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April 10, 2025

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GST Rate and 1702 HSN Code for Other Sugars

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) has transformed the Indian taxation system by bringing uniformity and transparency into different sectors. Sugar and its by-products are among the necessary commodities included under the GST regime. In this article, we will discuss the GST rates on sugars coming under the Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) code 1702, also known as "Other Sugars."

Interpretation of HSN Code 1702

HSN code is an extensively applied international system of nomenclature for classifying goods systematically. HSN code 1702 means "Other Sugars," and they include mainly:

1. Lactose

2. Glucose

3. Fructose

4. Maltose

5. Chemically pure sugar derivatives

Sugar syrups (except sugar coming under HSN 1701, which mainly covers cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose in solid form)

This categorization assists in the imposition of the right tax rate, import/export tax, and trade policies. Companies that trade in sugar products need to be conscious of the relevant HSN codes in order to comply with GST laws.

GST Rates on Other Sugars (HSN Code 1702)

In GST, various types of sugars under the HSN code 1702 are subject to various rates of GST. The applicable GST rates fall under the following categories:

1. Lactose and Lactose Syrup

HSN Code: 1702 11 00, 1702 19 00

GST Rate: 18%

Description: The sugar compound known as lactose exists naturally in milk combined with dairy substances. The food and drug industry uses this substance widely. Lactose serves as an essential ingredient for baby formulas and dietary supplements while also appearing in various drug formulations.

‍2. Glucose and Glucose Syrup

HSN Code: 1702 30 10, 1702 30 90

GST Rate: 18%

Description: Glucose serves as the crucial basis for the food and beverage industries due to its single molecular structure, which allows its use as an energy-rich sweetener.. Glucose functions as an important ingredient that appears in medical intravenous solutions as well as sports beverages and energy bars used during exercise.

3. Fructose and Fructose Syrup

HSN Code: 1702 50 00

GST Rate: 18%

Description: Barren foods, along with honey and fruits, have naturally occurring fructos, but this sugar is also present in food processing and drink manufacturing. High-fructose corn syrup serves as a popular sweetener industrial food manufacturers apply in their production of soft drinks and candy as well as bakery items.

4. Maltose and Maltose Syrup

HSN Code: 1702 90 30

GST Rate: 18%

Description: Maltose functions as a starch-derived sugar that appears widely in the brewing sector combined with baking applications. Manufacturers use maltose as both a fermentable sugar during beer production and a mild sweetener for various confectionery products.

5. Chemically Pure Sugar Derivatives

HSN Code: 1702 90 90

GST Rate: 18%

Description: Various sugar alcohol compounds making up this category include sorbitol and mannitol, and they play a significant role in diabetic/sugar-free food items. The food industry uses large quantities of these substances in chewing gums and toothpaste, and pharmaceutical formulations.

Comparison of GST Rates with Pre-GST Era

Prior to the enactment of GST, sugar and allied sugar products were charged various indirect taxes, such as excise duty, VAT, and cess. These were different from state to state, causing price fluctuations and tax inefficiencies. With the enactment of GST, taxation was made easy with uniform rates and facilitation in compliance by industries.

Under the old tax regime, sugar items were taxed individually, depending on their form and usage. VAT was charged between 4% and 6% on sugar throughout the states, and excise duty was charged at the centre. GST has eliminated all these multiple levels of taxation, and the new tax regime is transparent and certain now.

Impact of GST on the Sugar Industry

1. Cost Structure and Pricing

With a uniform 18% GST on all other sugars, manufacturers and suppliers are required to provision for increased tax charges. But the ITC claim facility negates the overall cost. The GST regime enables companies to net off ITC against raw material tax so that the effective production cost is lowered.

2. Compliance and Documentation

The HSN 1702 sugars traded by the businesses require appropriate GST invoicing, return filing, and tax compliances. Otherwise, penalties and legal problems would ensue. Maintaining good records, filing GST returns, and generating e-way bills for transit are all major compliances.

3. Impact on Consumers

The 18% GST imposed on other sugars directly affects consumers who buy packaged and processed food containing glucose, fructose, and maltose. The higher taxation rate may lead manufacturers to raise product prices, thus impacting both consumer usage and product accessibility.

GST Exemptions and Special Cases

While most sugar substitutes in HSN 1702 are subject to an 18% GST, certain medicinal-grade sugars and food-grade alternatives may be eligible for lower rates or exemptions as notified by the government.

For instance, medicinal sugars used in hospital therapies or diabetic sugar substitutes used in treatment may receive lower rates or be completely exempt from GST based on how they are classified and for what purposes they are intended.

Global Comparison of Sugar Taxation

Across the world, the taxation policy on sugar is different. Several countries have levied taxes on sugar to restrict excessive intake and counteract health ailments such as obesity and diabetes. Some of them include:

1. United Kingdom: Introduced a tax on sugar in soft drinks to offset sugar intake.

2. United States: Various states and cities have introduced a tax on sweetened drinks.

3. European Union: Sugar commodities are subject to VAT with separate rates in its member states.

India's GST on sugar is consistent with worldwide trends towards taxation but does not charge extra sugar taxes in addition to GST.

Conclusion

Having knowledge of other sugars' (1702) GST rates and HSN classification is important to the pharma, food, and confectionery industries. Being charged a normal 18% GST rate means there needs to be adherence and foresight from a cost-control viewpoint and with hassle-free running in the regulatory environment. Having updates with respect to changes in tax policies and laws will make the task simpler for companies to run with the GST regime successfully.

The launch of GST has brought a more systematic mode of taxation, freeing the country from thrills of pre-GST era. Companies must stay updated on recent government notifications and industry trends because they need this information to achieve optimal tax planning and cost reduction.

FAQs

1. Are there any exemptions on HSN 1702?

There are some food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade sugar substitutes that are eligible for exemptions or reduced rates of taxation through government notifications.

2. How will GST impact the price of sugar products?

The 18% GST will contribute to an increase in the cost of production and will result in increased retail prices of sugar products.

3. Is ITC available for the purchase of sugar?

Yes, companies can avail of ITC of tax paid on raw materials that go into making sugar-containing products.

4. Is high-fructose corn syrup charged GST?

Yes, high-fructose corn syrup comes under the HSN 1702 category and is payable with an 18% GST.

5. What is the global position of India on taxing sugar?

India's GST on sugar is in harmony with global taxation but does not have additional taxation on sugar like in the US and UK.

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