Latest GST Rates & New GST Slab Structure in 2026: Full List by Category

The simplified two-slab structure

Following the GST Council's rate rationalisation, most goods and services now sit in just two main slabs — 5% for essentials and mass-consumption items, and 18% as the standard rate for most other goods and services — replacing the earlier four-slab structure of 5/12/18/28%.

The special 40% rate

Sin and luxury goods — tobacco products, aerated drinks, luxury cars and similar items — are taxed at a special demerit rate of 40% instead of being folded into the standard slabs, so the exchequer doesn't lose revenue on rate rationalisation for these categories.

What this means for your invoicing and returns

If your products moved slabs, your invoice templates, price lists and GSTR-1 outward-supply reporting all need updating in step — a mismatch between your invoiced rate and what the portal expects triggers reconciliation issues at return time. A GST advisory & health check catches this before it becomes a notice.

Getting your rate classification right

Rate changes are notified by HSN/SAC code, not by product name, so the safest way to confirm your correct rate is to look up your HSN code rather than assume based on a similar product.

FAQs

Do I need to re-register for GST because of the rate change? No — your GSTIN and registration are unaffected; only the applicable tax rate on specific supplies changes.

Where can I confirm the exact rate for my product? The official GST rate finder tool, searchable by HSN/SAC code, is the authoritative source — cross-check there before repricing.