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Viraaj Vashishth

March 7, 2025

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GST Rate and HSN Code for Cotton Not Carded or Combed

The textile sector of India is a large source of employment and is a major contributor to the exports of the country. Of the different raw materials used in textile production, cotton leads the pack with regards to the important items that are used in production of fabrics, garments, and other textile products. In addition, trade in India requires proper monitoring of taxation of such products which is why the government has placed cotton and its products under the Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN). This article aims to analyze the cotton HSN code, its GST rate as well as other relevant information regarding the code 5201 HSN code.

Understanding HSN Code 5201 for Cotton

The HSN system is a well established method of classifying goods for different purposes such as taxation and trade across boundaries. According to the standard, cotton raw (not carded or combed) falls within the HSN code 5201 region. This classification also encompasses other forms of raw cotton e.g. as-is forms that do-not undergo any primary processes like carding or combing.

The reason for classification is primarily to segregate raw cotton from other processed variants of cotton and ensure adequate taxation in accordance with the Goods and Services Tax regime. The categorization helps in the effective movement of products in the local and foreign markets, avoiding problems in customs and trade paperwork.

GST Rate on Cotton Not Carded or Combed (HSN Code 5201)

In India’s GST Law, every supply under the 5201 HSN code GST has its defined rates of tax based on the supply type. The applicable GST rates are outlined in the table below:

HSN Code	Description	GST Rate
5201	Cotton, Not Carded Or Combed	5%
520100	Cotton, Not Carded Or Combed	5%
52010011	Cotton, Not Carded Or Combed Cotton, Not Carded Or Combed : Indian Cotton : Bengal Desi	5%
52010012	Cotton, Not Carded Or Combed Cotton, Not Carded Or Combed : Indian Cotton : Indian Cotton Of Staple Lengths 20.5 Mm (25/32) And Below (E. G. Oomras, Yellow Picking, Assam Comillas)"	5%
52010013	Cotton, Not Carded Or Combed Cotton, Not Carded Or Combed : Indian Cotton : Indian Cotton Of Staple Length Exceeding 20.5Mm (26/32) But Not Exceeding 24.5Mm (30/32")"	5%
52010014	Cotton, Not Carded Or Combed Cotton, Not Carded Or Combed : Indian Cotton : Indian Cotton Of Staple Length Over 24.5 Mm(31/32) To 28 Mm	5%
52010015	Cotton, Not Carded Or Combed Cotton, Not Carded Or Combed : Indian Cotton : Indian Cotton Of Staple Length 28.5 (14/32) And Above But Below 34.5 Mm Mm	5%
52010019	Cotton, Not Carded Or Combed Cotton, Not Carded Or Combed : Indian Cotton : Indian Cotton Of All Staple Length 34.5 And Above (112/32) Mm	5%
52010020	Cotton, Not Carded Or Combed Cotton, Not Carded Or Combed : Cotton, Other Than Indian, Of All Staple Lengths	5%

A 5% GST rate is charged on intra-state and inter-state supplies. It is important to add that the input tax credit (ITC) under GST further provides an advantage in taxation because it offsets tax paid on inputs, thus lessening the burden of taxation on the cotton trade and industry.

Importance of Cotton HSN Code (5201) to the Textile Industry

Cotton is one of the primary raw materials of the textile industry, and the cotton classification with HSN code 5201 guarantees proper tax administration. The significance of this classification is evident in the following aspects:

Enhanced Business Operations in Taxation

Raw cotton is classified under HSN 5201, and thus businesses will find it very simple to comply with GST for Goods and Services. It reduces the legal or financial burdens on the business and facilitates easier compliance with national and international trade regulations.

You Can Also Read: Blankets and Other Rugs HSN Code and GST Rate - 6301

Impact on Textile Pricing

The pricing for textiles and textile products whose basic raw material is cotton not carded or combed is subject to a 5% GST rate. As raw cotton constitutes the basic input for the manufacture of yarns and fabrics, any change in the tax may affect the price of the finished goods as well as the consumers and exporters.

Encouraging Domestic Cotton Trade

The government of India has strategically kept the GST rate for commodities ranging from 5% to support indigenous cotton growers and traders. This tax policy enables the procurement of local cotton and lowers the need for imports.

Distinction Between Raw Cotton and Processed Cotton

It is important to distinguish between processed cotton varieties and cotton not carded or combed because the two fall into HSN classes that attract different GST rates. The next items show some of the typologies that bring out the most important differences.

1. Raw Cotton (HSN Code 5201): This is the unrefined cotton harvested straight from the fields, which is devoid of carding or combing.

2. Carded or Combed Cotton (HSN Code 5202): Cotton that went through a mechanical carding or combing to remove non fibrous impurities and arrange the strands of cotton into coherent fibers for spinning. This category usually has a different GST classification from raw cotton.

Correct interpretation of these distinctions will enable businesses to offer correct cases when filing for GST and evade unnecessary tax litigations.

Also Read: Hand Gloves Mittens HSN Code & GST Rate - 6116

Conclusion

A mention must be made of the value addition that cotton HSN code (5201) claims along with its 5% GST contribution to the Indian textile economy. The government classification of cotton not carded or combed is HSN code category 5201 ensures proper allocation of taxation and trading activities. 5% GST also serves manufacturers better since the tax does not offer much inputted tax credits while providing a viable tax regime. But an industry has to deal with constant changing rates and suspended taxation compliance issues.

The adoption of GST for cotton not carded or combed cotton (HSN 5201) has improved the tax system, enhanced accountability and increased stakeholder participation in business transactions within the value chain. Adopting ITC properly enables companies in the Industry to pay less tax and make more profit through economic increase and competitiveness within the textile industry.

FAQs

1. What is the HSN code for cotton not carded or combed?

HSN Code 5201 is allocated to cotton not carded or combed, which is styled as specific raw cotton unprocessed for further steps of production.

2. What are the GST rates on 5201 HSN code?

For Goods and Services Tax on Commodity code 5201, the percentage sum is 5 ICTS which is charged on delivery services regardless of rest states' limit borders.

3. Is all cotton under 5201 HSN Code?

No, 5201 HSN Code applies to cotton that is not carded or combed only. There is a separate classification for processed cotton.

4. Can I claim an input tax credit (ITC) on raw cotton under HSN 5201?

Yes, ITC can be claimed with respect to the 5% GST on cotton under HSN code 5201 if it is used as an input in further processing.

5. How does the GST rate on cotton not carded or combed affect the prices of the textile products?

The 5% GST on cotton under HSN code 5201 is an added cost on cotton that is often transferred to the final value of yarn, fabrics, and textiles.

6. What is the difference between cotton HSN code 5201 and 5202?

HSN code 5201 relates to cotton not carded or combed. 5202 is the next level of code, which includes carded or combed cotton or further processed cotton.

7. Are there any exemptions on GST for HSN code 5201 cotton not carded or combed?

No, HSN code 5201 non carded cotton is subject to 5% GST for which there are no exemptions under the current GST regime.

8. Is there a need to obtain GST registration for raw cotton under 5201 HSN code?

Farmers do not have to register for GST, but traders and manufacturers of cotton not carded or combed are expected to register once they surpass the stipulated turnover limit.

9. What is the effect of the 5201 HSN code GST rate on cotton exports?

Exports fall under zero rate. This means that firms can receive a refund under the export incentive scheme for input GST suffered on cotton HSN code 5201.

10. Why is the GST rate on 5201 HSN code legible as 5%?

The government decided to place a 5% GST rate on the 5201 HSN code in order to facilitate the textile sector.

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