Single authority mechanism for processing GST refunds to exporters soon

Move will help sanction and process refunds faster; may boost exports

The upcoming Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council meeting on September 20 is likely to approve the mechanism to allow a single authority — state or Central — to sanction and process GST refunds for exporters in a faster and simpler manner. Refunds of around Rs 10,000 crore have piled up.

The move is expected to give a fillip to the struggling exports sector, which contracted 0.37 per cent to $107.41 billion in April-July 2019-20.  Outbound shipments are facing headwinds due to weak global demand and liquidity constraints.

The GST Council, comprising the Union finance minister and those from the