Follow Us :

CA Vinod Kaushik

HSN CODES Under GST: CA Vinod Kaushik

What is HSN code?

As per Wikipedia the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System, also known as the HSN (Harmonised System Nomenclature) is an internationally standardized system of names and numbers to classify traded products. These codes are basically used to fix rate of tax on various products at the time of export and import. In Indian context it is proposed to use HSN codes at invoice level to make taxation system of international standard. Under GST supply invoices will be made by capturing hsn codes in case of goods and service accounting codes in case of services.

Also Read- GST Enrolment – HSN Codes- Exhaustive List

HSN code of 4 digits for goods:

Though internationally HSN code is of 6-8 digits but in our context HSN code of 4 digits will be mandatory initially for taxpayers having turnover more than 5 crore. Turnover will be taken on self declaration basis for IST year and afterwards turnover of previous year shall be used. In return form rate of tax shall be auto populated based on the HSN codes used in furnishing invoice level purchase or sale information. After completing first year under GST the turnover for previous year will be considered as yardstick for using HSN codes of 4 digits. The use of HSN codes below its standards is to make GST systematic and globally accepted.

HSN code of 2 digits for goods:

For taxpayers with turnover between Rs 1.5 Crores and Rs 5 Crores in the preceding financial year, HSN codes may be specified only at 2-digit chapter level as an optional exercise to start with. From second year of GST operations, mentioning 2-digit chapter level HSN Code will be mandatory for all taxpayers with turnover in previous financial year between Rs. 1.5 Crores and Rs. 5.0 Crores. HSN code at 2 digit will be little easy for taxpayers and make GST an international compatible tax.

HSN codes in case of Export and Import:

HSN codes at 08 digits will be mandatory in case of export and imports. The GST law has to be compatible with international standards. The concept of HSN codes was invented outside India and same is used by various member countries. The above parameters with respect to HSN code for goods and Accounting Code for services will apply for submitting the information in return relating to relevant invoice level information for B2B supplies (both intra-state and inter-state) and inter-state B2C supplies (where taxable value per invoice is more than Rs. 2.5 lakhs).

Benefits of HSN codes:

In case goods and services are identified through their unique codes i.e. international too the chances of misinterpretation are very low. Again the taxpayers are not required to submit description of goods and services tax in return as the same is to be obtained from invoices which are made on the basis of HSN codes and accounting code.

Other important observations:

Though certain limits have been fixed for mandatory use of HSN codes and service accounting code but any taxpayer can use these optionally if he desires. The small classes of dealers who have opted composition scheme are even not required to use HSN codes of 2 digits. The HSN code will be used in case of goods and accounting code will be used in case of services.

Closing comments:

For all B2B transactions (Inter-state and intra-state) invoice level specified details will be uploaded i.e. every invoice issued by the taxpayers will form part of GST return. For all B2C transactions it will be mandatory to upload invoice wise information if it exceeds 250000/-. The level of compliance proposed in GST law seems very systematic but required enough preparation for professionals and taxpayers. At last in my personal opinion the national impact of Bihar assembly election (Defeat of PM Modi) will be little negative for rollout of GST from 01-04-2016.

(Author can be reached  at cavinodkumar67@gmail.com, +91-9953236278)

Disclaimer: Views expressed are strictly personal. The content of this document are solely for informational purpose. It doesn’t constitute professional advice or recommendation. The Author does not accept any liabilities for any loss or damage of any kind arising out of information in this article and for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Click here to Read Other Articles of CA Vinod Kaushik

Author Bio

I am a practicing Chartered Accountant specially in area of Indirect Taxation (GST). I have deep interest in understanding the subject and a quick learner. I have been handling litigation, opinion and departmental issues of indirect taxation. I am also pursuing Law from a prestigious institution o View Full Profile

My Published Posts

Reopening of TRAN-I II with effect from 01st October 2022 Summons under GST – A Practical Analysis Clause 44 of Tax Audit Report – Breakup of Expenses with & without GST Big relief to exporters under GST Place of Supply of Goods Under GST- An analysis View More Published Posts

Join Taxguru’s Network for Latest updates on Income Tax, GST, Company Law, Corporate Laws and other related subjects.

225 Comments

  1. Jigar Shah says:

    Please , can you inform me that is HSN compulsory for indirect income with GST and if it is to be applied which HSN code is applied

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search Post by Date
March 2024
M T W T F S S
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031