What is the GST rate for transport?
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GST on transport varies: 5% for goods by road (GTA), rail, and economy air travel; 12% for business class air; and 18% for courier and air cargo services.
BAJAJ BROKING
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) has streamlined indirect taxation in India by replacing multiple taxes with a single, unified system. One critical area it impacts is the transport sector, which includes the movement of goods and passengers through various modes—road, air, rail, and sea. This article examines the application of GST to transport services, detailing rates, exemptions, and mode-specific implications, drawing on credible government and financial sources.
Transportation in India is conducted through various channels. The major ones include:
Air transport
Railways
Road transport (goods and passengers)
Inland waterways and shipping
Courier and cargo services
Each mode has specific GST provisions that vary based on the type of service offered—passenger, goods, or combined logistics.
Goods transport services play a pivotal role in logistics and supply chain management. Under GST, transport of goods is taxed differently depending on the service provider and mode of transport.
Mode of Goods Transport | GST Rate | Exemptions (if any) |
Goods Transport Agency (GTA) | 5% (without ITC) or 12% (with ITC) | Exempt if transporting agricultural produce, milk, salt, etc. |
Railways | 5% | Exempt for essential items like food grains and milk |
Air Cargo | 18% | No exemption |
Inland Waterways | 5% | Certain exemptions available |
Courier Services | 18% | Not exempt |
(Sources: CBIC, Economic Times, GST Council notifications)
Air transport services for goods and passengers attract GST depending on the class and nature of service:
Economy class: 5% GST (without Input Tax Credit)
Business/First class: 12% GST (with Input Tax Credit)
Domestic air cargo services: 18% GST
International freight (export cargo): Exempt
It is essential to note that GST on air travel may be collected by the airline and included in the fare.
(Sources: CBIC, Financial Express)
Rail transport, especially by Indian Railways, is governed by special GST provisions. The applicability depends on the category of goods and service:
Passenger Transport by Rail:
AC class: 5% GST
Non-AC (sleeper/general): Exempt
Goods Transport by Rail:
GST Rate: 5%
Exempt Goods: Agricultural produce, salt, milk, food grains, etc.
Indian Railways collects GST for AC and parcel services but exempts essential goods to support low-cost logistics.
(Sources: Business Standard, Indian Railways GST Circulars)
Road transport is widely used for both goods and passenger movement. GST treatment varies based on the type of service provider:
Goods Transport Agency (GTA):
5% GST without Input Tax Credit
12% GST with Input Tax Credit (Optional)
Transport of agricultural products, milk, salt, and organic manure: Exempt
AC buses, radio taxis, and app-based aggregators: 5% GST
Non-AC buses and stage carriages: Exempt
Note: Individual truck owners who do not issue a consignment note are not classified as GTA and may fall outside GST coverage.
(Sources: GSTN portal, CBIC FAQs, Moneycontrol)
Transport charges in invoices can be a critical element in determining GST applicability. If the supplier arranges for transportation and charges it separately, it is treated as a composite supply under GST.
Composite Supply Example:
Sale of goods + transport arranged by seller = GST rate of principal supply (i.e., goods)
Pure Transportation:
Standalone freight charges by a transporter (GTA, rail, air, courier) attract the relevant GST rate as per that service category.
The tax liability may depend on the recipient category (e.g., registered business, government body, or unregistered entity).
(Sources: ClearTax, CBIC, Financial Express)
Beyond mainstream modes, several other transport-related services are covered under GST:
Goods and passenger transport: Generally taxed at 5%
Exemption for essential commodities like salt, rice, etc.
GST at 18%, applicable to domestic and international courier services
5% GST without Input Tax Credit
12% GST with Input Tax Credit (optional)
GST at 5% (paid by the platform operator)
(Sources: CBIC, Business Today)
GST on transport services varies significantly depending on the mode, purpose, and nature of goods or passengers involved. While essential transport services receive exemptions, commercial logistics and air/rail transport often attract standard GST rates. It is important for businesses and consumers to understand GST provisions related to transportation to ensure accurate compliance and accounting.
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GST on transport varies: 5% for goods by road (GTA), rail, and economy air travel; 12% for business class air; and 18% for courier and air cargo services.
Yes, Goods Transport Agencies can opt to pay 12% GST if they want to claim Input Tax Credit. Otherwise, they pay 5% without credit benefits.
GST on labour depends on the nature of the contract. Pure labour contracts for construction under housing schemes attract 12%, while others may be taxed at 18%.
GST on travel services depends on the mode: 5% on economy flights and AC rail travel, and 12% on business class air tickets. Non-AC public transport is exempt.
Yes, certain transport services are exempt, such as non-AC passenger transport, agricultural produce transport, and essential goods by rail or road. Exemptions vary by type of goods and provider.
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