Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Tiles and sanitaryware traders association has demanded that the GST on vitrified tiles, currently 18%, be reduced to 5%, similar to the proposed rate for other key building materials.
The association believes such a move would drastically reduce housing costs and support the Prime Minister’s vision of affordable homes for all.
Association president Govind Agrawal and secretary Prem Maheshwari, in a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, stressed that while cement, steel, marble, wood and sanitaryware face 18% to 28% GST, tiles remain among the most expensive essentials due to high taxation.
They argued that lowering the GST on tiles to 5% would alone bring down overall housing costs by nearly a quarter.
The association also highlighted that tiles and sanitaryware are largely produced in Morbi, Gujarat, and transportation costs add another 30% burden for buyers across India. They urged the government to bring diesel under GST to further reduce logistics expenses.
“Tiles are as essential as cement and steel in completing a house. If their tax is not reduced, affordable housing remains incomplete,” the letter stated. The memorandum has been sent to Union ministers, MPs, chief ministers and GST Council members nationwide.
