GST & Customs Law

GST & Customs Law (Incorporating GST 2.0) is a comprehensive, statute-driven, and student-oriented exposition of India's indirect tax framework, presenting Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Customs Law as an integrated fiscal, compliance, and governance system. The book does not approach GST as a mere collection of provisions; instead, it explains GST as a living legal architecture—rooted in constitutional design, implemented through technology-driven compliance mechanisms, and continuously refined through GST Council decisions, notifications, circulars, and judicial and administrative developments. This Edition fully incorporates the GST 2.0 reform framework approved in September 2025, marking a decisive transition of GST from its initial expansion phase to a phase of structural correction, rate rationalisation, simplification, predictability, and trust-based compliance. It reflects the most current statutory position while simultaneously providing forward-looking insight into the evolving direction of GST administration and policy. A defining strength of this book lies in its pedagogical design. Each concept is explained through a structured progression—legal principle → statutory provision → rule mechanics → numerical illustration → compliance application → self-assessment and exam questions.

This book aims to fulfil the requirements of students of undergraduate courses in commerce and management, particularly the following:

• B.Com., B.Com. (Hons.), and M.Com. Students under CBCS/NEP-aligned curricula
• Faculty Members & Academicians teaching indirect taxation
• Chartered Accountancy Students studying GST and Customs Law
• Chartered Accountants, GST Practitioners, & Tax Consultants
• Students & Professionals preparing for competitive and professional examinations involving indirect tax laws
• The book caters effectively to both first-time learners seeking conceptual clarity and advanced readers requiring execution-level understanding

The Present Publication is the 13th Edition, amended up to 31st December 2025. It is authored by CA. (Dr) K.M. Bansal, with the following noteworthy features:

• [GST 2.0 Reform Integration] Provides a structured and analytical treatment of the September 2025 GST reforms, covering their background, objectives, and long-term impact. The reforms are explained through three core pillars—structural reforms, rate rationalisation, and ease of living/ease of doing business—highlighting their role in reducing litigation, correcting inverted duty structures, simplifying rate slabs, and improving refund efficiency
• [Concept-first, Statute-backed Approach] Each topic is introduced conceptually and firmly anchored in the provisions of the CGST Act, IGST Act, GST (Compensation to States) Act, and relevant Customs legislation, ensuring statutory accuracy without sacrificing clarity
• [Illustration-driven Learning Model] Extensive use of worked numerical illustrations, case-based scenarios, and step-by-step computations, particularly in critical areas such as Input Tax Credit (ITC), Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM), valuation, tax computation, and Customs assessable value
• [Strong Compliance-system Orientation] Explains GST as a portal-driven compliance system, covering e-invoicing workflows, e-way bills, auto-populated returns, inward supply statements (GSTR-2A and GSTR-2B), electronic ledgers, and refund mechanisms
• [Integrated GST-Customs Perspective] Customs Law is explained not in isolation but in direct connection with GST on imports and exports, IGST on imports, valuation principles, and cross-border trade compliance
• [Exam-oriented Pedagogy] Chapters consistently include 'Test Your Knowledge' sections and Previous Examination Questions, making the book highly suitable for academic and professional examinations

The contents and the structure of the book are as follows:

• Part I – Goods and Services Tax (GST)
• Evolution of indirect taxes in India and the constitutional foundation of GST
• GST governance structure and legislative framework
• Meaning and scope of Supply, including composite and mixed supplies
• Levy and collection of GST
• Place of Supply, Time of Supply, and Value of Supply
• Input Tax Credit (ITC):
• Eligibility and ineligibility
• Blocked credits under section 17(5)
• Apportionment and reversals (including Rule 42 methodology)
• Capital goods and special circumstances
• Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) explained through statutory logic and practical illustrations
• Tax invoices, credit notes, debit notes, receipts and refund vouchers
• E-Way Bills and E-Invoicing, including IRN generation, QR codes, and portal integration
• Returns architecture and payment of tax, with an explanation of electronic ledgers
• GST implications for e-commerce and electronic commerce operators
• GST 2.0 Reforms:
• Structural corrections
• Rate rationalisation and notification-based implementation
• Ease-of-compliance measures, such as pre-filled returns and automated refunds
• Policy significance and future direction of GST
• Part II – Customs Law
• Fundamental concepts and scope of Customs Law
• Territorial waters, customs waters, and jurisdictional applicability
• Types of Customs Duties, including surcharge and IGST linkage
• Valuation under Customs, supported by step-by-step computational illustrations
• Practical relevance of Customs provisions in import/export transactions

The structure of the book is as follows:

• The book is organised into clearly demarcated units and chapters, enabling systematic and progressive learning.
• Each chapter follows a logical internal structure
• Statutory Framework → Explanation → Illustration → Application → Assessment
• Computational topics are taught using algorithmic, stepwise methods, particularly for ITC apportionment, RCM liability, returns, and Customs valuation
• A comprehensive list of abbreviations and technical terms supports ease of reference in an acronym-intensive GST environment