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GST Changes in 2025: Complete Guide for School Bags, College Bags, Travel Bags, and Ladies’ Purses
Introduction
The GST Council introduced significant reforms effective from September 22, 2025, simplifying tax slabs to mainly 5% and 18%, with a new de-merit rate for luxuries. These reforms impacted a variety of goods, including bags commonly used for school, college, travel, and ladies’ accessories. This blog clarifies the GST changes by bag category, including official HSN codes and exact old vs new GST rates.
New GST Rates by Bag Category
School Bags and Stationery Bags
- Old Rate: 12%
- New Rate: 5%
- Stationery-related bags like exercise book covers, notebook covers are exempted and now at 0% GST to support affordable education.
College Bags and Backpacks
- Old Rate: 18%
- New Rate: 18% (No change)
- Categorized as general consumer goods with stable taxation.
Travel Bags and Suitcases
- Old Rate: 28%
- New Rate: 18%
- Rationalized to ease tax burden on travel goods.
Ladies’ Purses and Handle Purses
- Old Rate: 12%
- New Rate: 5%
- Reduced tax to make women’s accessories more affordable.
Official HSN Codes and GST Rates
| Bag Category | HSN Code(s) | Old GST Rate (%) | New GST Rate (%) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| School Bags (Plastic/Textile) | 42021290 | 12 | 5 | Major GST reduction |
| School Bags (Leather) | 42021110 | 12 | 5 | Same as above |
| Stationery Bags (Notebook Covers etc.) | Specific stationery HSNs | N/A | 0 | Newly exempt |
| College Bags and Backpacks | 42021290 | 18 | 18 | No change |
| Travel Bags and Suitcases | 42029200+ | 28 | 18 | Rationalized luxury bracket |
| Ladies’ Purses and Handle Purses | Varies | 12 | 5 | Tax cut for affordability |
Summary of GST Rate Changes on Bags in 2025
| Bag Type | Old GST | New GST | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Bags (General) | 12% | 5% | GST significantly reduced |
| Stationery Bags | N/A | 0% | Full exemption introduced |
| College Bags & Backpacks | 18% | 18% | No change |
| Travel Bags & Suitcases | 28% | 18% | Reduced from luxury category |
| Ladies’ Purses & Handle Purses | 12% | 5% | Reduced to support buyers |
Impact of GST Changes
- Parents/Students: Affordable school bags and stationery due to reduced GST or exemption.
- College Students: Stable pricing as GST on college bags unchanged.
- Travelers: Lower tax on travel bags may reduce costs.
- Women Consumers: Cheaper purses and handle purses with 5% GST.
FAQs
Q1. Are all school bags exempt now?
No, only stationery bags related to education are exempt (0% GST). Regular school bags now have 5% GST.
Q2. Is GST reduced on college backpacks?
No, college bags remain at 18% GST.
Q3. What is the GST rate on travel bags?
Reduced from 28% to 18%.
Q4. What about ladies’ purses?
GST reduced from 12% to 5%.
Conclusion
The 2025 GST reform makes educational bags and ladies’ accessories more affordable through reduced or exempt GST rates. Travel bags benefit from rationalized rates, while college bags remain consistently taxed. This reform balances consumer relief with fiscal needs and simplifies taxation across categories.
For businesses and buyers, it is important to identify correct HSN codes when applying GST. These changes will be effective from September 22, 2025, benefiting the economy and consumers alike.
This blog is based on official data from the GST Council, PIB, and other government sources as of 2025.