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HSN Code Lookup

Quick search across common HSN codes used in Indian trade. Full official schedule is available on the CBIC portal.

HSN	Description	GST
0402	Milk and cream, concentrated or containing added sugar or sweeteners	5%
0901	Coffee, whether or not roasted or decaffeinated	5%
1006	Rice	5%
1701	Cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose	5%
1905	Bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and other bakers wares	18%
2106	Food preparations not elsewhere specified	18%
2202	Waters, including mineral and aerated, with added sugar or flavoured	18–28%
3004	Medicaments, packaged for retail sale	12%
3304	Beauty or make-up preparations and skin care	18%
3401	Soap; organic surface-active products used as soap	18%
3923	Articles for the conveyance or packing of goods, of plastics	18%
4202	Trunks, suitcases, handbags and similar containers	18%
4802	Uncoated paper and paperboard for writing, printing	12%
5205	Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread)	5%
6109	T-shirts, singlets and other vests, knitted or crocheted	5–12%
6403	Footwear with outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather	5–18%
7013	Glassware of a kind used for table, kitchen, toilet, office	18%
7113	Articles of jewellery of precious metal	3%
7208	Flat-rolled products of iron/non-alloy steel, hot-rolled	18%
7318	Screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws and similar articles of iron/steel	18%
7601	Aluminium, unwrought	18%
8414	Air or vacuum pumps, compressors and fans	18%
8415	Air conditioning machines	28%
8471	Automatic data processing machines (computers and units)	18%
8504	Electrical transformers, static converters and inductors	18%
8517	Telephones for cellular networks; other apparatus for transmission	12–18%
8528	Monitors and projectors; television reception apparatus	18–28%
8542	Electronic integrated circuits	18%
8703	Motor cars and other motor vehicles for transport of persons	28% + cess
8711	Motorcycles and cycles fitted with an auxiliary motor	28% + cess
9018	Instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental sciences	12%
9401	Seats (other than dental, medical); parts thereof	18%
9403	Other furniture and parts thereof	18%
9503	Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars, dolls, other toys	12–18%
9504	Video game consoles, articles for arcade, table or parlour games	18–28%
9603	Brooms, brushes, hand-operated mechanical floor sweepers	18%
9619	Sanitary towels, tampons, napkins for babies	12%

GST rates are indicative and may vary by specific product characteristics. Always verify against the latest CBIC notification.

Guide

The HSN Code Lookup lets you search common Harmonised System of Nomenclature codes used in Indian trade and GST filings. Type either a description or a partial code, and the tool returns the matching heading along with an indicative GST rate.

HSN classification is one of the most important — and most often mis-handled — parts of both indirect taxation and customs. Getting it right ensures the correct GST rate, the correct import duty and a smooth reconciliation of GSTR-1, GSTR-3B and e-way bills.

What is an HSN code?

The Harmonised System of Nomenclature is a globally standardised 6-digit product classification system developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO). More than 200 countries use it to classify traded goods for customs duty, statistics and trade agreements.

India extends the international 6-digit code to 8 digits under the Customs Tariff and, for GST purposes, requires either 4-, 6- or 8-digit HSN reporting on invoices depending on the taxpayer’s aggregate turnover.

First 2 digits = Chapter (e.g. 84 for machinery and mechanical appliances)
Next 2 digits = Heading (e.g. 8471 for automatic data processing machines)
Next 2 digits = Sub-heading (international 6-digit level)
Last 2 digits = Tariff item (India-specific extension for the Customs Tariff)

HSN reporting requirements under GST

Turnover-based thresholds

Aggregate turnover up to ₹5 crore in the previous financial year — 4-digit HSN mandatory for B2B invoices; optional for B2C
Aggregate turnover above ₹5 crore — 6-digit HSN mandatory for both B2B and B2C
For exports and imports — 8-digit HSN is mandatory irrespective of turnover

Why correct HSN matters

It fixes the applicable GST rate and any compensation cess
It determines the eligibility of concessional rates or exemptions
A mismatch triggers ITC denial and possible interest and penalty
It is validated by the e-invoice IRP and by the e-way bill portal

How to use the HSN Lookup

Step 1Enter a partial code (e.g. 8471) or a keyword from the product description (e.g. "cotton", "footwear", "computer").
Step 2Scan the returned list — the first column shows the code, the second the WCO description, the third the indicative GST rate.
Step 3Confirm the exact 8-digit sub-heading with the CBIC tariff or the CBIC portal before applying it on a live invoice.

Tips to classify a product correctly

Read the section notes and chapter notes — they contain binding classification rules
Apply the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) in the correct hierarchical order
Prefer the heading that gives the most specific description over the general one
For mixed or composite goods, classify by the material or component that gives the essential character
When two headings are equally applicable, take the one occurring last in numerical order

Where the official schedules live

This tool is a curated shortlist of the most searched HSN codes. For the complete authoritative schedule, always cross-verify with:

The CBIC GST Rate Finder for domestic supplies
The First and Second Schedules of the Customs Tariff Act for imports and exports
The DGFT ITC (HS) classification for foreign-trade policy purposes
The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for interpretation

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

1What is the difference between HSN and SAC?

HSN codes are used to classify goods, while Services Accounting Codes (SAC) — beginning with 99 — are used to classify services. Both are mandatory on GST invoices for reporting; the choice depends on whether the underlying supply is a good or a service.

2Is 8-digit HSN mandatory for domestic supplies?

No, 8-digit HSN is mandatory only for exports and imports. For domestic supplies, GST law prescribes 4 or 6 digits based on the taxpayer’s aggregate turnover, though many businesses voluntarily use 8 digits for uniformity with customs records.

3What happens if I use the wrong HSN code on an invoice?

A wrong HSN can lead to the wrong GST rate being charged, denial of input-tax credit to the buyer, mismatches on the GST portal, notices for short payment of tax and interest and penalty. Consistent misuse can also invite a scrutiny assessment.

4Do the GST rates shown here update automatically?

Rates are updated periodically to reflect the latest CBIC notifications. However, for statutory filings you should always verify the rate against the current CBIC rate finder because rates can change with each GST Council meeting.

5Can I search by description alone?

Yes. Type any keyword such as "coffee", "screws", "monitors" or "medicaments" and the tool will filter the list by description. This is the fastest way to identify the tariff heading when you do not yet know the code.

Disclaimer: This tool is for indicative estimation only. Please consult a professional before relying on the output for statutory filings or commercial transactions.