Summary of Points Finalized in the Meeting

GST Rate Rationalization:
The Council approved significant reductions in GST rates on over 200 items, with 178 items moved from the 28% tax slab to 18%. This included several daily-use goods such as detergents, shampoos, marble, granite, and various household products. The move aimed to address consumer concerns and boost demand.
23rd GST Council Minutes, page 5

Composition Scheme Adjustments:
To ease compliance for small taxpayers, the turnover limit for composition scheme was raised from ₹1 crore to ₹1.5 crore, and the tax rate for manufacturers and traders was fixed at 1%, with service providers largely excluded except for restaurant services. Composition dealers were also permitted to file returns quarterly instead of monthly.
23rd GST Council Minutes, page 7

Filing Simplification and Return Timeline:
The Council deferred the requirement to file GSTR-2 and GSTR-3 until further notice, continuing with GSTR-3B as the primary return filing form. It was also decided that GSTR-1 would be simplified and staggered by turnover, with quarterly filing for small taxpayers. This was part of a larger plan to eventually merge the return forms for ease of compliance.
23rd GST Council Minutes, page 8

Relief for Service Sector and Job Work:
The Council approved exemptions and reduced rates for specific service categories, including job work in manufacturing sectors such as textiles, leather, and gems & jewellery. The changes were made to support employment-intensive industries and reduce the cost burden on small service providers.
23rd GST Council Minutes, page 9

E-Way Bill Implementation:
The Council decided that the e-Way Bill system would be introduced nationwide from 1 January 2018, initially on a trial basis, with full implementation by 1 April 2018. The system would help curb tax evasion and streamline logistics movement across States.
23rd GST Council Minutes, page 10

Late Fee and Compliance Relief:
It was decided that late fees for delayed filing of returns would be reduced to ₹20 per day (₹10 each under CGST and SGST) for nil filers and ₹50 per day for others. Additionally, taxpayers who had paid higher fees earlier would receive credit adjustments in subsequent filings.
23rd GST Council Minutes, page 12

Refunds to Exporters:
The Council resolved to expedite refund processing for exporters, ensuring that IGST refunds for July and August 2017 were fully processed by the end of November 2017. A self-declaration mechanism was introduced to simplify the refund procedure temporarily until the online system became functional.
23rd GST Council Minutes, page 13

Setting up of a Group of Ministers (GoM):
The Council formed a GoM headed by the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar to recommend measures for making the GST return filing process simpler and more efficient, focusing on system improvements in GSTN.
23rd GST Council Minutes, page 14

Next Meeting Schedule:
It was decided that the next GST Council Meeting would be held in December 2017, primarily to review the implementation progress of these measures and address revenue collection trends.
23rd GST Council Minutes, page 15