Meta has announced a revision to the pricing structure of its WhatsApp Business Platform in India, set to take effect from October 1, 2026. These changes will require businesses to pay for certain messages that were previously free. Currently, businesses can respond to customer inquiries and send order updates without charge within a 24-hour timeframe. However, this policy will shift as utility messages, including order confirmations and delivery updates, will incur fees starting from this date.

It is important to note that these alterations specifically impact the WhatsApp Business Platform; regular WhatsApp and the WhatsApp Business app will not be affected. The pricing overhaul aims to streamline the communication costs for businesses utilizing the platform for customer interactions.

The changes will allow businesses to continue replying to customer queries for free for the first 1,000 service messages per month for each business phone number. After this allowance, businesses will incur charges for additional replies.

Cost Implications for Businesses

From October 1, businesses will need to pay Rs 0.115 per delivered utility message, which includes order updates and confirmations, before the addition of Goods and Services Tax (GST). With an 18 per cent GST, the total cost amounts to approximately Rs 0.136 per message. Prior to this date, businesses have the advantage of sending utility messages at no cost within the designated 24-hour period, making the upcoming financial obligation a significant adjustment for many.

If a business sends 1,000 order updates, the pre-GST charge will be Rs 115, expanding to around Rs 135.70 with GST included. Distinct rates apply for different types of messages. For example, marketing messages, which comprise promotional offers and announcements of sales, are priced at Rs 0.8631 per message, whereas authentication messages, such as one-time passwords, will remain at Rs 0.115 pre-GST.

Additionally, businesses can expect the first 1,000 service replies each month to remain complimentary. Beyond this limit, the rates will align with the costs for utility and authentication messages in their respective markets. For instance, a business sending 1,500 service replies in a month will pay for the additional 500, leading to a total of Rs 57.50 before GST, or around Rs 67.85 inclusive of GST.

Free Services Still Available for Users

Despite the impending changes, not all communications on the WhatsApp Business Platform will incur charges. Businesses will enjoy the first 1,000 service messages monthly without payment requirements. Furthermore, customers can continue to message businesses freely without facing any fees for outgoing or incoming messages.

Meta has retained the existing three-day complimentary messaging window for businesses receiving inquiries via Click-to-WhatsApp advertisements or call-to-action buttons on Facebook Pages. This feature encourages businesses to utilise advertising tools to connect with potential customers effectively.

Starting from October 1, businesses using WhatsApp for service replies, order updates, and delivery notifications will have increased costs associated with these communications. However, customers remain unaffected by these changes, as they will not incur charges for contacting businesses or receiving messages on WhatsApp.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share