Fact Check: GST Rate Cuts Apply to Dishwashing Machines, Not Washing Machines
Several outlets have stated that washing machines shall be subject to GST rate cuts, however official documents show the cut applies to dishwashers. Here’s what actually changed.
dishwashing machine - Taxscan
dishwashing machine - Taxscan
The 56th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council was held on 3rd September 2025 at Sushma Swaraj Bhavan in New Delhi under the aegis of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The Council unveiled what it called next-generation reforms, including sweeping rate rationalisations, a new two-slab GST structure and targeted relief for household essentials and aspirational goods. In the aftermath, multiple prominent news outlets incorrectly claimed that washing machines were part of the goods subject to rate cuts, while the official record confirms that only dishwashing machines have been subjected to GST rate cuts.
Some of the largest economic news outlets in India have taken the cake - grossly misreporting that ACs, TVs, washing machines would get cheaper. Similarly, prominent news outlets with a weekly news magazine, a 24-hour English-language news channel and a strong digital presence had also reported that the middle class received major relief due to the rate cuts on washing machines.
However, the official Press Release and the note issued by the Press Information Bureau of India tell a different story. It has been clearly specified that the reduction from 28% to 18% applies to air-conditioning machines, television and dishwashing machines. Washing machines are not listed in any of the annexures issued after the Council meeting.
In other words, consumers should not expect GST-driven price relief on washing machines under the current round of changes.
The confusion is significant due to the very different consumer bases that purchase washing machines and dishwashing machines.
Washing machines are a staple purchase for newly middle-class or even lower-income households looking to upgrade quality of life, but dishwashers remain a high-end appliance with limited penetration within an economy such as that of India where dishwashers are often considered a luxury in urban middle and upper-class homes.
Clarity on rates matters because GST changes directly affect consumer spending behaviour. When major outlets blur distinctions between categories, it risks distorting both household decisions and industry expectations.
At the end of the day the fact remains that following the 56th GST Council meeting, only dishwashing machines and not washing machines are confirmed to fall under the reduced 18% slab.
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