The Water Quality India Association (WQIA), the apex body of manufacturers, dealers, and component suppliers of drinking water systems, has written to union Revenue Secretary requesting for the inclusion of Water Purifiers, Filters & Services under the 5% GST slab to promote preventive healthcare for the common people at affordable prices.
“The members of the Water Quality India Association (WQIA) deeply appreciate the Government’s ongoing efforts to simplify the GST structure, ease costs for the middle class consumers, and boost demand – important steps that reflect the persistent commitment of the Government and GST Council towards building a simplified, equitable, and growth-oriented indirect taxation system,” WWIA wrote in the letter.
“In this context, we seek your support for the inclusion of water purifiers, filters and related services under the 5% GST slab, thereby recognizing them as essential household and public health enablers,” it said.
Stating that water purifier penetration in India remains at 6%, versus comparable market penetration of about 20% it said “the current high GST incidence of 18% on a basic necessity translates into higher consumer prices, thereby limiting adoption among lower and middle-income households.”
“A lower GST rate will not only help in reducing the consumer prices, but also reduce the downstream healthcare cost,” it said.
“Additionally, the 20 litre water jars (covered under chapter 2201), are currently taxed at lower GST rate of 12%, considering the role they play in extending the availability of affordable, safe drinking water. The reach of these jars for the rural and semi-urban consumer, however, is very limited due to logistic difficulties of regular supplies,” it said.
“Water Purifiers can help bridge this gap with the point-of-use application, avoiding the dependency on logistics of supply. Treating water purifiers at par with 20 ltr jars will help the consumers with a viable & more convenient solution,” it added.
Mentioning that the current market size of water purifiers is about Rs 4,400 crore it said any Government support on GST rationalisation to 5% will have minimal impact on the exchequer. However, it will have a significant benefit of providing safe drinking water to a large number of households, it said.
“We believe that this measure will advance the Government’s vision of Har Ghar Jal, significantly reduce waterborne diseases, and contribute to the broader objectives of public health, sustainability, and economic well-being,” WQIA said.
It has offered to present detailed representation in-person before the Revenue Secretary.
Published – August 30, 2025 09:14 pm IST
