Zero-Rated Exports: Merchant Exporters Win Relief from Compensation Cess, Ensuring Smooth Working Capital Flow Under GST

HC held that supplies to merchant exporters qualify as zero-rated export under IGST Act. While petitioners are technically liable to pay 160% Compensation Cess in absence of specific exemption notification, the court recognized this creates unnecessary working capital blockage. The levy is essentially revenue neutral since merchant exporters can claim full refund under sections 16 and 54(3) of GST Act. The matter was remanded to GST Council to consider granting exemption from Compensation Cess for export supplies, aligning with existing GST/IGST exemptions. Petition allowed with directions to review the Compensation Cess levy mechanism for export-oriented supplies. .....

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