Anbumani Ramadoss Opposes 18% GST on Palm Sugar

PMK Leader Anbumani Ramadoss Opposes Higher GST on Palm Sugar

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Anbumani Ramadoss has appealed to the Union government to continue taxing palm sugar at 5% GST, opposing a recent move that could raise the tax to 18%.

In a statement released on Thursday, March 12, 2026, Ramadoss said that palm sugar was previously classified under HSN code 17029010 and was taxed at 5%. However, according to reports, GST authorities have now reclassified the product under HSN code 17029090, which comes with an 18% GST rate.

Ramadoss argued that increasing the tax on palm sugar would hurt small traders and consumers, as the product is widely used in households and traditional sweets. He urged the government to restore the earlier 5% GST rate, saying that the higher tax would unnecessarily burden consumers and disrupt the market.

Palm sugar, also known as gur or jaggery made from palm sap, is a natural sweetener commonly used in cooking and sweets across India. Traders and industry representatives have reportedly expressed concern that the GST hike could reduce demand and increase prices, affecting both sellers and buyers.

Ramadoss’s statement comes amid growing debates over the classification of food products under GST, where even small changes in HSN codes can lead to significantly higher tax rates. He called on the government to review the reclassification and ensure fair taxation for essential food items like palm sugar.