BAJAJ BROKING

Notification close image
No new Notification messages
card image
Regaal Resources IPO is Open!
Apply for the Regaal Resources IPO through UPI in just minutes.
delete image
card image
Start your SIP with just ₹100
Choose from 4,000+ Mutual Funds on Bajaj Broking
delete image
card image
Open a Free Demat Account
Pay ZERO maintenance charges for the first year, get free stock picks daily, and more.
delete image
card image
Trade Now, Pay Later with up to 4x
Never miss a good trading opportunity due to low funds with our MTF feature.
delete image
card image
Track Market Movers Instantly
Stay updated with real-time data. Get insights at your fingertips.
delete image

GST on Transport

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.

What are the Significant Modes of Transport?

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.

GST on Transport of Goods Through Different Modes

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)

GST on Transport Charges by Air

Air transport services for goods and passengers attract GST depending on the class and nature of service:

Air Passenger Transport:

  • Economy class: 5% GST (without Input Tax Credit)

  • Business/First class: 12% GST (with Input Tax Credit)

Air Cargo:

  • 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)

GST on Transport Charges by Rail

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)

GST Rate on Transport by Road

Road transport is widely used for both goods and passenger movement. GST treatment varies based on the type of service provider:

Goods Transport:

  • 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

Passenger Transport:

  • 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)

GST on Transportation Charges of Goods

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)

Other Transportation Modes and GST Charges Applicable

Beyond mainstream modes, several other transport-related services are covered under GST:

Inland Waterways:

  • Goods and passenger transport: Generally taxed at 5%

  • Exemption for essential commodities like salt, rice, etc.

Courier Services:

  • GST at 18%, applicable to domestic and international courier services

Rent-a-Cab Services:

  • 5% GST without Input Tax Credit

  • 12% GST with Input Tax Credit (optional)

Aggregator Platforms (e.g., app-based cab services):

  • GST at 5% (paid by the platform operator)

(Sources: CBIC, Business Today)

Conclusion

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.

Share this article: 

Frequently Asked Questions

No result found

search icon

Read More Blogs

Disclaimer :

The information on this website is provided on "AS IS" basis. Bajaj Broking (BFSL) does not warrant the accuracy of the information given herein, either expressly or impliedly, for any particular purpose and expressly disclaims any warranties of merchantability or suitability for any particular purpose. While BFSL strives to ensure accuracy, it does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the information. Users are advised to independently verify details and stay updated with any changes. The securities are quoted as an example and not as a recommendation. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance.

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without prior notice. BFSL shall not be responsible for any consequences arising from reliance on the information provided herein and shall not be held responsible for all or any actions that may subsequently result in any loss, damage and or liability. Interest rates, fees, and charges etc., are revised from time to time, for the latest details please refer to our Pricing page.

Neither the information, nor any opinion contained in this website constitutes a solicitation or offer by BFSL or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or provide any investment advice or service.

BFSL is acting as distributor for non-broking products/ services such as IPO, Mutual Fund, Insurance, PMS, and NPS. These are not Exchange Traded Products. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions please read the sales brochure carefully before investing.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing. This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

[ Read More ]

For more disclaimer, check here : https://www.bajajbroking.in/disclaimer

Our Secure Trading Platforms

Level up your stock market experience: Download the Bajaj Broking App for effortless investing and trading

Bajaj Broking App Download

10 lakh+ Users

icon-with-text

4.2 App Rating

icon-with-text

4 Languages

icon-with-text

₹5600+ Cr MTF Book

icon-with-text
banner-icon

Open Your Free Demat Account

Enjoy low brokerage on delivery trades

+91

|

Please Enter Mobile Number

Open Your Free Demat Account

Enjoy low brokerage on delivery trades

+91

|