HSN Code Lookup — chapters 01 to 99
The Harmonised System of Nomenclature is the international product-classification system that India's Customs Tariff and GST rate schedules are built on. Every product sits in one of 21 sections and 98 chapters (chapter 77 is reserved), identified by a two-digit chapter, four-digit heading, six-digit sub-heading and eight-digit tariff item. Services use chapter 99 (SAC). This lookup presents the complete chapter list with a description of each chapter, the GST rates typically found in it and representative four-digit headings with their rates, so you can locate the right code in seconds.
How HSN codes are structured
- 85 — Chapter: electrical machinery and equipment
- 8517 — Heading: telephone sets, smartphones and other communication apparatus
- 851713 — Sub-heading: smartphones
- 85171300 — Indian tariff item used on bills of entry and shipping bills
How many digits do you need?
Under Notification 78/2020-Central Tax, taxpayers with aggregate turnover up to ₹5 crore must mention 4-digit HSN on B2B invoices (optional for B2C), and those above ₹5 crore must mention 6 digits on all invoices. The same digits flow into Table 12 of GSTR-1 and into e-invoices, where the portal validates them against the master list. Exports and imports always require 8 digits.
Worked example
A furniture maker wants to classify a wooden office chair. Searching "chair" returns heading 9401 (seats) in chapter 94 at 18%. A bamboo chair from the same workshop falls under 9403 with the concessional 5% rate for cane and bamboo furniture. Searching "3004" directly shows chapter 30 (pharmaceutical products) with medicines at 5% and the 33 notified life-saving drugs at nil.
Using this with the Rate Finder
This lookup is organised top-down by chapter so you can browse an entire product family; the companion GST Rate Finder is organised by product and includes SAC entries for services in detail. Use the lookup to find the chapter and heading, then confirm the rate for the specific sale value, packaging or usage condition that may apply.
Rates shown reflect the two-slab structure effective 22 September 2025. The list is a practical reference built from official schedules, not the full 12,000-line tariff; for a disputed classification refer to the Customs Tariff Act chapter notes and GST rate notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between HSN heading and tariff item?
A heading is the 4-digit level shared worldwide; a tariff item is India's 8-digit extension used for customs duty and detailed statistics.
Why is chapter 77 missing?
Chapter 77 is reserved in the Harmonised System for possible future use and contains no goods.
Where do services fit in HSN?
Services are classified under chapter 99 using Services Accounting Codes (SAC) such as 9983 for professional services and 9963 for hotels and restaurants.
Is wrong HSN on an invoice penalised?
Yes. Incorrect or missing HSN can attract a general penalty of up to ₹25,000 under Section 125, and may lead to a wrong rate being charged.
Disclaimer: This tool is for general information and estimation only. Tax rates and rules change — verify with official sources or a professional before acting. Read full disclaimer.