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Microlesson · 5-min read

Blocked Credit on Motor Vehicles, Vessels and Aircraft [Section 17(5)]

# Blocked Credit on Motor Vehicles, Vessels and Aircraft

Section 17(5) blocks ITC on certain conveyances. Decide based on (a) what it carries, (b) seating capacity, and (c) end-use.

## (1) Motor Vehicles

```

Designed to carry → GOODS PEOPLE (incl. driver)

↓ ↓

ITC ALLOWED ┌────────────┴────────────┐

Seating ≤ 13 Seating > 13

↓ ↓

ITC BLOCKED ITC ALLOWED

```

Exceptions (ITC ALLOWED even on ≤13-seater for people):

  • Further supply (e.g. car dealer's stock, demo car)
  • Transportation of passengers (e.g. travel operator)
  • Driving school (training on driving)

Definition notes:

  • A bike is designed to carry people → ITC blocked even if used to carry goods.
  • The following are NOT 'motor vehicles' → ITC ALLOWED:
  • Vehicles on fixed rails (railways)
  • Special-purpose vehicles in enclosed premises (e.g. forklift)
  • Vehicles with < 4 wheels AND engine capacity ≤ 25 cc

---

## (2) Vessels and Aircraft

```

Used to carry → GOODS PEOPLE

↓ ↓

ITC ALLOWED ITC BLOCKED

Exceptions (ITC ALLOWED):

  • Further supply (e.g. Boeing, Airbus mfr/dealer)
  • Passenger transport (e.g. IndiGo)
  • Training on navigation/flying

```

---

## (3) Notified Services Linked to the Above

Applies to: General insurance, servicing, repairs, maintenance of the motor vehicle/vessel/aircraft.

```

If ITC on the vehicle is ALLOWED → ITC on insurance/servicing also ALLOWED

If ITC on the vehicle is BLOCKED → ITC on insurance/servicing also BLOCKED

```

Exception (ITC allowed on these services even when vehicle ITC is blocked):

  • Service availed by manufacturer of such vehicle
  • Service availed by insurer of such vehicle (for claim settlement)

Worked example

### Example 1

Illustrative table — when is ITC available?

TransactionITC StatusReason
Car (6-seater) for use of employees/directorsBlocked≤13 seater for people, no exception
10 cars (6-seater) by car dealer for sale (incl. 1 demo)AvailableFurther supply exception
3-wheeler tempo, 35 cc engine, for labourBlockedDesigned for people; engine > 25 cc → still a motor vehicle
3-wheeler tempo, 25 cc engine, for employeesAvailable<4 wheels + engine ≤25 cc → not a 'motor vehicle'
Truck for transport of goodsAvailableDesigned to carry goods
Bus (30-seater) for employee transportAvailableSeating > 13
Car (6-seater) by travel operatorAvailablePassenger transport exception
Private jet bought by Reliance for promoter travelBlockedAircraft for people, no exception
Aircraft by IndiGoAvailablePassenger transport exception
Repair of 6-seater employee carBlockedFollows vehicle ITC status
Insurance of goods truckAvailableFollows vehicle ITC status
Repair availed by Bajaj Insurance for the 6-seater vehicle they insuredAvailableInsurer exception

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Assuming ITC on any vehicle used in business is allowed — the seating-capacity test is decisive.
  • Forgetting that a bike is treated as 'designed to carry people' → ITC blocked even if used for goods delivery.
  • Missing the 'engine ≤25 cc + <4 wheels' carve-out which makes small 3-wheelers eligible.
  • Claiming ITC on car insurance/repair when the underlying car's ITC is blocked.
  • Confusing 'transportation of passengers' (allowed for an operator like IndiGo) with 'transportation of employees' (still blocked for ≤13 seater).
Bare-Act text Section 17(5)(a), (aa), (ab) · CGST Act, 2017 · click to expand
Section 17(5): Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) of Section 16 and sub-section (1) of Section 18, input tax credit shall not be available in respect of the following, namely: (a) motor vehicles for transportation of persons having approved seating capacity of not more than thirteen persons (including the driver), except when they are used for making the following taxable supplies, namely: (A) further supply of such motor vehicles; or (B) transportation of passengers; or (C) imparting training on driving such motor vehicles; (aa) vessels and aircraft except when they are used for further supply, transportation of passengers, imparting training, or transportation of goods; (ab) services of general insurance, servicing, repair and maintenance in so far as they relate to motor vehicles, vessels or aircraft referred to in clause (a) or clause (aa).
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