Both big note currency demonetization at the end of 2016, and the current goods and services tax (GST) one-tax one-country regime have been optimistically cheered on by much of the publishing and printing industry. Both large and small commercial printers since 1 July 2017 when the GST came into force, are saying that their presses are mostly idle or working single shift even as they spend countless hours in meetings with other printers and publishers and consultants.
The problem with one tax one country is that there are multiple GST lanes—0%, 5%, 12% and 18%—for the most part. There is apparently one rate for books where the publisher provides the paper and another if the printer provides a turn-key solution. At a Capexil seminar in Delhi attended by leading book printers, it was not really clear if the rate on printed books is 0% or 18%. For status holding book printing exports, the tax is apparently 0% but large print exporters do not want to be caught out later as ITC was this week when the taxes on cigarettes were steeply revised upwards.
In the context of even senior government officials attending GST seminars being candidly less than authoritative, a leading book printer and exporter says, “If you are the creator of a half-baked cake and you don’t have any answers, who or what are printers or publishers supposed to do?”
If you are satisfied with your sales, you probably don’t need us!
If you are happy with your equipment, consumables, and software sales to Indian printers, you probably don’t need us. But if you want to grow your sales or improve your marketing, then talk to us. Our research and consulting company, IppStar can assess your potential and addressable markets in light of the competition. We can discuss marketing, communication, and sales strategies for market entry, and for market growth.
For suppliers or service providers with a strategy and budget, I suggest you talk to us about using our hybrid print, web, video, and social media channels to impact your product communication. We are one of the world’s leading B2B publications in the print industry with hands-on practitioner and consulting experience – an understanding of business and financials, and some of the best technical writers. Our young team is ready to travel to meet you and your customers for content.
India’s fast-growing large economy has considerable headroom for print. Get our 2025 media kit and recalibrate your role in this dynamic market. Enhance your visibility and relevance to existing markets and turn potential customers into conversations.
Founded in 1979 as a technical newsletter, Indian Printer and Publisher is the oldest B2B trade publication in the multi-platform and multi-channel IPPGroup. IppStar [www.ippstar.org] is our Services, Training and Research organization.
Naresh Khanna – 20 January 2025
Subscribe Now
