The National Anti-Profit Authority (NAA) was established in November 2017 under Section 171A of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act to control the unfair profit activities of registered vendors.
The main function of the Administration is to ensure that the benefits of the reduction in GST rates on goods and services and the input tax credit are passed on to consumers through reduced prices.
Initially, it was set up for two years until 2019, but was later extended until November 2021.
The GST Board, at its 45th meeting in September last year, granted another one-year extension until November 30, 2022 to NAA and also decided to transfer the work to CCI thereafter.
In accordance with the Board’s decision, the NAA will cease to exist as of December 1. From now on, all investigations, based on complaints filed by consumers, will be carried out by the Directorate General for the Fight Against Profit (DGAP) which will then submit a report to CCI.
The official said a separate wing would likely be created within the ICC to handle complaints about GST profiteering.
In accordance with the GST Act, a three-tier structure has been put in place to investigate and adjudicate complaints for profit.
Complaints must first be sent to state-level selection and standing committees, which are then forwarded to DGAP for investigation.
The investigation report is then submitted to the ANA. The authority then issues an order after hearing both parties. If the NAA finds that a supplier has indulged in profiteering, it must return the amount profited, plus 18% interest, to the consumer.
If not all consumers can be identified, the amount is transferred to the consumer welfare fund.
The CCI was set up to enforce the law under the Competition Act 2002. It consists of a chairman and six members appointed by the central government.
The Commission is responsible for eliminating anti-competitive practices, protecting consumer interests and guaranteeing free trade.
