easier for businesses to expand their operations and participate in international trade.
In conclusion, GST has significantly impacted the sale of these items. The implementation of GST has simplified the tax system, reduced the tax burden, improved the ease of doing business, and facilitated the movement of goods and services across state borders. Businesses engaged in the sale of live plants and trees must carefully consider the GST implications and take advantage of the benefits offered by GST.
GST Compliance
Businesses engaged in selling live plants and trees must ensure GST Registration compliance to avoid penalties and fines. GST compliance involves registering for GST, filing periodic returns, issuing invoices, and maintaining proper records of sales and purchases. Businesses must also ensure they know the GST rates and exemptions applicable to their products and services.
GST and Business Growth
GST has had a positive impact on the growth of businesses engaged in the sale of live plants and trees. The implementation of GST has created a unified market, which has made it easier for businesses to expand their operations and reach new customers. GST has also reduced the tax burden for businesses, which has increased their profitability and competitiveness.
Impact on End Consumers
GST has had a mixed impact on end consumers of live plants and trees. On the one hand, GST has increased the overall cost of live plants and trees due to the imposition of the tax. On the other hand, GST has reduced businesses’ tax burden, improving their profitability and competitiveness. This has resulted in the availability of better quality products at competitive prices for end consumers.
GST and the Environment
GST has had a positive impact on the environment, particularly on the sale of live plants and trees. GST has encouraged the growth of plants and trees for environmental and ecological reasons, as the sale of seedlings and saplings for afforestation or reforestation is exempt from GST. This has had a positive impact on the environment and has helped to preserve the ecosystem.
In conclusion, GST has had a positive impact on businesses engaged in the sale. GST compliance is mandatory for businesses, and they must be aware of the GST rates and exemptions applicable to their products and services. GST has positively impacted business growth and the environment and improved the quality of products’ availability for end consumers.
GST Returns and Invoicing
All businesses engaged in selling live plants and trees must mandatorily register under GST and file periodic returns to avoid penalties or fines. The returns must include details of the sales made, the GST returns done, and the GST collected.
Businesses must also issue invoices for all sales made, including the business’s GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number), the HSN code, and the GST rate.
Conclusion
The sale of live plants and trees is subject to GST at 18%. However, there are certain exemptions available for the sale of seedlings and saplings for afforestation or reforestation, bamboo, and medicinal plants. Businesses engaged in the selling must mandatorily register under GST and file periodic returns. The GST implications for the sale must be carefully considered by businesses to avoid any penalties or fines.
