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October 2, 2025

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GST on Meals, Flour, and Dried Legumes: An explanation of the HSN Code

Understanding the effects of the GST is important for companies that deal in basic foods including flour, different kinds of meals, and dried legumes (dals). India has specific GST regulations that frequently depend upon the packaging and branding of these goods since it is an agricultural nation with a significant population that depends on these essentials.

Are you unsure if your bag of toor dal or atta (wheat flour) is subject to GST? You're not by yourself. Particularly when HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) codes are involved, the system may appear quite complicated. In simple terms, HSN codes are a worldwide method for classifying products that aids in regulating the way that commodities are identified for taxes. Every good or service has an HSN (or SAC for services) code that establishes the tax rate for that good or service.

The GST rates and applicable HSN codes for flour, meal, and dry legumes will be explained in this blog article. We'll break down the regulations, clarify the effects of branding and packaging, and assist you in grasping your tax responsibilities. In order to guide you through all of these essential components of GST compliance, we'll make sure the wording is clear and straightforward.

A Brief Review on HSN Code Understanding

Let's take a quick look at HSN codes and their importance to your company before getting into particular food products.

A globally accepted method for categorizing commercial goods is the Harmonized method of Nomenclature (HSN). It is made up of a six-digit code that is widely used. For more detailed classification, India assigns eight-digit HSN numbers to a large number of products.

Why do HSN codes matter when it comes to GST?

Uniform Classification: Guarantees that goods are categorized consistently both domestically and internationally.

GST Rate Determination: For a given commodity, the appropriate GST rate is immediately determined by the HSN code.

Compliance: Companies must include the accurate HSN codes on their GST filings and invoices.
- B2B Requirement: B2B invoices must include HSN codes.
- Reporting: Companies must submit HSN summaries in GSTR-1 if their turnover exceeds a specific level. For complete reporting guidelines, consult our GST compliance guide.

GST on flour, including Atta, Maida, Besan, and others

An essential component of Indian cooking is flour. The way different varieties of flour are treated under GST mostly relies on whether they are sold loose or packed and labeled.

Food Item	No GST (0%)	5% GST
Flour (like Atta, Maida, Besan)	When you buy it loose from a local shop (chakki or kirana store).	When you buy a sealed bag like Aashirvaad Atta or Pillsbury Atta.
Dried Legumes (like Dal, Chana, Rajma)	When you buy loose dal from a big container at the grocery store.	When you buy a sealed packet of dal, like from Tata Sampann or Rajdhani.
Meal (like Oatmeal or Cornmeal)	When you buy it loose from a bin or sack.	When you buy a packaged box of oats, like Quaker or Saffola.

Flours' Key HSN Code:

HSN Chapter 11: This chapter mostly discusses milling industry items, including malt, starches, inulin, and wheat gluten.

Typical HSN for Flour:

1101: Meslin or wheat flour.

1102: Cereal flours other than wheat or meslin, such as rice flour and maize (corn) flour.

1103: Pellets, meal, and cereal groats.

1104: Cereal grains that have been precooked or otherwise processed, such as rolled, flaked, pearled, sliced, or kibbled.

Rates of GST on Flour:

Unbranded and unpackaged loose flour:

Rate of GST: 0%

This is true for loose, unpackaged, unbranded flour. Small local mills usually sell in bulk or directly to customers in this manner. Here, the government wants to maintain the affordability of basic, unprocessed foods.

Labeled and prepackaged flour (either unbranded or branded):

Rate of GST: 5%

On July 18, 2022, this important modification went into effect. A 5% GST will be applied to any pre-packaged and labeled flour, such as rice flour, maida, besan (gram flour), wheat flour (atta), etc. The 'Brands of Products' Act does not require registration of the brand, yet this still holds true.

'Pre-packaged and labelled': What does that mean? In general, it refers to a package that may be sold to a customer without requiring any measurements or weights to be taken at the point of retail sale. It is labeled and comes in a fixed amount.

For instance, 5% GST would be applied on a pre-packaged 10 kg bag of "XYZ Atta" or even a 5 kg bag of "rice flour" that is not branded.

GST on Meals (Pellets, Cereal Groats, etc.)

Like flour, "meal" has a similar GST status and is classified under related HSN codes. Grain that has been roughly crushed and frequently used in animal feed or other food preparations is referred to as meal.

Meal's Key HSN Code:

1103: Pellets, meal, and cereal groats.

Meal GST Rates:

Unbranded and unpackaged loose meals:

Rate of GST: 0%

Unbranded and unpackaged food, frequently offered in large quantities.

Meals that are prepackaged and labeled (either branded or unbranded):

Rate of GST: 5%

5% GST will be applied to meals that are sold in containers that have been pre-packaged and labeled.

GST on Dried Legumes (such as Chana, Masoor, Toor, Moong, and Urad Dals)

A primary protein source is dried legumes, or "dals" as they are known in India. Packaging and processing levels also affect how they are treated under GST.

Important Dried Legumes HSN Code:

HSN Chapter 07: This chapter discusses certain roots and tubers as well as edible crops.

In particular, HSN 0713: Shelled dried leguminous vegetables, whether or not they are split or peeled.

Dals such as Toor Dal, Moong Dal, Urad Dal, Chana Dal, Masoor Dal, Arhar Dal, and so on are included in this.

GST Prices for Dals and Other Dried Legumes:

Unprocessed, unbroken, and unpackaged whole legumes:

Rate of GST: 0%

Generally speaking, unpackaged and unbranded dried whole legumes (such as whole moong and whole urad) are excluded.

Processed Legumes (mainly Dals): Shelled, skinned, or split:

Unpackaged, unbranded Dals (such as loose Moong Dal, Toor Dal, etc.):

Rate of GST: 0%

This pertains to pulses (dals) that have been split or dehusked but are offered for sale unpackaged and unbranded.

Dals that are already packaged and labeled (branded or unbranded):

Rate of GST: 5%

Like flour, all "dals" (split or dehusked legumes) that are sold in pre-packaged, labeled form are subject to 5% GST as of July 18, 2022.

This comprises bags of Toor Dal, Moong Dal, Chana Dal, and other regularly offered branded and unbranded products.

Relevant Clarification (After July 18, 2022): The modification means that, whether or not the brand was registered, even previously exempt goods sold under a registered brand name now had to pay 5% GST if they are pre-packaged and labeled. This essentially made a large number of typical home staple packs subject to GST.

Why Are Loose and Pre-Packaged/Labeled Different?

By making this difference, the government hopes to strike a balance between raising money and maintaining the affordability of necessities for the average individual.

1. Loose/Unpackaged: Usually supplied to a more budget-conscious market, these are often excluded to keep prices down and are frequently offered by neighborhood kirana shops, farmers, or small sellers.

2. Pre-packaged and labeled: These goods frequently require higher expenses for branding, superior packaging, and processing. Customers with more purchasing capacity tend to purchase them, and the ease and guaranteed quality frequently surpass the additional tax. Additionally, this helps in regulating the supply chain for these products.

Effect on Companies (Wholesaler, Retailer, and Miller)

It is essential for all supply chain firms to comprehend these guidelines:

1. Millers and processors: You are required to charge 5% GST on your sales if you are grinding wheat into atta or processing entire legumes into dal before packaging and labeling them. However, you are able to claim the Input Tax Credit (ITC) for the GST that you have paid on your packaging, raw materials, and other inputs.

2. Wholesalers/Distributors: You will be required to pay your supplier 5% GST if you buy flour or dals that have already been packed and labeled. After that, you can charge retailers 5% GST on your sales and claim this as ITC.

3. Retailers: You can claim an ITC and pay 5% GST if you purchase things that are already packaged and labeled. After that, you charge 5% GST to customers who purchase these. Sales of loose, unpackaged, and unbranded goods are often excluded. These transactions must be appropriately reflected in your GST return.

Conclusion

Although the GST process of flour, meal, and dry legumes (dals) may appear complicated, the fundamental idea is easy: the main factors influencing GST rates are packaging and labeling. While their pre-packaged and labeled alternatives are subject to 5% GST, loose, unpackaged, and unbranded basic foods are mainly free.

Accurate HSN code categorization and diligently sticking to these regulations are important for businesses for reasons other than compliance; they also help them keep consumers' confidence and stay clear of possible tax issues. You may guarantee smooth operation and appropriate GST compliance for your necessary food goods by remaining aware and appropriately implementing these rules.

FAQs

1. How is the GST on dals, flour, and meal determined?

Whether it is pre-packaged and marked (5% GST) or loose and unpackaged (0% GST).

2. Does "pre-packaged" refer exclusively to branded goods?

No. Any pre-packaged and labeled goods, even if it is not branded, is subject to 5% GST as of July 18, 2022.

3. Why is it necessary to know HSN codes?

Products are categorized by HSN codes. They establish the precise GST rate and, in order to comply, must be shown on your invoices and returns.

4. Does GST apply to a 5 kilogram bag of atta?

Absolutely. No matter how it is branded, a pre-packaged and labeled bag of atta will be subject to 5% GST.

5. Does GST apply to loose dal in small stores?

In general, no. Dal is usually free of GST if it is sold loose, unbranded, and unpackaged.

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