Classification of goods— In the instant case, applicant is registered person under GST, as a 'Commission Agent' in APMC, Sangli, Maharashtra, renders his services to the farmers in relation to the supply of 'Turmeric' (Whole Turmeric - Not in powder form) to traders in APMC, Sangli. The applicant, seeking an advance ruling in respect of the following questions.

Q.1 Whether the Turmeric (Turmeric in Whole form - not in powder form) is covered under the definition of 'Agriculture Produce' and exempted from GST? If not what is the HSN code of Turmeric and the rate of GST on the Turmeric?

Q.2 Whether services rendered by Applicant as a Commission Agent in APMC, Sangli are liable to GST in terms of SI. 54 Heading 9986 of Notification No.12/2017 CT(R) dated 28.06.2017 read with SI. No. 24 of Notification No. 11/2017-C.T. (Rate) dated 28.06.2017?

Q.3 Whether the applicants required to be registered under the CGST Act, 2017 for his activities specified under Annexure-I? if yes, under which section of the GST Act he is required to be registered?

The primary issue before us is whether the product 'Turmeric' can be considered to be an agricultural produce.

Chapter 9 covers Coffee, Tea, Mate and Spices, Further, it is observed that Turmeric is covered under Chapter Heading 0910 of the GST Tariff. Tariff Item 0910 covers Ginger, saffron, turmeric (curcuma), thyme, bay leaves, curry and other spices. Under Chapter 0910 Ginger (other than fresh ginger), saffron, turmeric (curcuma) (other than fresh turmeric), thyme, bay leaves, curry and other spices are chargeable to GST @ 5%. Thus it is clear that Turmeric is considered as a Spice. We find that Fresh Turmeric other than in processed form falling under HSN 0910 30 10 attracts NIL Rate of GST and Dried Turmeric (subject Goods) is covered under HSN Code 0910 30 20 taxable at the rate of 5% GST. Thus, it is seen that the subject produce is a Spice and is not covered under the definition of an “agricultural produce”.

Held that— Dried and Polished Turmeric as in the instant case, is not covered under the definition of 'Agriculture Produce' and is not exempted from GST. The HSN code of the impugned product is 0910 30 20 and the rate of GST is 5%.

The impugned services rendered by the applicant are taxable under GST and not exempt terms of SI. 54 Heading 9986 of Notification No.12/2017 CT(R) dated 28.06.2017 read with SI. No. 24 of Notification No. 11/2017-C.T. (Rate) dated 28.06.2017.

 The applicant is required to be registered under the relevant provisions of the CGST Act, 2017 for his impugned activities.