Popcorn has yet again stolen the spotlight in the latest round of GST reforms. Under the new GST 2.0 structure, all popcorn will attract GST at 5 per cent. This decision ended the years of confusion over how popcorn should be taxed. Earlier, loose salted popcorn were charged at 5% GST, branded or packed at 12%, and the caramel-flavoured popcorn drew 18%.
The announcement quickly sparked a wave of reactions online, with many expressing their feelings through humorous memes and witty posts.
“The only relevant question for the opposition is “What’s the GST on caramel popcorn? Nation wants to know” one user wrote.
“Popcorn finally gets cheaper, thanks to GST cut to 5%. Can’t wait to see theaters respond by introducing ‘Gold-Plated Butter Popcorn – ₹699’. Because why should savings ever reach the audience?” commented another.
{{/usCountry}}“Popcorn finally gets cheaper, thanks to GST cut to 5%. Can’t wait to see theaters respond by introducing ‘Gold-Plated Butter Popcorn – ₹699’. Because why should savings ever reach the audience?” commented another.
{{/usCountry}}40% GST on sin goods
A special 40% slab has also been introduced for so-called sin goods and luxury items, which include luxury cars, tobacco, and cigarettes.
Soon after the announcement, many social media users also joked about the steep GST on high-end cars and sin goods.
As social media is also buzzing with memes around legendary cricketer MS Dhoni’s recent hookah controversy, many users mixed the two trending topics and shared hilarious posts featuring Dhoni while joking about the new GST rates.
"40% GST on hookah. CSK youngsters applying for personal loan," one user wrote.
“40 % GST on Tobacco & Cigarettes. Meanwhile Dhoni”
The new rates will come into effect on September 22, the first day of Navratri. Announcing the ‘New-Gen GST Reform,' Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, “This reform is not just about rationalising rates. It is also on structural reforms. It's also about ease of living, so that businesses can conduct their operations with the GST with great ease.”
(Editor's note: The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs has clarified that all popcorn will attract GST at 5 per cent, whether loose, packaged, salter or caramel, denying reports that earlier said caramel popcorn will be taxed 18% GST. The article has been updated to reflect the same)