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September 15, 2025

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GST Rate and HSN Code for Carbon, Self-Copy, Transfer Paper, and Duplicator Stencils: Chapter 48

The implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India has standardized taxation on products across the country. Commercial entities and businesses who deal with the distribution of carbon self-copy transfer paper or duplicator stencils should know their specific GST rates along with HSN codes to comply with the tax regulations correctly.

The following blog is a simple explanation of the tax classification of carbon self-copy transfer paper and duplicator stencils. This blog also deals with the business effects and regulatory standards in a simplified manner.

What Are Carbon, Self-Copy, Transfer Paper & Duplicator Stencils?

Before dwelling upon the GST provisions on carbon, self-copy, transfer, and duplicator stencil, let’s understand the basic definition of these products.

‍Carbon, Self-Copy, Transfer Paper : The carbon paper is a familiar stationary that people have used to duplicate the handwritten or printed content. Its structure is that of a thin wax-coated sheet that is placed in between two pages, to duplicate what you write on the first page. It is used across the market for different purposes like in:

Receipt books

Invoices

Legal and office documents

Notepads to get multiple copies

‍Duplicator Stencils: Duplicator stencils are a part of mimeograph machines which are duplicators used for generating multiple printed copies. The perforated sections in duplicator stencil lets the ink transfer from one side to the other paper. They are widely used in:

Schools and universities

Government offices

Small-scale printing businesses

What is HSN Code?

The standardized classification system for tax regulations across the world is known as the Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) code to establish product categories. GST requires every product to have an HSN code that functions as the basis to determine the taxation rate. To know the HSN Code visit the Govt. of India site under the User Services.

Structure of HSN Code in India

All HSN codes used in India operate through an 8 digit system.

The first two characters show which product chapter applies to the items.

The next two digits define the heading within the chapter.

The following two digits in the code indicate the subheading.

The final 2 digits indicate the details of the tariff item within the sub heading.

Importance of HSN Codes in GST

The tax rate applicable for a product can be determined by its assigned HSN code.

The international recognition of HSN as a classification system allows for simple international transactions.

A standard tax system through HSN codes helps to prevent wrong classification and maintain consistent taxation procedures.

The application of HSN codes decreases both tax classification errors and discrepancies during tax filing.

‍HSN Code for Carbon, Self-Copy, Transfer Paper & Duplicator Stencils

These products fall under Chapter 48 of GST tariff which covers paper and paperboard, articles of paper pulp, of paper or of paperboard. This chapter provides for the HSN codes of Carbon, Self-Copy, Transfer Paper & Duplicator Stencils as follows:

‍HSN Code 4809: Carbon Paper, Self-Copy, Transfer Paper

The HSN code 4809 covers carbon paper, self-copy paper and other copying or transfer papers (including coated or impregnated paper for duplicator stencils or offset plates) whether or not printed, in rolls or sheets

This classification code encompasses all paper materials that duplicate written or printed impressions.

‍HSN Code 4816: Duplicator Stencils

Duplicator stencils fall under HSN code 4816, 48163000 which is meant for printed materials and specialized duplicator stencils.

This includes carbon-paper, self-copy paper and other copying or transfer papers (other than those of heading 4809), duplicator stencils and offset plates of paper, whether or not put up in boxes. These stencils work efficiently for large printing operations that function without complex equipment.

HSN Code	Description	Details
4809	Carbon Paper, Self-Copy Transfer Paper	"carbon paper,
self-copy paper,
other transfer papers, including coated or impregnated paper for duplicator stencils or offset plates.
Applicable whether printed or unprinted, in rolls or sheets."
4816	Duplicator Stencils and Specialized Copying Sheets	"duplicator stencils,
offset plates,
other copying or transfer papers (excluding those under HSN 4809).
Covers both printed and unprinted forms, including those in boxed packaging."
48163000	Stencils	"carbon-paper,
self-copy paper
other copying or transfer papers (other than those under 4809 HSN Code),
Applicable to duplicator stencils and offset plates of paper, whether or not put up in boxes duplicator stencils."

GST Rates for Carbon, Self-Copy, Transfer Paper & Duplicator Stencils

These products fall under different HSN codes which determine their corresponding GST rates.

‍GST Rate for Carbon, Self-Copy, Transfer Paper (HSN Code 4809)

Carbon paper, self-copy paper and transfer paper will incur a 18% GST tax when used. It applies to all forms of coated or uncoated paper regardless of their form (rolls or sheets).

‍GST Rate for Duplicator Stencils (HSN Code 4816)

Stencils for duplicators that operate with mimeograph or stencil operations are taxed at 18% GST rate.

The tax rate applicable for duplicator stencils is lesser than the tax rate for carbon paper because they fall under the category of printed materials.

HSN Code	Category	Applicable to	GST Rate	Remarks
4809	Carbon Self-Copy Transfer Paper	"- Carbon paper, self-copy paper, transfer paper
- including coated or impregnated paper for duplicator stencils or offset plates, whether in the form of rolls or sheets."	18%	Applies to all types of carbon and self-copy transfer papers including coated or uncoated paper for duplicator stencils or offset plates
4816	Duplicator Stencils	- Duplicator Stencils And Offset Plates, Of Paper, Whether Or Not Put Up In Boxes	18%	Carbon-Paper, Self-Copy Paper And Other Copying Or Transfer Papers (Other Than Those Of Heading 4809)

Impact of GST on Businesses Using Carbon Paper & Duplicator Stencils

GST has introduced substantial changes to tax management systems for all types of businesses including the ones that deal with the manufacturing or trade of carbon Paper and duplicator stencils. Businesses experience various changes due to this implementation.

1. Easier Taxation & Compliance

Business operations previously handled several taxes including VAT, excise duty, and service tax. Under GST all businesses now operate under one unified system which features set tax rates thus making tax compliance procedure easier.

2. Benefit of Input Tax Credit (ITC)

The major benefit of GST lets businesses obtain input tax credit (ITC) which offsets the taxes they paid for their raw materials and production. This means businesses can deduct tax paid on inventory purchases through Input Tax Credit (ITC) deductions when they file for payment of their output tax.

All taxes with respect to a purchase from a registered dealer need to be paid upon purchase, and when you sell the same you obtain the tax from the customer. The total tax paid at purchase becomes adjustable with output tax (tax on sales) to calculate the remaining tax balance i.e. tax on sales minus tax paid on purchase, which is to be paid to the government.

Your business profits will grow given that taxes are applied only once to your operations. Through ITC benefits businesses can reduce their tax expenses and decide to cover those costs rather than increasing product prices.

GST Compliance for Businesses Dealing in Carbon Paper & Stencils

Businesses dealing with these products must follow the GST compliance rules strictly to prevent receiving penalties.

1. GST Registration

Businesses need to register for GST once their yearly turnover crosses either ₹40 lakh for goods or ₹20 lakh for services.

The Composition Scheme is available to small taxpayers and provides them with less stringent tax regulations with reduced compliance obligations. They have to pay a fixed rate of tax on the basis of their turnover. Taxpayers whose turnover is Rs. 1.5 crore for certain states and Rs. 75 Lakh for special category states fall under this.

2. GST Return Filing

The mandatory GST return obligations include the following:

GSTR-1: Monthly or quarterly return for sales transactions

GSTR-3B: Monthly summary return for tax payments

GSTR-9: Annual GST return

GSTR-4: Quarterly return for composition scheme taxpayers. This singular return consolidates their tax obligations for that financial year and makes their compliance procedures simpler.

To know more about GST returns in 2025 visit our blog at GetSwipe.in

GST Return Type	Who Should File?	Frequency
GSTR-1	Businesses with outward supplies	Monthly/Quarterly
GSTR-3B	Summary of sales & tax paid	Monthly
GSTR-9	Annual return for businesses	Annually
GSTR-4	Composition scheme taxpayers	Quarterly

3. E-Way Bill for Transportation

The need to create an E-Way Bill under GST arises when your consignment for transport is valued at ₹50,000 or exceeds it.

For the transportation of large carbon paper and duplicator stencil shipments the compliance is a must.

GST on Export & Import of Carbon Paper & Duplicator Stencils

Under GST laws exports of goods are not taxable because this classification qualifies as zero-rated.

The applicable IGST (Integrated Goods and Services Tax) rate which is required to be paid on carbon paper or duplicator stencils is the same as GST i.e. 18%.

Common mistakes to be avoided

Businesses must ensure compliance while dealing with HSN Codes. These common mistakes can be avoided with a basic knowledge about tax compliance and consulting with tax professionals.

Mistake	Impact
Using incorrect HSN code	May lead to penalties and legal issues.
Charging wrong GST rate	Results in tax underpayment or overpayment.
Not mentioning HSN in invoices	Can cause rejection of ITC claims.
Late GST return filing	Attracts late fees and interest.

Conclusion

The classification of HSN Code serves as a vital category for carbon paper self-copy paper transfer paper businesses. The right GST compliance at 18% for Carbon, Self-Copy, Transfer Paper & Duplicator Stencils with the correct invoicing and filing of GST returns lead to the compliance with the procedures under law and maximum tax benefits.

In order to avoid penalties and achieve better ITC claims and improve trade operations by staying up to date about GST regulations.

If you’re new to GST, managing taxes can feel overwhelming. GetSwipe.in makes tax compliance easier to understand. Seek assistance from tax professionals for tax compliance, GST filing and business registration services.

FAQs

1. What is the HSN code for carbon self-copy transfer paper and duplicator stencils?

The Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) code for carbon self-copy transfer paper and duplicator stencils is 4816.

2. What is the GST rate applicable to products under HSN code 4816?

Products classified under HSN code 4816, including carbon paper, self-copy paper, other copying or transfer papers, duplicator stencils, and offset plates of paper, are subject to an 18% GST rate.

3. Are there specific subcategories within HSN code 4816, and do they have different GST rates?

Yes, HSN code 4816 includes specific subcategories such as:

48161000: Carbon or similar copying papers

48162010: Duplicating paper, cut to size

48162020: Paper for fax machines

48162090: Other self-copy papers

48163000: Duplicator stencils

All these subcategories are subject to an 18% GST rate.

4. Is there a different HSN code for carbon paper and self-copy paper in rolls or sheets?

Yes, carbon paper, self-copy paper, and other copying or transfer papers, including coated or impregnated paper for duplicator stencils or offset plates, whether or not printed, in rolls or sheets, fall under HSN code 4809.