E-commerce Delivery Costs Set to Rise After 18% GST Implementation

E-commerce delivery services in India, such as those provided by Zomato, Swiggy, and Blinkit, are poised for an increase in costs due to a new 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on delivery charges. This change will take effect on 22 September 2025, following a decision by the Goods and Services Tax Council during its recent meeting.

The new taxation rule was established during the GST Council’s 56th meeting, held on 3 September 2025. Previously, delivery charges from e-commerce platforms were exempt from GST, allowing customers to benefit from lower prices. However, under the revised framework, operators in this sector must now absorb or pass on this additional financial burden to consumers.

As a result, customers using these services may find themselves paying more, particularly if companies opt to increase delivery fees or other associated service charges. Industry experts suggest that the implementation of this tax will significantly impact the pricing structure of goods delivered through these platforms.

Multiple reports indicate that e-commerce firms are assessing the potential financial repercussions of this new GST rate. According to sources, there is a strong likelihood that these companies will transfer the increased costs to customers to mitigate losses. A senior executive from a leading food delivery service stated, "We would have no other option but to pass on that hit to customers, so you can expect delivery fees going up, or even delivery partner earnings taking a hit. The cost of food could also go up.”

When the new GST rate is applied, the financial implications for consumers could be tangible. For instance, an average order costing around ₹500 may already include various taxes, such as approximately ₹88 in restaurant GST and nearly ₹15 for the delivery platform fee. If the new 18% GST on delivery services is passed on to customers, it could significantly increase the total cost of their orders.

Industry analysts are currently reviewing the implications of these changes, noting that while basic delivery services will see a marked increase in fees, customers who currently pay for premium delivery services may not experience the same level of impact. Nevertheless, the overall sentiment indicates a concerning shift that could dampen demand for these delivery services.

The introduction of the new GST on delivery services aims to clarify the legal uncertainties that have surrounded the taxation of such offerings. By categorising local delivery services under the Goods and Services Tax framework, it is anticipated that there will be reductions in related legal disputes and improved compliance in the long term.

As the implementation date nears, companies like Zomato, Swiggy, and Blinkit are expected to formulate strategies in response to this taxation change. The outlook for the e-commerce and quick delivery market is thus becoming more complex as companies weigh their options concerning pricing policies and customer retention strategies.

In conclusion, the imposition of 18% GST on delivery services in India signifies a critical shift in the regulatory landscape affecting e-commerce operators. As the date of enforcement approaches, consumers and companies alike will need to navigate the implications of these changes on pricing and service availability.