Glossary · GST & Indirect Tax
HSN Code
Harmonized System of Nomenclature — a 6 or 8-digit code used to classify goods for GST purposes and determine the applicable rate.
HSN was developed by the World Customs Organization and is used in India to classify goods under GST. Taxpayers with turnover above ₹5 crore must use 6-digit HSN codes on every invoice; those between ₹1.5 and ₹5 crore use 4-digit codes; those below ₹1.5 crore use 2-digit codes. Services use a parallel system called SAC. The HSN code determines the GST rate applicable to the supply.
Examples
HSN 8471 covers computers and laptops, attracting 18% GST. HSN 1006 covers rice, attracting 5% GST.