The expense incurred for the logistics of exporting and importing cargo through shipping mode is called GST on Ocean Freight. The goods to be exported/ imported are packed in the shipping containers and the freight forwarder ensures the availability of space and container in consultation with the ship agent.
There are different types of containers made for long-distance and freighter shipping. Many companies looking for containers that can handle their cargo for such long distances, companies similar to Conexwest and other shipping container companies could provide this for these types of journeys.
Statutory Provisions of Ocean Freight: Importer
The GST on Ocean Freight for transportation of goods by vessel from a place outside India up to the customs station of Clearance in India is liable to IGST (Integrated Goods and Services Tax).
As per Notification No 8/2017, Integrated Rate dated 28th June 2017, IGST is leviable @5% under clause (ii) of heading 9965 for the services described as under-
“Transport of goods in a container including services provided or agreed to be provided by a person located in a non-taxable land to a person located in non-taxable land by way of transportation of goods by a vessel from a place outside India up to the customs station of clearance of India”
Who is Responsible for Paying the GST Liability?
The importer is required to pay tax under Goods and Services Tax. An importer will mean the same as mentioned in clause 26 of section 2 of the Customs Act 1962. The importer will pay tax on the services specifically specified below:
“Services supplied by a person located in the non-taxable territory by way of transportation of goods by a vessel from a place outside India up to the customs station of clearance in India”.
What is the Method Applicable for Calculating the Levy of Integrated Goods and GST on Ocean Freight Services?
The Valuation Rules 27 to 35 as mentioned under CGST Rules do not specifically state the method to be used for valuation of such services. But the Government has released a CORRIGENDUM to Notification No. 8/2017-Integrated tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 vide F. No. 334/1/2017- TRU dated 30.06.2017 whereby the following has been inserted:
“Wherever the value of taxable service provided by a person located in non-taxable land to a person located in non-taxable territory by way of transportation of goods by a vessel from a place outside India up to the customs station of clearance in India is not available with the person liable for paying integrated tax, the same shall be deemed to be 10 % of the CIF value (sum of cost, insurance, and freight) of imported goods.”
The importer can claim IGST paid on the import of services as credit subject to credit rules.
The GST on Importation Freight should be exempted where the goods are imported on a CIF basis. Anyways the importer is paying GST on the Import value of goods as the import value is computed on a CIF basis. Giving GST again on Freight amounts to double taxation and hence, should be avoided.
If the Customs Value of goods is calculated on a CIF basis then technically there is no need to charge GST on Ocean Freight thereby reducing the working capital of the importer and reducing the paperwork. Once the goods are valued on CIF, the Government is protected by its revenue and hence, should pay a thought for a levy of GST on Ocean Freight.
