Nails, Tacks, Drawing Pins HSN Code & GST Rate - 7317

The term Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) refers to the classification of goods across the world which is adopted internationally. The classification of several products under Goods and Services Tax (GST) relies on the importance of the code in India. One such classification is articles of iron or steel, which falls under HSN Code 7317.

Understanding HSN Code 7317

HSN Code 7317 covers articles made out of steel and iron. The official description is:

"Nails, tacks, drawing pins, corrugated nails, clips (staples) other than those of heading 8305 and similar articles of iron or steel, with or without heads of other material, but not such articles with heads of copper."

These include various fastening devices ordinarily used in building and construction, including woodworking, sewing, and business use.

Detailed Breakdown of Products Under HSN Code 7317

Nails: These are slender metallic rods that are pointed on one end and serve the purpose of putting together pieces of wood or other materials. Some examples include wire nails, concrete nails, and a wide variety of other purpose-specific nails.

Tacks: These include shorter nails that are less sharp. Their tops are broader and have a flatter side and are smithy used in the craft of covering fabric to a wooden frame of a piece of furniture.

Drawing Pins (Thumbtacks): These are also known as thumbtacks which are short bladed fingers which have a very sharp tip and rounded or flat head. They are mainly used to attach papers on bulletin boards or documents on walls.

Corrugated Nails: They are employed for circumstances that subjection the connections to tension, these types of nails have an additional need for retention. Cultivated wood has nails where the shank is in a form that is wavy or corrugated.

Staples: They are made of hard materials, usually iron or steel, and shaped like a letter U. They are used to bind sections of paper together or for stitching wire mesh or cloth on wood.

Similar Articles: This term covers the rest of the fastening devices made of iron or steel that do not qualify for the above-mentioned parts but serve the same functions.

GST Rates Applicable to HSN Code 7317

The GST rates for products under HSN Code 7317 vary based on the specific item:

HSN Code	Product Description	GST Rate
73170011	Animal Shoe Nails	12%
73170012	Nails for Fixing Heel Strips and Toe Plates	12%
73170013	Wire Nails	12%
73170019	Other Nails	18%
73170021	Spikes	18%
73170029	Spikes	18%
73170030	Tacks	18%
73170091	Staples Other Than in Strips and Drawing Pins	18%
73170099	Other Similar Articles	18%

General Rate:

Almost all the products catalogued under HSN Code 7317 fall under the 18% GST bracket except a few, such as animal shoe nails and wire and heel strip fixing nails, which have a GST of 12%.

Moreover, businesses must determine the right HSN code and corresponding GST rate for the goods to be able to comply with tax laws.

Difference Between Nails, Tacks, Drawing Pins, and Staples (HSN Code 7317)

HSN code 7317 captures a range of fastening devices made of iron or steel, each having a different end use. A detailed comparison of nails, tacks, drawing pins and staples is given hereunder based on purpose, type, and application.

‍1. Nails vs. Tacks

Feature	Nails	Tacks
Definition	Long, slender metal fasteners with a pointed tip and flat head are used for joining materials.	Short, broad-headed fasteners are commonly used for upholstery and decoration.
Size	Typically longer (1-6 inches)	Shorter (0.5-1.5 inches)
Usage	Construction, carpentry, framing, roofing, and woodworking.	Securing fabric, leather, and decorative trims to furniture or boards.
Holding Strength	Stronger, provides deep penetration.	Weaker holding power, used for surface attachments.
Material	Iron, steel, or galvanized coatings.	Iron, brass, or steel.

‍2. Nails vs. Drawing Pins (Thumbtacks)

Feature	Nails	Drawing Pins (Thumbtacks)
Definition	A metal fastener with a sharp tip is used to join materials.	A short metal pin with a flat or rounded head, designed for temporary attachment of paper to boards or walls.
Size	Varies from 1 inch to 6 inches.	Very short, usually 0.5 inches or less.
Usage	Used in construction and carpentry.	Common in offices, schools, and homes for pinning documents.
Head Design	Flat or rounded for hammering.	Large, flat, or domed head for easy pressing by hand.
Removal Method	Requires a claw hammer or similar tool.	Can be removed easily by hand.

3. Nails vs. Staples

Feature	Nails	Staples
Definition	A single-piece fastener with a sharp end for driving into wood or other surfaces.	A U-shaped fastener is used for attaching materials.
Size	Available in different lengths, depending on the application.	Comes in strips or coils for staplers.
Usage	Used in woodworking, construction, framing, and flooring.	Used in office supplies, upholstery, and wire mesh attachment.
Holding Strength	High penetration strength for permanent fixes.	Moderate to strong holding power but not as deep as nails.
Application Method	Driven manually or using nail guns.	Used with staple guns, staplers, or industrial stapling machines.

Importance of Accurate HSN Classification

As with everything that involves classifying goods and services for purposes of taxation, proper classification under HSN has its benefits:

Ensures tax compliance: Makes sure that the right GST rate is used to avoid any legal complications or fines.

Encourages international trade: Provides a universal standard that helps improve international trade.

Brings order to stock: Assists in the classification of items in an orderly manner enabling ease of stock and account management.

Conclusion

HSN Code 7317 takes into consideration a wide array of articles related to fastening classified under iron and steel both wrought and unwrought and have distinct GST considerations. Different GST rates are determined for the division of businesses so it is necessary to understand the classification of codes properly, to ensure optimal operations and compliance. Consulting for the updated GST notifications as well as professional guidance is greatly beneficial towards the understanding of tax governing these commodities.

‍FAQs

1. What is HSN Code 7317?

HSN Code 7317 contains some of the iron and steel fittings like nails, tacks, and pins, called corrugated nail staples which do not fall under HSN 8305 and other such articles.

2. What is the GST rate for products under HSN Code 7317?

Almost everything categorized under this code incurs an 18% GST tax. However, animal shoe nails, wire nails, and nails designed for attaching heel strips and toe plates have a 12% GST tax.

3. Are all types of nails taxed at the same GST rate?

No, different types of nails have different GST rates:

Wire nails (73170013) – 12% GST

Animal shoe nails (73170011) – 12% GST

Other nails (73170019) – 18% GST

4. What is the GST rate for tacks and drawing pins?

Tacks (HSN 73170030) and staples other than strips (HSN 73170091) attract an 18 per cent GST.

5. How do I determine the correct GST rate for my product under HSN 7317?

Different products have different GST slaps. Check with the HSN classification and the tax booklet for further details. You can contact a professional or the GST portal if you are still unsure.