You can search the HSN code (for goods) or SAC code (for services) and the applicable GST rate for free on the official GST portal, without logging in. Just enter the product or service name, or the code itself, to see its description and classification.
Official HSN/SAC search: https://services.gst.gov.in/services/searchhsnsac
The GST Portal provides a Search HSN Code tool that is available both before and after login.
Use:
GST Portal → Services → User Services → Search HSN Code
Search using an HSN code or a trade/common description such as “cardamom” or “cotton yarn”.
Compare your product → technical description → related HSN codes → chapter/subheading context. The tool can show related 6-digit and 8-digit codes.
The HSN search tool helps identify the classification. For the current GST rate, verify the code against CBIC's GST goods/services rate schedule and the applicable notifications.
Rakesh runs a spice export business in Kochi. His accountant spots a problem: the same product appears under two different HSN codes across different invoices.
The mismatch affects invoicing, GST reporting, and export documentation.
An HSN code search identifies what you are selling; the applicable GST rate should then be checked against the current rate schedule and relevant conditions.
Official HSN/SAC search: https://services.gst.gov.in/services/searchhsnsac
How to search an HSN code on the GST Portal
The GST Portal provides a Search HSN Code tool that is available both before and after login.
Step 1: Open Search HSN Code
Use:
GST Portal → Services → User Services → Search HSN Code
Step 2: Search by HSN or description
Search using an HSN code or a trade/common description such as “cardamom” or “cotton yarn”.
Step 3: Read the full description
Compare your product → technical description → related HSN codes → chapter/subheading context. The tool can show related 6-digit and 8-digit codes.
Step 4: Verify the GST rate separately
The HSN search tool helps identify the classification. For the current GST rate, verify the code against CBIC's GST goods/services rate schedule and the applicable notifications.
Rakesh runs a spice export business in Kochi. His accountant spots a problem: the same product appears under two different HSN codes across different invoices.
The mismatch affects invoicing, GST reporting, and export documentation.
An HSN code search identifies what you are selling; the applicable GST rate should then be checked against the current rate schedule and relevant conditions.
TL;DR
- HSN codes classify goods, while SAC codes classify services under GST.
- You can search HSN codes on the GST Portal using Services → User Services → Search HSN Code, available pre-login and post-login.
- For GST invoices and GSTR-1, minimum HSN/SAC digits depend on preceding-year turnover: generally 4 digits up to ₹5 crore and 6 digits above ₹5 crore.
- Goods exporters also use the 8-digit ITC(HS) tariff classification for customs and shipping-bill purposes.
What is an HSN code?
HSN stands for Harmonised System of Nomenclature. Under GST, it is used to classify goods so businesses can report them consistently for tax purposes.
India builds on the international six-digit Harmonized System and extends it to 8-digit tariff items for customs. Services use SAC, or Service Accounting Code.
How is an HSN code structured?
Take the 8-digit code 04022910, used for whole milk in the Indian tariff.
| Level | Code | What it represents |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter | 04 | Broad product family |
| Heading | 0402 | Product group within the chapter |
| Subheading | 040229 | More specific international classification |
| Tariff item | 04022910 | India's 8-digit product classification |
The code becomes more specific as digits are added. Product composition, form, use, and chapter notes can affect classification.
HSN Code List by Section (Chapters 01 to 99)
The HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) groups all goods into 21 sections and 97 chapters, with India adding Chapter 98 for special import categories and Chapter 99 for services (SAC codes). The first two digits of any HSN code tell you its chapter, so this table helps you narrow down the right code before searching for the exact one.
| Section | Chapters | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | 01–05 | Live animals and animal products | Live animals, meat, fish, dairy, eggs, honey |
| II | 06–14 | Vegetable products | Plants, vegetables, fruits, coffee, tea, spices, cereals |
| III | 15 | Animal, vegetable or microbial fats and oils | Edible oils, ghee, waxes |
| IV | 16–24 | Prepared foodstuffs, beverages and tobacco | Sugar, confectionery, bakery items, beverages, tobacco |
| V | 25–27 | Mineral products | Salt, cement, ores, coal, petroleum products |
| VI | 28–38 | Products of the chemical or allied industries | Chemicals, pharmaceuticals, fertilisers, cosmetics, soaps |
| VII | 39–40 | Plastics and rubber | Plastic articles, tyres, rubber goods |
| VIII | 41–43 | Raw hides, skins, leather and furskins | Leather, handbags, travel goods |
| IX | 44–46 | Wood, cork and basketware | Timber, plywood, wooden articles, cork |
| X | 47–49 | Pulp, paper and paperboard | Paper, cartons, books, printed material |
| XI | 50–63 | Textiles and textile articles | Silk, cotton, yarn, fabrics, garments, home textiles |
| XII | 64–67 | Footwear, headgear and umbrellas | Shoes, caps, umbrellas, artificial flowers |
| XIII | 68–70 | Articles of stone, ceramics and glass | Tiles, sanitaryware, glassware, mirrors |
| XIV | 71 | Pearls, precious stones and precious metals | Gold, silver, diamonds, jewellery |
| XV | 72–83 | Base metals and articles of base metal | Iron, steel, copper, aluminium, tools, hardware |
| XVI | 84–85 | Machinery and electrical equipment | Machines, computers, mobile phones, electrical parts |
| XVII | 86–89 | Vehicles, aircraft and vessels | Railway equipment, cars, EVs, two-wheelers, ships |
| XVIII | 90–92 | Optical, medical and precision instruments | Medical devices, cameras, watches, musical instruments |
| XIX | 93 | Arms and ammunition | Firearms, ammunition and their parts |
| XX | 94–96 | Miscellaneous manufactured articles | Furniture, mattresses, toys, sports goods, stationery |
| XXI | 97 | Works of art and antiques | Paintings, sculptures, collectors' pieces |
| — | 98 | Special classification (India) | Project imports, laboratory chemicals, passenger baggage |
| — | 99 | Services (SAC codes) | IT, consulting, transport, financial and other services |
Chapter 77 is reserved for possible future use in the international HS system, so no goods are classified under it.
How HSN Code Length Works
HSN codes grow more specific with each pair of digits: the first 2 digits show the chapter, 4 digits the heading, 6 digits the internationally standard subheading, and 8 digits India’s national tariff line. Under GST, businesses with annual turnover up to ₹5 crore must show at least a 4-digit HSN code on their invoices, while businesses above ₹5 crore must use at least 6 digits. Exporters and importers generally use the full 8-digit code on shipping bills and bills of entry.
Why does the correct HSN code matter?
A wrong classification can affect GST rates, invoices, GSTR-1, e-invoices, e-way bills, customs documents, refunds, and tax exposure.
For recurring products, maintain an internal classification master.
How many HSN digits do you need to report?
For GST tax invoices, Notification No. 78/2020-Central Tax sets minimum HSN/SAC reporting based on aggregate turnover in the preceding financial year.
| Preceding-year aggregate turnover | General invoice requirement |
|---|---|
| Up to ₹5 crore | 4-digit HSN/SAC for B2B invoices |
| Above ₹5 crore | 6-digit HSN/SAC |
What about GSTR-1?
GSTN's current Phase 3 implementation for Table 12 of GSTR-1/GSTR-1A also uses:
- 4-digit HSN/SAC for taxpayers with AATO up to ₹5 crore
- 6-digit HSN/SAC for taxpayers above ₹5 crore
Which GST rate applies to an HSN code?
From 22 September 2025, India's GST structure moved primarily to:
- 5% merit rate
- 18% standard rate
- 40% special rate for selected demerit/luxury categories
Nil-rated and exempt supplies, specific rates, and exceptions still exist, so do not rely on the broad slabs alone.
Use this sequence:
Find correct HSN → read exact product description → check current CBIC rate entry → check conditions/exemptions → apply the rate
What changes for exporters?
There are two separate issues: GST reporting and customs classification.
GST invoice reporting
The minimum HSN digits required on the GST invoice continue to follow the applicable turnover-based rules.
Customs and shipping documentation
Goods exporters work with India's 8-digit ITC(HS) tariff classification for customs and shipping-bill purposes.
GST treatment of exports
Exports are zero-rated supplies under GST.
Exporters may use LUT/bond without payment of IGST or another permitted tax/refund route. Zero-rating does not make classification irrelevant; codes still need to align across invoices and customs records.
After classification, the payment still has to reconcile
Correct HSN classification closes the tax side of the invoice. The exporter still needs to collect and match the overseas payment.
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