Last updated: January 10th, 2023 6:23 PM

Import of Services under GST

Import of services refers to the supply of a service, wherein the supplier is located outside India, the recipient is located in India, and the place of supply of service is in India. Import of services attracts GST under a reverse charge basis. Under GST, any person required to pay GST on a reverse charge basis is mandatorily required to obtain GST registration and file GST returns, irrespective of any other criteria. Hence, it is important for all persons importing services into India to be aware of regulations pertaining to the import of services under GST. Click here to read more about GST reverse charge.

OIDAR Services

OIDAR services or Online Information and Database Access or Retrieval Services attract GST. Persons providing OIDAR services should mandatorily acquire GST registration. Import of services with consideration whether or not in the course or furtherance of business, shall apply as supply. Business test is not required to be fulfilled for import of service to be considered as supply. Hence, import of service by most businesses would be taxable under GST on reverse charge basis. In respect of import of online information and database access or retrieval services (OIDAR) by unregistered, non-taxable recipients, the supplier located outside India will be responsible for payment of taxes. Hence, the service provider outside of India will have to obtain non-resident taxable person GST registration and file monthly GSTR-5 returns.

Supply to SEZ

Supply of goods or services or both to a Special Economic Zone Developer or an SEZ unit shall apply as inter-state supply and will be subject to levy of IGST.

Import of Services by Related Entities

Import of services by a taxable person between related entities in the course or furtherance of business will be treated as supply, even if it is made without any consideration. Thus, import of some services by an Indian branch or foreign subsidiary from their parent company, in the course or furtherance of business, even without consideration, will be a supply and subject to GST. In case of supply by a related person, where the supplier of service is located outside India, the time of supply will be the date of entry in the books of account of the recipient of supply or the date of payment, whichever is earlier. Click here to register Private Limited Company, Public Limited Company or One Person Company.

Import Export Code

The Import Export Code is a primary document necessary for commencing Import-export activities. The IE code is to be obtained for exporting or importing goods or services. IEC has numerous benefits for the growth of the business. Indeed, you cannot ignore the necessity of IE code registration, as it is mandatory. You can apply for an Import Export code through IndiaFilings and obtain it within 6 to 7 days