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Published on:

March 5, 2025

Udeetta Sarma

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Basics of GST

GST Rate & HSN Code for Vegetable Products - Chapter 6

Study on GST Impact on Agricultural and Vegetable Products in India Businesses, traders and farmers who deal with different vegetable products must have clarity and knowledge about GST rates and Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) codes. Goods and Services Tax (GST) on Vegetable Products – Chapter 6 of HSN classification Chapter 6 of HSN is focused on Vegetable Products, As far as compliance with GST is concerned it is well to ensure suitable classification. Here is a blog that explains the GST rate on vegetable products, their HSN code and the impact on various stakeholders.

What Are HSN Codes?

HSN stands for Harmonized System Nomenclature, and it is an internationally standardized system of names and numbers for goods used in taxation and to standardize international trade. These codes are mandatory under GST because they help in identifying the applicable tax rates for various products. The HSN organizes goods by chapters, Chapter 6 refers to products of vegetables.

HSN codes are used for:

Correct GST Rate: Apprising the GST rate at which taxes are to be charged
Compliance: No lawyers, no fines
Trade Facilitation: Traders helping with both domestic and international trade

GST Rates and HSN Codes for Vegetable Products

Chapter 6 of the HSN classification covers live plants, flowers, and other vegetable products. The table below provides an overview of the different HSN codes and their corresponding GST rates:

HSN Code	Description	GST Rate
601	Bulbs, tubers, rhizomes, and roots in a dormant state or growth	Nil
602	Other live plants, including their roots, cuttings, slips, and mushroom spawn	Nil
603	Cut flowers and flower buds, fresh or dried, used for ornamental purposes	Nil
604	Foliage, leaves, and other plant parts used for decorative purposes	Nil

Since agriculture is a crucial sector in India, the government has exempted many vegetable products from GST to support farmers and businesses involved in this industry.

GST Rate for Processed Vegetable Products

Although raw and fresh vegetable products are broadly covered under GST exemption clauses, the GST rate for processed vegetable products may vary according to various HSN codes. HSN codes for processed vegetable products are major of 1512: Oils and fats and 1302: Vegetable saps and extracts.

HSN Code 1512: Vegetable Oils

This includes, but is not limited to, sunflower seed oil, safflower oil and cottonseed oil, refined or unrefined, but not chemically modified. Normally, the GST rate on these vegetable oils is 5%.

Vegetable oils are extensively utilized in homes and food industries and are an integral component of the agricultural supply chain.

HSN Code 1302: Vegetable Saps and Extracts

HSN code 1302 includes vegetable saps and extracts.

Pectic substances (pectin, pectinates, pectates)
Agar-agar
Plant-derived mucilages and thickeners

The GST on these products is mostly 18%. Such products are frequently utilized in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food sectors, contributing to their greater tax rate.

Learn more about GST on Restaurant Services: Rules & Rates on Food and how it applies to processed vegetable products and dining establishments.

Why Are GST Exemptions Given to Some Vegetable Products?

Due to a variety of reasons, the government has granted GST exemptions on several vegetable goods:

To Support Farmers:

The agricultural sector is among the top few contributors to India, and thus, making GST exemption on basic vegetable products lightens the burden on farmers.

So that Food Items Remain Affordable:

Not putting aax on essential food items such as fresh vegetables maintains that they are affordable for consumers.

To Promote the Floriculture Sector:

Flowers and ornamental plants from India are exempt from paying GST.

On Low Taxes:

The low taxes benefit agriculture and nurseries as well, which find a fertile ground to grow — horticulture.

HSN Code Classification for Other Vegetable Products

Apart from Chapter 6, several vegetable products are classified under different HSN codes depending on their processing stage and usage.

HSN Code	Product Category	GST Rate
0701-0714	Fresh and chilled vegetables	Nil
712	Dried vegetables, whole, cut, or powdered	5%
2001	Vegetables preserved in vinegar or acetic acid	12%
2005	Other preserved vegetables (not frozen)	12%

Impact of GST on the Vegetable Products Industry

GST (Goods and Service Tax) GST shall apply to all vegetable products as well. Following are the changes in the Vegetable Products Industry due to the enactment of GST:

Simplified Tax process:

Previously, several taxes, like VAT and excise duty and service taxes, were applied to agricultural products. These are replaced by a single tax structure – GST, which makes it easy for compliance.

Increased Transparency:

Processed vegetable product businesses now have clear tax rates, and portability has eliminated confusion and tax evasion.

Sign of Goodwill for Agriculture Development:

The GST exemption on several vegetable products has motivated agricultural businesses, farmers, and traders.

Higher Costs for Processed Foods:

While raw vegetables are still free from tax, processed vegetable products are taxed at different rates, which can increase costs for consumers.

How to Determine the Correct GST Rate for Vegetable Products?

Here are the steps to find the applicable GST rate on any vegetable product.

Determine what kind of Product it is:

Fresh vegetables/living plants / processed vegetable products

Verify HSN Code:

Search the HSN classification that alludes to the feature of the item.

Find out the HSN code-based Applicable GST Rate.

Apart from that, businesses can also log on to the GST portal or take the help of tax professionals to confirm if they are following the most recent of tax policies.

Challenges in GST Implementation for Vegetable Products

Even though GST has made taxation easier, there are still some challenges:

Lack of Knowledge:

Numerous small and large farmers and traders do not have adequate information about the applicable GST rates and HSN codes.

Confusion in Classification:

Some processed vegetable products have more than one HSN code, which leads to confusion in the application of the tax.

Input Tax Credit (ITC) Issues:

Businesses that deal in both taxable and exempted products of vegetables, find it arduous to claim ITC.

Swipe is the Solution to all Your GST Compliance Needs!

GST Rates & HSN Code for Vegetable Products on Swipe. Understanding GST rates and HSN codes for vegetable products can confuse a layman, but all thanks to Swipe! It can be a plants, flowers, veg oils, or processed foods, Our easy-to-go GST billing software automates the task by calculating every single tax automatically, printing error-free invoices, and filing GST returns in no time.

We automate the HSN code classification to help you keep in line with all other GST provisions to ease the ITC and e-way bill generation process.

Conclusion

The legality of vegetable products starts with the understanding of the GST rates and HSN codes followed by businesses, traders, and agriculturalists. Chapter 6 deals with LIVE PLANTS AND FLOWERS, most of which are exempt from GST. Processed vegetable products, which fall under separate HSN codes such as 1512 and 1302, however, attract 5%-18% GST.

By understanding and following GST laws, businesses can avoid non-compliance and gain tax benefits when available.

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