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Edited version of your written advice

Authorisation Number: 1051326069328

Date of advice: 11 January 2018

Ruling

Subject: GST and medical appliances

Question

Is the supply of a medical appliance a GST-free supply under subsection 38-45(1) of the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (GST Act)?

Answer

No.

Relevant facts and circumstances

The Entity is selling a medical appliance in Australia and is registered for goods and services tax.

The Entity has provided a brochure for the medical appliance which provides relevant information on how the appliance works and its working mechanism.

Relevant legislative provisions

A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 Section 9-5.

A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 Subsection 38-45(1).

A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 Schedule 3.

Reasons for decision

Item 141 in Schedule 3 to the GST Act which lists ‘transcutaneous nerve stimulator machines’ (TENS machine) is the most relevant item to be considered in the current case. If the appliance in the current case falls within the definition of a TENS machine, a supply of such appliances will be GST-free if it is specifically designed for people with an illness or disability, and is not widely used by people without an illness or disability.

ATO Interpretative Decision ATO ID 2001/281 Goods and Services Tax: GST and Non-invasive acupuncture point electric stimulators (ATO ID 2001/281) provides guidance on the factors considered when determining whether a particular product is a TENS machine.

ATO ID 2001/281 provides that the phrase ‘transcutaneous nerve stimulator machine’ is not defined in the GST Act. Generally, where a phrase is not defined in the relevant Act, it is usually interpreted in accordance with its ordinary meaning, unless it has a special or technical meaning. Where a phrase has a special or technical meaning, it is necessary to determine its meaning by reference to the industry to which that phrase relates (Herbert Adams Pty Ltd v FCT (1932) 47 CLR 222).

ATO ID 2001/281 states:

Based on the above definitions, it is considered that a TENS machine is a small portable battery-operated unit with leads connected to electrodes that are then attached to the skin. The purpose of the machine is to aid pain relief by preventing the passage of pain impulses to the brain. As such, a TENS machine only includes those devices which are developed primarily for the purpose of pain relief.

The appliance in the current case is not a TENS machine based on the information provided. As the appliance is not covered by any items in Schedule 3 to the GST Act (Schedule 3), or specified in the GST Regulations, a supply of such appliance is not GST-free under subsection 38-45(1) of the GST Act.


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