GST rate cut: ACs, TVs, washing machines to get cheaper by…

Know how the latest GST rate cut will make ACs, TVs, and washing machines more affordable this festive season and how it may boost consumer savings and demand.

GST rate cut: Consumers preparing to purchase household appliances this festive season are likely to spend less, following a major change in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure. The GST Council, in its meeting on September 3, 2025, decided to cut tax rates on key consumer durables, including air conditioners, large-screen televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines.

The government has reduced the GST rate on appliances, making ACS, TVs and washing machines cheaper for consumers. (HT_PRINT)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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GST Slabs Restructured

The Council’s decision has effectively scrapped the earlier 12 percent and 28 percent tax slabs, leaving only two slabs at 5 percent and 18 percent. As part of the restructuring, products such as air conditioners and bigger televisions that earlier attracted 28 percent tax will now fall under the 18 percent category. Similarly, items earlier taxed at 12 percent will shift to either 5 percent or 18 percent, depending on their classification.

Price Cut Impact on Consumers

Industry executives expect the change to directly lower prices across stores. Reports suggest that air conditioners may now become cheaper by around ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 per unit, depending on the model. The reduction is also expected to boost demand, especially for premium and energy-efficient appliances, as buyers may find them more affordable.

Company leaders have welcomed the reform. Blue Star Managing Director B Thiagarajan said the change should be rolled out quickly to benefit consumers. Panasonic Life Solutions India Chairman Manish Sharma noted, “Cutting GST from 28% to 18% makes products more accessible and is set to lift consumer sentiment during the festive season.” Meanwhile, Kamal Nandi from Godrej Appliances noted that cheaper air conditioners may push penetration beyond the current 9 –10 percent mark in India, allowing more households to access cooling solutions.

Videotex Director Arjun Bajaj added, “This move will boost sales and shift demand towards larger screen sizes, especially during the festive season.”

Hisense India CEO Pankaj Rana remarked, “Lower GST removes price barriers, making energy-efficient TVs and appliances more affordable for families, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.”

Godrej Appliances Business Head & EVP Kamal Nandi highlighted, “GST reduction improves affordability, supports wider AC adoption, and will strengthen consumer sentiment across the market.”

Orient Electric MD and CEO Ravindra Singh Negi observed, “GST cuts will make household goods more affordable, spur consumption, and support growth in both consumer durables and construction-linked sectors.”

The revision comes at a critical time for appliance makers, many of whom faced a difficult June quarter. An early monsoon and unexpected rainfall reduced demand for cooling products, with companies such as Voltas, Blue Star, and Havells reporting revenue declines of up to 34 percent in their air-conditioning divisions. The price cut, therefore, is seen as timely support for the industry ahead of the festive buying season.

The GST overhaul also represents the most extensive rationalisation since the tax was introduced in July 2017, with four slabs: 5 percent, 12 percent, 18 percent, and 28 percent. Policymakers say the two-slab structure will simplify taxation, make consumer goods more accessible, and encourage wider consumption.

The move also fulfils Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day announcement, where he had promised a “Diwali gift” through GST reforms. With the festive period approaching, the government’s decision is set to influence household budgets and potentially drive a surge in consumer spending.