Regional beverage makers are facing heightened scrutiny from GST officials over tax evasion as many of them were found to be claiming that their products contain fruit juice.
Sugary carbonated beverages without fruit juice attract 40% tax under GST, while ones with added fruit juice or pulp fall in the 12% tax bracket.
Local beverage makers across several states, including Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, have had their factories raided over the last one month, sources said.