The proposed GST rates on sugar, tea, coffee, and milk powder will be lesser than the prevailing taxes. The GST Council has kept sugar under the 5% tax slab. Sugar currently attracts a central excise duty of 71 rupees per 100 kg and a sugar cess of 124 rupees per 100 kg, which translates to a rate of over 6%. The existing tax rate on the sweetener would work out to be more than 8% if central sales tax, octroi and entry tax is included.