<p>The <strong>Government of India</strong>, through <strong>Circular No. 219/13/2024-GST</strong>, issued on <strong>June 26, 2024</strong>, has provided clarity on the <strong>availability of Input Tax Credit (ITC) for ducts and manholes used in Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) networks</strong> under <strong>Section 17(5) of the CGST Act, 2017</strong>. This clarification resolves concerns raised by <strong>telecom operators</strong> regarding ITC restrictions.</p><h3><strong>1. Background of the Issue</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI)</strong> reported that <strong>some tax authorities were denying ITC</strong> on <strong>ducts and manholes</strong> used in <strong>OFC networks</strong>.</li><li>The denial was based on <strong>Section 17(5) of the CGST Act</strong>, which <strong>blocks ITC for construction of immovable property</strong>.</li></ul><h3><strong>2. Clarification on ITC Eligibility</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Section 17(5) Restrictions:</strong><ul><li>ITC is <strong>not available</strong> for <strong>construction of immovable property</strong> (other than <strong>plant and machinery</strong>).</li><li>ITC is <strong>restricted</strong> for <strong>works contract services</strong> related to immovable property.</li></ul></li><li><strong>Definition of "Plant and Machinery":</strong><ul><li><strong>Plant and machinery</strong> includes <strong>apparatus, equipment, and machinery fixed to the earth</strong> that are used for making outward supplies.</li><li><strong>Exclusions:</strong> Land, buildings, civil structures, telecom towers, and pipelines outside factory premises.</li></ul></li><li><strong>Ducts and Manholes Are Considered Plant & Machinery:</strong><ul><li><strong>Ducts and manholes</strong> are essential components of <strong>OFC networks</strong>.</li><li>They <strong>house and protect optical fiber cables</strong> and facilitate <strong>signal transmission</strong>.</li><li>Since they are <strong>not excluded</strong> under <strong>Section 17 of the CGST Act</strong>, they qualify as <strong>plant and machinery</strong>.</li><li><strong>Conclusion:</strong> <strong>ITC on ducts and manholes used in OFC networks is NOT restricted</strong> under Section 17(5).</li></ul></li></ul><h3><strong>3. Implications for the Telecom Industry</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Taxpayers (telecom operators) can claim ITC</strong> on ducts and manholes, reducing their tax burden.</li><li>This clarification <strong>eliminates litigation risks</strong> and brings <strong>uniformity in GST implementation</strong>.</li><li><strong>Trade notices will be issued</strong> to inform stakeholders.<a href="https://cms.plasament.com/storage/nisha/circular-no-219-13-2024.pdf">circular-no-219-13-2024</a><br> </li></ul>