After Flipkart, its rival Amazon has challenged the Gujarat government’s notification levying 6 to 21 per cent entry tax on goods that are being purchased through the e-commerce portal in the state.
The Gujarat High Court has issued notice to the state government on a petition filed by Amazon India.After Flipkart, its rival Amazon has challenged the Gujarat government's notification levying 6 to 21 per cent entry tax on goods that are being purchased through the e-commerce portal in the state.
The Gujarat High Court has issued notice to the state government on a petition filed by Amazon India.
The entry tax on goods purchased through #
The entry tax on goods purchased through e-commerce portals is said to have been brought in to provide a level-playing field to traders and retailers in the state.
Like Flipkart, Amazon has claimed that the tax is discriminatory, because no such tax is imposed on goods brought into Gujarat through other modes of sale.
It claims that it only provides an online platform to manufacturers, traders and buyers and itself is not involved in selling any product and hence the tax is unjustified.
The state Assembly passed the Gujarat Tax on Entry of Specified Goods into Local Areas (Amendment) Bill on March 31.
From April 1, any goods being purchased online are being subject to 6 to 21 per cent entry tax. While normal goods are being levied 6 per cent tax, specified goods are subject to up to 21.6 per cent tax, with majority of goods being levied around 12 per cent tax.
The government amended an Act of 2001, with the aim to cover e-commerce transactions in its ambit, as the government felt this was adversely affecting local traders.
The new law amends the word "importer" to cover those who "bring or facilitate to bring any specified goods for consumption, use or sale in Gujarat from any part of the country using online platforms". (SH)
ALCHEMPro News Desk – India
marketing@alchempro.com
