Samsung fined Rs 37 lakh for not passing GST benefits to consumers

India’s profiteering watchdog has ordered Samsung to pay Rs 3.7 mn for not passing goods and services tax (GST) rate cut benefits on television sets to consumers.

The National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA) held that the South Korean company did not reduce the selling price of its 32-inch LED TV 32FH4003. This was despite a cut in GST rates to 18 per cent from 28 per cent on television sets.

Besides, the company was also held for not passing on the rate cut benefit on power banks amounting to Rs 29,736, taking the total profiteered amount to Rs 37.85 lakh.

The GST Council had reduced rates on television sets above 26 inches and up to 32 inches screen size. Also, GST on power banks was reduced to 18 per cent from 28 per cent from January 1, 2019.