The CBIC vide Circular No. 163/19/2021-GST dated October 06, 2021 has provided clarification regarding GST rates & classification based on the recommendations of the GST Council in its 45th meeting held on September 17, 2021.
Applicability of GST on definition of Copra:
Representations have been received seeking clarification regarding the definition of Copra and applicable GST rates.
As per Explanatory Notes to HS (2017 edition) to heading 1203, Copra is dried flesh of coconut generally used for the extraction of coconut oil. Coconut kernel turns into copra, when it separates from the shell skin, while still being inside the shell. The whole unbroken kernel could be taken out of shell only when it converts to copra. Once taken out of shell, copra could be supplied either whole or broken.
As per the Explanatory Notes to HS, the heading 0801 covers coconut fresh or dried but excludes Copra. Thus, exemption available to Coconut, fresh or dried, whether or not shelled or peeled, vide entry at S. No. 47 of notification No. 2/2017- Central Tax (Rate) dated June 28, 2017, is not available to Copra. Accordingly, Copra, classified under heading 1203, attracts GST rate of 5% vide entry at S. No. 66 of Schedule I of 1/2017-Central Taxes (Rate) dated June 28, 2017, irrespective of use.
The Circular can be accessed at: https://www.cbic.gov.in/resources//htdocs-cbec/gst/Circular%20No.%20163_18_2021_GST.pdf