Introduction
On certain occasions, two or more goods, or a combination of goods and services, are supplied together. This generally happens, due to either of the following reasons:
- Sales strategy to attract more customers
- Similar nature or type of goods or services, which requires them to be bundled or supplied together
Under the Service Tax regime, this mechanism was called as a Bundled Good or Service – which implied the rendering of a goods or services with another element of goods or services or both.
Under GST, all supplies which are bundled with two or more supplies of goods or services or combination of goods and services are classified, with distinct characteristics as:
- Mixed Supply
- Composite Supply
It is important thus to understand the implications of composite supply vs. mixed supply, especially in the GST era.
Mixed Supply
The supply of two or more individual supplies of goods or services, or any combination of goods and services, by a taxable person, for a single price, is called a Mixed Supply. In Mixed Supply, the combination of goods and/or services are not bundled due to natural necessities, and they can be supplied individually in the ordinary course of business.
A Mixed Supply example could be a kit – which contains a tie, a watch, a wallet and a pen - which could be bundled and priced together. However, each of these items can always be supplied individually, and hence this supply will be a Mixed Supply.
GST Rate on Mixed Supply
The GST rate on mixed supply will be the highest GST rate applicable on the goods or services included in the given combination of the mixed supply.
Composite Supply
The supply of two or more supplies of goods or services by a taxable person, which comprises of a combination of goods and services naturally bundled and supplied together in the ordinary course of business, is called as a Composite Supply.
In other words, a Composite Supply comprises goods and services which are bundled owing to natural necessities. The elements in a composite supply of goods and services are generally bifurcated as:
- Principal Supply - the pre-dominant element in the Composite Supply of goods or services
- Dependent Supply - dependent on the principal supply
A Composite Supply example could be – a 5 star hotel in Mumbai providing a stay package with breakfast. This will be a Composite Supply as the package of accommodation facilities and breakfast is a natural combination in the ordinary course of business for a hotel. In this case, the hotel accommodation is the principal supply, and breakfast is the dependent supply.
GST Rate on Composite Supply
The GST rate on Composite Supply will be equal to the GST rate applicable on the principal supply of such goods and services, included in the composite supply.
Conclusion
Given the renewed categorisation of supplies as mixed supply and composite supply under GST, businesses will need to relook all their potential bundled goods and services. It is important for businesses to clearly understand composite supply vs. mixed supply, their tax implications and accordingly operate to fulfil the desired objective of bundling goods and services.
Know more about GST Composition Scheme
GST Composition Scheme, GST Composition Scheme Rules, GST Composite Supply, Composite Dealer under GST, Composition Scheme for Services, Composition Scheme Tax Rates, How to Switch to Composition Scheme
GST
GST Software, GST Calculator, GST on Freight, GST Impact on TCS, GST Impact on TDS, GST Exempted Goods & Services, Reverse Charge Mechanism in GST, GST Declaration
GST Rates & Charges
GST Rates, HSN Codes, SAC Codes, GST State Codes
GST Returns
GST Returns, Types of GST Returns, New GST Returns & Forms, Sahaj GST Returns, Sugam GST Returns
