Rumors about a GST cut making detergent powder cheaper have been swirling, but what’s the real story? In India, detergent powder continues to be taxed at 18% under GST since July 1, 2017, and the latest GST 2.0 reforms in September 2025 have not changed this.
Official GST Rate on Detergent Powder: 18% (Unchanged)
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the GST Rate Schedule confirm that washing powders and synthetic detergent preparations under HSN Code 3402 are taxed at 18% GST.
This applies to:
- Popular brands like Surf Excel, Ariel, Rin, Tide, Ghadi, Nirma (powder form)
- Industrial or bulk detergent powders
- Eco-friendly or herbal detergent powders (no exemptions apply)
Source Verification:
- CBIC GST Rate Finder: https://www.cbic.gov.in → Search HSN 3402 → 18% GST
- Notification No. 9/2025–Central Tax (Rate): Effective September 22, 2025, reaffirms HSN 3402 under Schedule III → “Washing powders and preparations… 18%”
- GST Portal: https://www.gst.gov.in → HSN 3402 listed under 18% slab post-GST 2.0
- PIB Release (September 2025): Confirms no GST rate changes for detergents, despite reductions for soaps and other essentials
Key Fact: There’s no change in GST rates for detergent powder. It’s been 18% since GST began, and the 56th GST Council Meeting in September 2025 kept it unchanged.
Myth Alert: “Detergent GST Slashed to 12% or 5%”
Social media posts and YouTube videos have wrongly suggested a GST reduction for detergents, often citing affordability or confusion with soaps. These claims are false as of September 2025.
- Detergents are not essentials like food grains or medicines, which qualify for 0%, 5%, or 12% GST slabs under GST 2.0.
- Soaps (HSN 3401) dropped to 5% in September 2025, but detergents (HSN 3402) remain at 18%.
- All detergents, including budget brands like Nirma, are taxed uniformly at 18%—no exemptions based on price or brand.
Note: Liquid dishwashing detergents and bar detergents also fall under HSN 3402 and are taxed at 18% GST. Recent viral content often conflates soap and detergent rate changes—always double-check.
Pre-GST vs Post-GST: What’s the Difference?
| Period | Tax Structure | Effective Tax on Detergent Powder |
|---|---|---|
| Before July 1, 2017 | VAT (12–15%) + Excise (6–12%) + CST | 18–27% (varied by state) |
| July 1, 2017 – Present | Unified GST | 18% flat nationwide |
Why the Confusion?
- HSN Code Mix-Up: Soaps (3401) got a GST cut to 5% in 2025, but detergents (3402) didn’t, leading to widespread confusion.
- Pandemic Misinformation: Temporary rate changes for sanitizers in 2020–21 sparked rumors, but detergents were unaffected.
- Pre-GST Nostalgia: Some recall lower state VAT rates, but GST unified taxes at 18%.
- Social Media Hype: Post-September 2025 Google and YouTube content often misattributes soap GST cuts to detergents.
Also See: Soap GST Rates: Old vs. New
Final Verdict (September 2025)
- Old GST Rate (2017–September 2025): 18%
- Current GST Rate (Post-September 2025): 18%
- No reduction, hike, or exemption for HSN 3402, as confirmed by the GST Council.
Stick to official sources for accurate info:
Don’t fall for viral misinformation. The steady 18% GST rate ensures consistent pricing, though eco-conscious consumers may note that high-phosphate detergents contribute to water pollution—opt for biodegradable options where possible.