Big Relief for Fitness Lovers: GST Council Proposes lower 5% Tax on Gyms, Salons & Yoga Services
The GST Council has proposed reducing tax to 5% on gyms, salons, yoga, bicycles, sports goods, grooming products, and healthy foods to ease costs for the common man.
Fitness - Taxscan
Fitness - Taxscan
The 56th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council was held at Sushma Swaraj Bhavan in New Delhi on September 03, 2025, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has brought cheer to fitness and wellness enthusiasts across the country. The Council has recommended reducing GST on gyms, salons, barbers, yoga centres and similar services from 18% to 5%.
The change will directly lower the bills paid by customers at gyms, yoga studios, and salons. A service that earlier cost Rs. 1,000 plus 18% GST (Rs. 180) will now carry only 5% GST (Rs. 50). This means customers will save nearly 13% on every visit or membership fee once the new rates take effect.
Beyond services, the relief extends to a wide range of personal care and wellness products. Everyday grooming essentials like talcum powder, face powder, hair oil, shampoo, toothpaste, shaving cream, and toilet soap will now fall under the 5% GST slab, down from 18%. This change is expected to make basic hygiene and wellness more affordable for millions of households.
The Council also brought cheer to fitness and recreation. Bicycles and tricycles will now attract only 5% GST, encouraging eco-friendly mobility and exercise. Similarly, sports goods and toys including gloves for sports, tricycles, pedal cars, chessboards, carom, and ludo have also been shifted to the 5% slab.
Health-conscious consumers received relief on the food front too. Items such as UHT milk, paneer, dates, nuts, diabetic foods, fruit juices, and plant-based milk like soy and almond have seen reductions, making nutritious and fitness-oriented diets lighter on the pocket.
Even daily household items are covered. Candles, safety matches, feeding bottles, diapers, sewing machines, kitchen utensils, and combs will now be taxed at just 5%, easing the financial burden on families.
The new rates may come into force from 22nd September 2025, once the required notifications are issued.
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