The GST Council has pruned the 28 per cent slab by cutting tax rates on 191 goods over the last one year, leaving just 35 items, including AC, digital camera, video recorders, dishwashing machine and automobiles, in the highest tax bracket. 

There were around 226 goods in the 28 per cent category when Goods and Services Tax (GST) was implemented on July 1, 2017. 

Over the last one year, the Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister and comprising state ministers, has slashed rates in 191 items. 

The 35 goods, which will be left in highest slab once the new GST rates are implemented from July 27, also include cement, automobile parts, tyres, automobile equipments, motor vehicles. yachts, aircrafts, aerated drinks, betting and demerit items like tobacco, cigarette and pan masala. 

Experts said going forward as the revenues stabilise, the Council may look at further rationalisation of the 28 per cent slab, to restrict the highest tax slab to super luxury and sin goods. 

After the latest rounds of rate cuts by the GST Council on July 21, only 35 items are left in the 28 per cent tax slab, an official said. 

The Council brought down tax rates to 18 per cent from 28 per cent on 15 items, including vacuum cleaners, washing maching, 68 cm (27 inch) TV, fridge, laundry machines, paints and varnishes. 

“The rate cuts would lead to a revenue loss of about Rs 6,000 crore,” the official said. 

The official, however, said that the revenue loss would be only notional as increased consumption and compliance would lead to more revenues to the exchequer.