GST panel recommends 35% tax rate for cigarettes, tobacco: Reports

A Group of Ministers (GoM) has recommended creating a new and higher tax rate of 35% on 'sin' products like aerated beverages, cigarettes and tobacco, reports said. This will be an addition to existing four-tier tax slab of 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%, the reports added. The GoM report is now scheduled to be taken up by the GST Council.