Para 2 (J) - TAX REFUND FOR INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS - Report on - Business Processes for GST on Refund Process - [August 2015]

2(J) TAX REFUND FOR INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS: Tax Refund for International Tourist (TRT) scheme provides an opportunity to the foreign tourists to purchase goods during their stay in any country on payment of GST and obtain refund of the GST so paid, at the time of exit from the country. Nearly 52 countries have adopted such kind of refund mechanism. It was noted that such a scheme helps in attracting tourist and is in line with avowed objective of GST regime of zero rating of goods and Make in India initiative of Government of India. State governments are offering VAT refunds to foreign diplomats and officials of multilateral agencies. This scheme will be implemented through particular retailers who are registered for this scheme. Refund of GST will be available at designated airports and ports only and the refund of the GST paid on retail purchase by the foreign tourists during their stay in India is allowed. A part of the eligible amount of refund will be deducted as handling fee for services rendered. GST law drafting Committee may provide for this provision as well delineate the details of the scheme.