HSN Code Finder India — Free HSN & SAC Code Search with GST Rates
This HSN/SAC Code Finder searches over 5,000 Harmonized System of Nomenclature codes for goods and Service Accounting Codes for services, along with applicable GST rates under India's tax regime. Search by product name, service description, or code number to find the correct 4-digit, 6-digit, or 8-digit classification for your GST invoices and GSTR-1 returns. Built and reviewed by a practising Chartered Accountant for compliance accuracy.
Search HSN Code or SAC Code
Search by code number (e.g. 0803, 9954) or keyword (e.g. rice, cement, consulting). Minimum 2 characters.
| Code | Description | GST Rate | Type |
|---|
How to Use This HSN/SAC Code Finder
This free tool helps Indian businesses, chartered accountants, tax practitioners, and importers/exporters quickly find the correct HSN or SAC classification for their goods and services. Here is how to use it:
Step 1: Select Your Search Type
Choose Goods (HSN) if you are looking for a product classification code, Services (SAC) for service codes, or Both to search across the entire database. This filter narrows results and makes your search faster.
Step 2: Enter a Code or Description
Type the HSN or SAC code if you already know it (e.g., "8471" for computers), or enter a product/service keyword like "cotton", "restaurant", or "IT services". The tool searches both code numbers and descriptions. You need at least 2 characters to start a search.
Step 3: Review Results
The results table shows the code, full description, applicable GST rate, and whether it is an HSN (goods) or SAC (services) code. Use this information to accurately classify your products or services on invoices and GST returns. Always verify the code against the official CBIC rate schedules before filing.
CA Tip: If your product falls between two HSN codes, refer to the General Rules for Interpretation (GRI) in the Customs Tariff Act, 1975. Rule 1 states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and relevant section/chapter notes. When in doubt, consult a Chartered Accountant to avoid misclassification penalties under Section 122 of the CGST Act, 2017.
Understanding HSN Code Structure
The Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) was developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and is used by over 200 countries to classify traded goods. India has been a WCO member since 1971 and adopted the HSN system for GST classification.
How the 8-Digit HSN Code Works
India uses an 8-digit HSN code system. The first 6 digits follow the international standard, while the last 2 digits are India-specific national tariff items. Here is the breakdown:
Chapter (Digits 1-2): 61 → Knitted or crocheted apparel
Heading (Digits 3-4): 09 → T-shirts, singlets, vests
Subheading (Digits 5-6): 10 → Of cotton
Tariff Item (Digits 7-8): 00 → India-specific detail
Structure: [Chapter][Heading][Subheading][Tariff]
[ XX ][ XX ][ XX ][ XX ]
The HSN contains 21 Sections, 99 Chapters, approximately 1,244 Headings, and 5,224 Subheadings. Sections and Chapters describe broad product categories, while Headings and Subheadings provide increasingly specific classification. The system enables uniform classification globally, which is critical for international trade and customs duty determination.
Important: The first 6 digits of any HSN code are identical worldwide. Only the last 2 digits (tariff item) vary by country. This means if you know the international HS code for your product, you can find the Indian HSN code by adding the appropriate tariff digits from the Indian Customs Tariff.
Understanding SAC Code Structure for Services
Service Accounting Codes (SAC) classify services under India's GST framework. SAC codes are defined by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and must be mentioned on all service invoices and in GSTR-1 returns.
How the 6-Digit SAC Code Works
Prefix (Digits 1-2): 99 → Denotes "Service" (always 99)
Major Group (Digits 3-4): 83 → Management consulting
Service Detail (Digits 5-6): 11 → Management consulting services
Structure: [Service][Group][Detail]
[ 99 ][ XX ][ XX ]
All SAC codes begin with "99", distinguishing them from HSN codes for goods. The next two digits identify the major service category (e.g., 54 for construction, 83 for consulting), and the final two digits specify the exact service type. India's SAC system covers all services from professional consulting to transportation, construction, hospitality, education, and financial services.
Key SAC Categories
| SAC Group | Service Category | Common GST Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 9954 | Construction services | 18% |
| 9961-9962 | Transport of goods | 5% / 12% |
| 9963 | Accommodation & food services | 5% / 18% |
| 9964 | Passenger transport services | 5% / 12% |
| 9971-9972 | Financial & insurance services | 18% |
| 9973 | Real estate & leasing services | 18% |
| 9983 | Professional & consulting services | 18% |
| 9988 | Manufacturing services | 18% |
| 9991 | Public administration services | Exempt |
| 9992 | Education services | Exempt |
| 9993 | Healthcare services | Exempt |
HSN/SAC Code Requirements by Turnover
As per CGST Notification 78/2020 dated 15th October 2020 (effective from 1st April 2021), the number of HSN digits required on invoices depends on your annual aggregate turnover from the previous financial year:
| Annual Turnover | HSN Digits Required | Invoice Type |
|---|---|---|
| Up to ₹5 Crore | 4-digit HSN code | Mandatory on B2B invoices; optional for B2C |
| Above ₹5 Crore | 6-digit HSN code | Mandatory on all invoices (B2B and B2C) |
| Imports / Exports | 8-digit HSN code | Mandatory regardless of turnover |
| Composition Scheme | 4-digit HSN code | Required on Bill of Supply |
GSTR-1 Reporting: Table 12 of GSTR-1 requires HSN-wise summary of outward supplies. Businesses with turnover up to ₹5 crore report at the 4-digit level, while those above ₹5 crore must report at the 6-digit level. Incorrect HSN reporting in GSTR-1 can lead to notices from the GST authorities. Refer to the GST Portal for the latest filing instructions.
Penalties for Wrong HSN/SAC Classification
Misclassification of goods or services under incorrect HSN/SAC codes can result in serious consequences under the CGST Act, 2017. These include demand of differential tax with interest at 18% per annum under Section 73 (non-fraud cases) or 24% under Section 74 (fraud/suppression cases), penalties equal to the tax short-paid, rejection of the recipient's Input Tax Credit claims, and potential prosecution in severe cases. The ICAI's GST and Indirect Taxes Committee regularly publishes guidance on proper classification practices.
Complete HSN Chapter List (21 Sections)
The HSN system organises all goods into 21 Sections and 99 Chapters. Below is the full chapter list with representative GST rates to help you identify the correct starting point for your product classification:
| Chapter | Description | Common GST Rates |
|---|---|---|
| 01-05 | Live animals; animal products (meat, fish, dairy, eggs, honey) | 0% 5% |
| 06-14 | Vegetable products (fruits, vegetables, cereals, oil seeds, gums) | 0% 5% |
| 15 | Animal or vegetable fats and oils; edible oils | 5% |
| 16-24 | Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits, tobacco | 5% 12% 28% |
| 25-27 | Mineral products (salt, stone, cement, petroleum) | 5% 18% 28% |
| 28-38 | Chemical products; pharmaceutical products; fertilizers | 5% 12% 18% |
| 39-40 | Plastics and rubber articles | 18% |
| 41-43 | Leather, skins, handbags, travel goods, fur | 12% 18% |
| 44-46 | Wood, cork, straw, basketware articles | 12% 18% |
| 47-49 | Paper, paperboard; printed books, newspapers | 0% 12% 18% |
| 50-63 | Textiles (cotton, silk, wool, synthetic fibres, garments) | 5% 12% |
| 64-67 | Footwear, headgear, umbrellas, artificial flowers | 5% 18% |
| 68-70 | Stone, ceramic, glass articles | 18% 28% |
| 71 | Precious metals, gems, jewellery (gold, silver, diamonds) | 3% |
| 72-83 | Base metals (iron, steel, copper, aluminium, tools) | 18% |
| 84-85 | Machinery, electrical equipment, computers, phones | 18% 28% |
| 86-89 | Vehicles, aircraft, vessels, transport equipment | 18% 28% |
| 90-92 | Optical, medical, measuring instruments; clocks; musical instruments | 12% 18% |
| 93 | Arms and ammunition | 18% |
| 94-96 | Furniture, bedding, lamps; toys, games; miscellaneous manufactured articles | 12% 18% |
| 97-98 | Works of art, antiques; special classification for specific goods | 12% |
HSN/SAC Codes and GST Compliance in India
Why Correct Classification Matters
The entire GST ecosystem — from invoice generation to return filing to Input Tax Credit matching — depends on accurate HSN and SAC classification. Under the GST framework governed by the CGST Act, 2017, every supply of goods or services must be classified with the correct code. This classification determines the applicable GST rate, the eligibility for Input Tax Credit (ITC), the Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) applicability, and the export incentives under schemes like the DGFT's merchandise export incentive schemes.
E-Invoicing and HSN Codes
For businesses with turnover exceeding ₹5 crore, e-invoicing is mandatory through the GST e-Invoice portal. The e-invoice schema requires HSN codes at the line-item level. The Invoice Reference Number (IRN) generation will fail if HSN codes are missing or invalid. The GST Portal's AI-powered HSN search tool now cross-references codes against the e-invoice database to suggest the most commonly used classifications.
HSN Codes in GST Returns
GSTR-1 (Table 12) requires HSN-wise summary of all outward supplies. GSTR-9 (Annual Return) also requires HSN-wise breakup of supplies. Incorrect HSN codes in returns can lead to ITC mismatches when the recipient's GSTR-2B auto-populates data. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) recommends maintaining an HSN master list mapped to your product inventory for consistent classification.
Need Expert Classification Help? Patron Accounting's team of Chartered Accountants assists businesses with HSN/SAC classification, GST registration, return filing, and compliance audits across India. Get expert HSN classification help →
