HSN Code Search
Find the right HSN code and GST rate for your products. Search 300+ product types instantly.
GST Rate Slabs in India
India uses a multi-tier GST rate structure. Different goods and services are taxed at different rates depending on their category.
| GST Rate | Category | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | Essential goods | Fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, unbranded rice, wheat, bread, salt, jaggery |
| 5% | Basic necessities | Packaged food items, sugar, tea, edible oil, branded cereals, spices, coal |
| 12% | Standard goods | Processed food, butter, ghee, fruit juice, furniture, mobile phones, sewing machines |
| 18% | Most services & goods | Electronics, stationery, restaurant food (non-AC), IT services, financial services, detergent |
| 28% | Luxury & demerit goods | Luxury cars, pan masala, aerated drinks, cement, AC restaurants in 5-star hotels |
Browse by Product Category
Grocery / Kirana
Chapters 01-21
Rice, wheat, sugar, tea, spices, oils, pulses, biscuits, snacks
Stationery
Chapters 48, 96
Pens, pencils, notebooks, paper, erasers, markers, files
Electronics
Chapters 84-85
Mobile phones, laptops, chargers, cables, batteries, TVs
Garments
Chapters 61-63
T-shirts, trousers, sarees, dresses, towels, curtains
Cosmetics
Chapters 33-34
Shampoo, soap, perfume, toothpaste, hair oil, detergent
Household
Chapters 39, 73
Plastic containers, steel utensils, furniture, kitchenware
What is an HSN Code?
HSN stands for Harmonized System of Nomenclature. It is an internationally standardized system of names and numbers developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use HSN codes for customs and trade purposes.
In India, HSN codes are used under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime to classify goods and determine the applicable tax rate. Every product sold in India maps to an HSN code, which in turn maps to a specific GST slab (0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, or 28%).
For business owners, knowing the correct HSN code for your products is essential for issuing GST-compliant invoices, filing accurate returns (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B), and avoiding notices from the tax department.
HSN Code Structure
HSN codes follow a hierarchical structure. Each level of digits adds more specificity to the product classification:
2 digits = Chapter
Broad category (e.g., "Cereals")
4 digits = Heading
Product group (e.g., "Rice")
6 digits = Subheading
Specific type (e.g., "Semi-milled rice")
8 digits = Tariff Item
Most specific (e.g., "Basmati rice")
HSN Code Requirements on Invoices
The number of HSN digits required on your invoices depends on your business's annual aggregate turnover:
Below Rs 1.5 crore
Optional
HSN codes recommended but not mandatory
Rs 1.5 crore - 5 crore
2 digits
Chapter-level classification required
Above Rs 5 crore
4 digits
Heading-level classification required
Auto-fill HSN Codes in Your Invoices
Tired of looking up HSN codes manually? OnePlaceHQ billing software automatically fills HSN codes and GST rates when you add products to an invoice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an HSN code?
HSN stands for Harmonized System of Nomenclature. It is a 4-to-8 digit code developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. In India, HSN codes are used under GST to categorize goods and determine the applicable tax rate. Every product sold in India is assigned an HSN code that maps to a specific GST slab (0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, or 28%).
Do I need HSN codes on my invoices?
It depends on your annual turnover. Businesses with turnover above Rs 5 crore must include 4-digit HSN codes on all invoices. Businesses with turnover between Rs 1.5 crore and Rs 5 crore must use at least 2-digit HSN codes. Below Rs 1.5 crore, HSN codes are optional but recommended for accurate goods classification and smoother GST return filing.
How many digits should an HSN code have?
HSN codes can be 2, 4, 6, or 8 digits. The first 2 digits identify the chapter (broad category like "Cereals" or "Plastics"). 4 digits identify the heading (specific product group). 6 digits identify the subheading (more specific). 8 digits are the most granular tariff item classification used for customs and detailed GST classification.
What are the GST rate slabs in India?
India has five GST rate slabs: 0% (essential goods like fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, unbranded rice), 5% (basic necessities like packaged food, sugar, tea, edible oil), 12% (standard goods like processed food, butter, ghee, mobile phones), 18% (most services and goods like electronics, stationery, restaurant food, IT services), and 28% (luxury and demerit goods like luxury cars, pan masala, aerated drinks).
Can the same HSN code have different GST rates?
Yes. Some products under the same HSN code have different GST rates based on conditions. For example, rice (HSN 1006) is taxed at 0% when sold loose or unbranded, but at 5% when sold in pre-packaged and labelled form. Similarly, garments under Rs 1,000 are taxed at 5%, while those above Rs 1,000 are taxed at 12%. Always check the specific description, not just the HSN code number.
Where can I find the official HSN code list?
The official HSN code list is published by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and is available on the GST portal at cbic-gst.gov.in. The rates are updated through CBIC notifications (typically 2-3 times per year). Our search tool uses data from these official notifications and covers 300+ common product types for quick lookup.
Is this HSN search tool free?
Yes, this HSN code search tool is completely free with no login or registration required. You can search for any product type and instantly see the HSN code, GST rate, and chapter classification. The tool covers 300+ common product types across grocery, stationery, electronics, garments, cosmetics, and more.
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