Bill proposes UPI MDR return, while extending electronics manufacturing tax relief

A bill tabled in Lok Sabha proposes removing the zero-MDR provision for UPI, potentially adding payment-acceptance costs for merchants. It also outlines long-duration tax relief for electronics contract manufacturing, bonded-warehouse components and other investment-linked activities.

— Source publishedTue, 4 Aug, 2026, 16:26 IST·First seen Tue, 4 Aug, 2026, 16:30 IST·Source Mint · Money

What happened

The Taxation and Other Laws Amendment Bill proposes allowing merchant discount rates on UPI by removing zero-MDR restrictions, potentially reshaping payment

Key facts

  • Merchant discount rates proposed on UPI transactions
  • Section 10A zero-MDR provision proposed to be scrapped
  • Tax exemption for electronics contract manufacturing proposed until FY41
  • Tax relief for bonded-warehouse electronic components proposed until FY41
  • Rough diamond sales tax exemption proposed until 31 March 2041
  • SPV surcharge proposed to increase from 10% to 25%

Why this matters

Prioritize partnership or acquisition targets in payments infrastructure and electronics supply chains where a potential MDR reset and extended manufacturing incentives could improve strategic returns.