Suryaa Now National News Desk: The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has formally requested the central government to reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on air purifiers from 18 percent to 5 percent. CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal submitted a letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, November 15, 2026, stating that air purifiers have transitioned from luxury items to essential life-saving tools.
The demand for air purifiers in Delhi has increased fivefold due to rising pollution levels. CTI reported that daily sales per shop have risen from an average of four units to 20, leading to stock shortages for several brands. The association noted that the current 18 percent GST makes these devices unaffordable for the general public.
CTI argued that air purifiers and their filters should be treated similarly to life-saving medicines. The organization also suggested reducing the GST on raw materials used for manufacturing air purifiers from 12 percent to 5 percent to encourage domestic production and reduce reliance on imports from China.
Furthermore, CTI has requested a special central government package of Rs 5,000 crore for smog tower installation and green belt development to combat pollution in Delhi. The proposal includes a request for Rs 500 crore in financial assistance to install air purifiers in government schools, hospitals, Anganwadi centers, and 100 major markets. Additionally, the association has sought a six-month EMI moratorium and a 2 percent interest subsidy for traders whose businesses have been impacted by Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) restrictions.
