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Published on:

May 17, 2025

Viraaj Vashishth

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Basics of GST

HSN Code List & GST Rate Finder: Everything You Need to Know

Commonly known as the HSN code, the Harmonized System of Nomenclature is used universally to classify goods in an orderly manner. Introduced by the World Customs Organization (WCO) in 1988, the HSN code system has become one of the principles of international trade, which permits systematic identification of over 5,000 commodity groups.

In India, the HSN code is critical to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system for meeting regulatory demands and facilitating smooth tax remittance. This article will provide you with all the information you need regarding HSN code and its role in GST, so that you can better help your business with sophisticated instruments like HSN Code List & GST Rate Finder.

What is an HSN Code?

HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) code serves as the identification number for the specific commodity. As a rule, it is 6 digits long. Classification structure for the HSN code is arranged hierarchically, including twenty-one sections, ninety-nine chapters, one thousand two hundred twenty-four headings, and five thousand two hundred twenty-four subheadings.

An example would be the HSN code 62.13.90.10, which is assigned to ‘Handkerchiefs of artificial fibre’. In this case, ’62’ corresponds to the chapter for textiles and footwear, ' 62’ covers apparel and clothing accessories, ‘13’ is the heading for handkerchiefs, ‘90’ indicates the subheading for textile materials, and the last ‘10’ specifies man-made fibers. The system supports businesses of all sizes to determine applicable GST (Goods and Services Tax) rates required for business trade.

The HSN system helps to standardize the classification of goods on a global scale and trade them without restrictions. All textiles, electronics or agricultural products are uniformly identified for the sake of smoother international and domestic trade. Striving for accuracy, India issued 2 additional digits, bringing the HSN code to an 8-digit format. Over two hundred countries and economies have adopted this system, accounting for ninety-eight per cent of global trade.

Also Read: Mentioning of HSN Code Mandatory in GSTR 1

Importance of HSN Codes in GST

Worldwide

The Harmonised System of Nomenclature (HSN) is an internationally accepted framework for classifying goods in international trade as developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO). More than 200 countries and economies utilize HSN codes to ensure accuracy in the flow of goods, customs duties, and trade statistics. It organizes products into over 5,000 commodity groups, each marked with a unique six-digit code.

The HSN is updated periodically to adapt to the ever-changing trade patterns and new products. As a member of the WCO, India complies with the HSN structure for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to align domestic practices with international standards. This harmonisation simplifies export documentation, enhances compliance, and streamlines business operations across borders.

In India

The coding system HSN is crucial under the GST system in India, as it has automated invoicing and tax compliance processes. Businesses now solely need to enter the HSN code and not describe the product, which greatly speeds the invoicing process. This also allows for the automation of return filings by bringing down the inconsistencies in classification with the rest of the world. It is now a requirement for most dealers and service providers to provide HSN-wise summaries in their GSTR-1 returns based on their annual aggregate turnover.

The requirement to declare HSN codes differs depending on the company’s turnover. As per the notification from CGST on October 15, 2020, businesses with aggregate annual turnover below five crore rupees are only required to declare four-digit HSN codes on B2B invoices, optional on B2C.

Businesses surpassing five crore are required to use six-digit HSN codes on ALL invoices. For exports and imports, these codes must be all eight digits. This method optimizes compliance with the regulations while maintaining accuracy in GST filings.

You Can Read: Common Invoicing API FAQs: Answers to Your Top Questions

Services Accounting Code (SAC) in GST

While goods are classified and categorized using HSN codes, the Services Accounting Code (SAC codes) are specifically for services. Just like HSN codes, SAC codes enable services to be standardized and organized under GST.

Take legal documentation and certification of intellectual property (IP) as an example. This is represented by SAC code 998213. The “99” is common across all services, while the other digits detail and specify the nature of the service. Like how HSN codes serve for goods, SAC codes serve for service providers estimating taxation along with compliance.

How HSN Codes Facilitate GST Compliance

HSN Code Requirements under GST

As per new rules effective 31st March 2021, declaring HSN codes on invoices has been linked to the taxpayer’s annual cash flow. For businesses with a turnover of up to Rs.1.5 crore, no mention of HSN code is permitted. Subsequently, businesses with annual cash flow crossing Rs.1.5 crore and Rs.5 crore are required to declare at least a 2-digit HSN code, whereas those with annual cash flow exceeding Rs.5 crore are compelled to mention a 4-digit HSN code in tax invoices. This system is adapted to the needs of smaller businesses, which lessens the burden until they feel ready to grow.

Revised Declaration of HSN Code from April 2021

According to CGST Notification No. 78/2020 dated 15th October 2020, a new procedure for HSN code declaration started in India from 1st April 2021. Under this schema, businesses with turnover up to Rs. 5 crores are required to mention 4-digit HSN codes on tax invoices issued B2B and in the case of B2C optional.

For businesses with a turnover above 5 crores, all invoices B2B or B2C must include a 6-digit HSN code. This calculation of Annual Aggregate Turnover is based on the preceding financial year. For instance, in FY 2021-22, the FY 2020-21 data is used to determine the cutoff.

Annual Aggregate Turnover (Previous FY)	Invoice Type	HSN Code Digits Required
Up to Rs. 5 crore	B2B	4 (Mandatory)
Up to Rs. 5 crore	B2C	4 (Optional)
More than Rs. 5 crore	All Invoices	6 (Mandatory)
Exports/Imports	All Invoices	8 (Mandatory)

The importance of understanding HSN code obligations for GST compliance is clear from this table, which shows the differing requirements concerning turnover and invoice type.

Distribution of Goods using HSN Codes

The distribution of goods through HSN codes can be assigned to businesses under the organized chapter system within 99 chapters and 21 broader sections. Each area on its own represents a specific category of goods. Animals categorized under chapter one are subdivided further into section live animals. Chapter ten contains cereals, while footwear sits under chapter sixty-four. Each chapter contains further detailed sub-classifications which help in identifying goods with precision and accuracy.

The Use of HSN codes at this level is paramount to businesses which engage in manufacturing, importing or exporting since it brings standardization of product classification within borders. Also, the proper application of chapters ensures the right GST charge, alignment with international trade standards and disputes during audits or classification assessments are minimized.

Section	Chapters	Description
Section I	Chapters 1–5	Live Animals; Animal Products
Section II	Chapters 6–14	Vegetable Products
Section III	Chapter 15	Animal or Vegetable Fats and Oils
Section IV	Chapters 16–24	Prepared Foodstuffs; Beverages; Tobacco
Section V	Chapters 25–27	Mineral Products
Section VI	Chapters 28–38	Chemical Products
Section VII	Chapters 39–40	Plastics and Rubber
Section VIII	Chapters 41–43	Raw Hides, Skins, Leather, and Articles Thereof
Section IX	Chapters 44–46	Wood and Articles of Wood; Cork; Straw
Section X	Chapters 47–49	Pulp of Wood; Paper and Paperboard
Section XI	Chapters 50–63	Textiles and Textile Articles
Section XII	Chapters 64–67	Footwear, Headgear, Umbrellas, etc.
Section XIII	Chapters 68–70	Articles of Stone, Ceramic Products, Glassware
Section XIV	Chapter 71	Natural or Cultured Pearls, Precious Stones
Section XV	Chapters 72–83	Base Metals and Articles of Base Metal
Section XVI	Chapters 84–85	Machinery and Electrical Equipment
Section XVII	Chapters 86–89	Vehicles, Aircraft, Vessels
Section XVIII	Chapters 90–92	Optical, Medical Instruments; Clocks; Musical Instruments
Section XIX	Chapter 93	Arms and Ammunition
Section XX	Chapters 94–96	Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles
Section XXI	Chapters 97–99	Works of Art, Collectors’ Pieces, Antiques

Finding the Right HSN Code

Because there are so many codes, discovering the correct HSN code for a certain product is not always straightforward. The HSN Code List & GST Rate Finder can be used to find HSN Codes and GST rates. Tools like the Swipe HSN Calculator make it easy to meet GST compliance because all the user has to do is enter product information to receive the correct HSN Code. Businesses can use SN codes in invoicing software, enabling automatic selection, which eliminates manual input errors and improves efficiency.

What is UQC?

UQC also means Unique Quantity Code. Under GST, it is a standard unit for measuring and reporting the quantity of goods. The UQC ensures standardization over tax invoicing, credit, and debit documents. For example, 1 kilogram of sugar, 5 litres of oil, or 100 pieces of garments for sale must have the appropriate UQC value by GST standards.

What is UQC in GST?

According to CGST guidelines, each invoice must have a quantity unit (UQC) which represents the amount or number of goods being involved in the transaction. This is vital both for internal documentation processes and for filing GST returns. For instance:

1. 250 metres of cotton fabric

2. 500 kilograms of cement

3. 20 numbers (pieces of electrical equipment

UQC values are tangible measurements that must be justified by a suitable UQC. Errors with UQC terms, such as alternate spelling or incorrect application of set codes, may result in inevitable filing errors and incur tax notices. As such, it is important to pair the appropriate HSN code with its UQC when invoicing for GST.

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For this reason, Swipe offers a unique GST Billing and Filing System that simplifies processes by auto-populating UQC values and HSN codes based on product selections. Compliance accuracy is improved as product information only needs to be added once to the item master and can be reused across invoices and returns, saving time. Apart from this, Swipe’s solution offers you the ability to:

1. Access the latest HSN Code List & GST Rate Finder tools
2. Auto-populate GST fields and reduce filing errors
3. Streamline tax compliance across business operations
With Swipe’s services, companies can also rest assured that every unit sold is reported without mistakes, making UQC codes equally as important as HSN codes.

You Should Also Read: Importance of Annual Returns and Compliance Under Section 92 of the Companies Act, 2013

Conclusion

The HSN code system is essential in the GST structure to ensure proper classification and streamlined taxation of goods and services. With tools such as the HSN Code List & GST Rate Finder, companies can simplify compliance, minimize errors, and concentrate on growing. In the case of domestic sales or even in cross-border trade, understanding HSN and SAC codes assists businesses in invoicing and filing taxes smoothly. India is harmonizing with international trade policies, and the HSN code remains one of the important assets for businesses that seek to prosper in the fierce competition.

FAQs

1. What is meant by the HSN Code List within GST, and its relevance?

The HSN Code List in GST identifies the products and services for registration and correct tax payment. It maintains consistency in the GST returns filed and enables businesses to utilize the GST Rate Finder to apply the appropriate GST rate.

2. How can you take advantage of a GST Rate Finder for your business?

A GST Rate Finder enables users to search for applicable GST rates based off the HSN Code List. With the entry of specific product names or even HSN codes, businesses receive the exact tax percentage instantly.

3. How can I obtain the full HSN Code List for the year 2025?

The complete HSN Code List for the year 2025 can be obtained online. Relevant government sites house the documents. Also, real-time compliance and access features are provided through Swipe’s built in GST software tools.

4. Why is an HSN summary for outward supplies in GST useful?

An HSN summary provides a structured method for businesses to report outward supplies by grouping them under relevant HSN codes. This promotes compliance with GST regulations as well as accuracy and openness.

5. Is listing the HSN Code mandatory on every GST invoice?

Yes. HSN codes must be added to GST invoices according to their turnover slabs. Businesses with higher turnover must provide 4 to 6-digit HSN codes.

6. What does UQC mean in GST?

UQC means Unique Quantity Code. It is aimed at standardizing measurement units like KG, LTR, MTR, etc., written on invoices to aid with GST periodical filing and ensure precision.

7. How are HSN Codes structured chapter-wise?

The HSN Code structure is divided into 21 sections and 99 chapters that are assigned to specific goods. Chapter wise HSN provides assistance for systematic classification.

8. In what ways do HSN codes decrease errors while filing GST?

To reduce errors while filing GST, the proper HSN codes should be used. HSN codes improve accuracy of tax rate application, cut down errors related to classification, and expedites the filing and reconciliation of returns.