Producers Guild of India secures GST relief for Film Industry after four-year advocacy

In a significant move, the Ministry of Finance has clarified the Goods and Services Tax (GST) related to film distribution that was in effect before October 2021. This announcement brings considerable relief to numerous production houses, distributors, and other stakeholders within the Indian film industry, resolving years of ambiguity on the subject. Over the past year, many industry members faced growing concern, receiving show-cause notices related to the applicable GST rates.

The Producers Guild of India has been working diligently on this issue for nearly four years, and their efforts have finally resulted in a positive outcome for the film production and distribution community. In response to the growing concerns surrounding the GST rate and the show-cause notices, the Guild's Finance Group partnered with Ernst & Young (EY) to engage in a comprehensive advocacy process over the past year.

The Guild, in collaboration with EY, facilitated multiple discussions with crucial government officials at both Central and State levels. These talks were accompanied by thorough submissions and representations that underscored the industry's concerns and the detrimental effects of the ongoing ambiguity on the film sector.

The issue was presented to the GST Council, and due to persistent advocacy efforts, the Ministry of Finance released a positive clarification after the latest GST Council meeting. This clarification offers essential reassurance to the industry regarding the historical GST rate for film distribution prior to October 2021.