HSN Code

What is HSN Code?
HSN stands for ‘Harmonized System Nomenclature.’ The WCO (World Customs Organization) developed it as a multipurpose international product nomenclature that first came into effect in 1988 with the vision of facilitating the classification of goods all over the World in a systematic manner.

HSN Code in GST

It is a six digit uniform Code. That classifies more than 5000 products and is accepted worldwide. To be more precise, HSN code added two more digits customs and central excise resulting HSN code 8 digit classification. The purpose of HSN codes in GST is to make GST systematic and GLOBALLY’ accepted, for the following reasons

• Collection of International trade statistics
• Provision of a rational basis for Customs tariffs
• Uniform classification

Under GST law, the HSN code to be used by a taxpayer for classification of goods, will be based on the taxpayer’s turnover. The HSN code needs to be declared on the tax invoice and also to be reported while filing the GST returns.
The HSN codes for mandatory mapping/classification of goods that need to be used by a taxpayer are as follows

EXAMPLE:
HSN – 19053211

Here 19 is for Chapter, 05 is for heading, 32 is Subheading and last 11 is sub subheading.  HSN Code of 19053211 is for All goods i.e. Waffles and wafers other than coated with chocolate or containing chocolate; biscuits; Pastries and cakes [other than pizza bread, Waffles and wafers coated with chocolate or containing chocolate, papad, bread

HSN – Section Wise Summary
The updated HSN and rate of GST may be checked at Govt portal

Sections	HSN Code List for
Section 1	Live Animals, Animal Products
Section 2	Vegetable Products
Section 3	Animal or Vegetable Fats and Oils and their cleavage products, prepared edible fats, Animal or Vegetable waxes
Section 4	Prepared Foodstuffs, Beverages, Spirits and Vinegar, Tobacco and Manufactured Tobacco Substitutes
Section 5	Mineral Products
Section 6	Product of the chemicals or allied Industries
Section 7	Plastics and articles thereof, Rubber and articles thereof
Section 8	Raw hides and skins, Leather, Furskins and articles thereof, saddlery and harness, travel goods, handbags and similar containers, articles of animal gut ( other than silk-worm gut )
Section 9	Wood and articles of wood, Wood charcoal, Cork and articles of cork, Manufacturers of straw, of Esparto or of other Plaiting Materials, Basketwork and Wickerwork
Section 10	Pulp of wood or of other Fibrous Cellulosic Material, Recovered ( Waste and scrap ) paper or paperboard, paper and paperboard and articles thereof
Section 11	Textile and textile articles
Section 12	Footwear, Headgear, Umbrellas, Sun Umbrellas, Walking-sticks, seat-sticks, whips, riding-crops and parts thereof, Prepared feathers and articles made therewith, Artificial flowers, Articles of human hair
Section 13	Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica, or similar materials, ceramic products, glass and glassware
Section 14	Natural or cultured pearls, Precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals, Metal clad with precious metal, and articles thereof, Imitation Jewellery, Coins
Section 15	Base Metals and articles of Base Metal
Section 16	Machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical equipment, parts thereof, sound recorders and reproducers, television image and souch recorders and reproducers, and Parts and Accessories of such article
Section 17	Vehicles, Aircraft, Vessels and Associated Transport Equipment
Section 18	Optical, Photographic, Cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, clocks and watches, musical instruments, parts and accessories thereof
Section 19	Arms and ammunition, parts and accessories thereof
Section 20	Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles
Section 21	Works of art, Collectors’ Pieces and antiques