MAM
HUL to take legal action against Sebamed for recent campaign
NEW DELHI: FMCG giant Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) is in the process of filing a legal case against German skincare brand Sebamed for targeting its soap brands Lux, Dove, and Pears in a series of ads released last weekend, media reports suggested. Sebamed in its Filmstars Kee Nahi Science Kee Suno (listen to science, not filmstars) campaign had called out the aforementioned soap brands for their pH levels.
"Our brands are best-in-class and deliver fully on the promises…backed by strong tech, science, clinical evidence and decades of expert and consumer-backed testing, enjoying strong brand loyalty. We will take suitable action as we deem fit," HUL has said as per several reports.
HUL also responded to the bold campaign by Sebamed, claiming that dermatologists trusted Dove. Sebamed claimed Dove soaps have a pH level of 7, while Pears and Lux have a pH level of 10, same as that of detergent bar Rin. The ads also named Santoor soap.
Previously, Sebamed India head Shashi Ranjan had said, “We stand for truth and transparency. During these unprecedented times, our wide portfolio of skin and hair care products with unique pH 5.5 benefit offers the new gold standard to the consumers. We remain strategically committed to investing in attracting the best talent, creating engaging brand stories and driving rapid distribution expansion across channels.”
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
