Clarifications on Export of Services: Circular No. 161/17/2021-GST
<p><span>The GST Council's Circular No. 161/17/2021-GST, dated 20th September 2021, provides crucial clarifications regarding the export of services under the IGST Act. This circular aims to clear ambiguities and ensure uniform implementation of GST provisions across the country. Here are the key highlights:</span></p><p><span><strong>1. Definition of Export of Services</strong></span></p><ul><li><span>According to sub-section (6) of section 2 of the IGST Act 2017, "export of services" means the supply of any service when:</span><ul><li><span>The supplier of service is located in India.</span></li><li><span>The recipient of service is located outside India.</span></li><li><span>The place of supply of service is outside India.</span></li><li><span>The payment for such service has been received by the supplier in convertible foreign exchange.</span></li><li><span>The supplier and recipient of service are not merely establishments of a distinct person as per Explanation 1 in section 8 of the IGST Act.</span></li></ul></li></ul><p><span><strong>2. Clarification on Distinct Persons</strong></span></p><ul><li><span>Explanation 1 in section 8 of the IGST Act states that establishments of a person in India and outside India are considered as distinct persons.</span></li><li><span>The circular clarifies that a company incorporated in India and a foreign company incorporated outside India are separate legal entities under the CGST Act and thus are not considered establishments of the same person.</span></li></ul><p><span><strong>3. Supply Between Distinct Persons</strong></span></p><ul><li><span>Supply of services by a branch, agency, or representational office of a foreign company in India to an establishment of the same foreign company outside India is not considered an export of services.</span></li><li><span>Similarly, supply of services by a company incorporated in India to its branch, agency, or representational office outside India is also not considered an export of services.</span></li></ul><p><span><strong>4. Impact on Subsidiaries and Group Companies</strong></span></p><ul><li><span>A subsidiary, sister concern, or group concern of a foreign company incorporated in India is considered a separate legal entity under the CGST Act.</span></li><li><span>Therefore, services supplied by such Indian subsidiaries to their foreign parent company are considered exports, provided all other conditions of export of services are fulfilled.</span></li></ul><p><span><strong>Conclusion</strong> Circular No. 161/17/2021-GST provides much-needed clarity on the interpretation of export of services under the IGST Act. By adhering to these guidelines, businesses can ensure compliance and avoid potential pitfalls in their export transactions.</span> <a href="https://cms.plasament.com/storage/circular-20no-20161-14-2021-gst.pdf">circular_20no._20161_14_2021_gst</a><br> </p>