HSN Code Lookup
Type any product name (rice, mobile phone, t-shirt) or paste an HSN code. 12,154 8-digit ITC-HS entries across 96 chapters and 1,230 headings.
Dataset bundled server-side at Pyrelo; lookups don't leave our infrastructure. Descriptions match CBIC's ITC-HS schedule. GST rates not shown — refer to gst.gov.in for current rates.
What is an HSN code?
HSN stands for Harmonized System of Nomenclature — a 6-digit globally standardised goods classification system maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO). India extends the international 6-digit code with 2 additional digits, producing the 8-digit ITC-HS (Indian Trade Classification - Harmonized System) used on every Indian invoice and customs document.
The 8 digits break down like this:
Chapter (digits 1-2) identifies a broad goods category — there are 97 active chapters covering everything from live animals (01) to works of art (97). India uses chapter 98 for project imports and personal-use baggage. Chapter 99 is reserved for services and uses SAC codes (a separate but related system).
Heading (digits 3-4) narrows to a sub-group within the chapter. Sub-heading (digits 5-6) is the international standard granularity — every WTO country agrees on the meaning of these 6 digits. Last 2 digits are India-specific tariff sub-classifications, used for customs duty rates and GST.
Required digits on invoices depend on turnover. Annual turnover ≤ ₹5 crore: 4 digits required for B2B. Above ₹5 crore: 6 digits for all invoices. Imports/exports always require all 8 digits regardless of size.
How to find the right HSN
- 1Look at an existing invoice for the same goods. Past purchase or sale invoices for identical goods are the most reliable source — your supplier or vendor has already classified the product.
- 2Search by description above. Type your product name (rice, t-shirt, smartphone, ceramic tile) — we match against CBIC's official descriptions.
- 3Check the full hierarchy. Click any result to see the chapter (2-digit) → heading (4-digit) → sub-heading (6-digit) → 8-digit code path. The hierarchy makes it clear how specific each code is.
- 4Verify with your CA before filing. For uncommon goods (especially in chapters 28-38 chemicals, 84-85 machinery), the right 8-digit code can be ambiguous. A quick confirmation from your CA avoids disputes during scrutiny.
Browse by chapter
All 97 ITC-HS chapters. Click for the heading list and sample 8-digit codes.
A note on SAC codes (services)
This tool currently covers goods only — chapters 01-98 of the ITC-HS schedule. Servicesuse SAC codes (Services Accounting Code), a separate but related system within chapter 99. Common service codes include 998313 (IT consulting), 998314 (software development), 997331 (legal services), 996311 (hotel accommodation), and 998361 (advertising). Building a SAC-only complementary tool is on the roadmap; for now, refer to CBIC's SAC schedule directly when classifying services.
Frequently asked questions
What is an HSN code?▼
HSN stands for Harmonized System of Nomenclature. It's a globally standardised 6-digit product classification system maintained by the World Customs Organization. India extends the global 6-digit code with an additional 2 digits, producing the 8-digit ITC-HS (Indian Trade Classification - Harmonized System) used on every Indian invoice and customs document.
What does each digit of an HSN code mean?▼
Digits 1-2 = chapter (broad category, e.g. 85=electrical machinery, 87=vehicles, 30=pharmaceuticals). Digits 3-4 = heading (a specific group within the chapter, e.g. 8517=telephones). Digits 5-6 = sub-heading (international standard, e.g. 851712=cellular network telephones). Digits 7-8 = India-specific extension (sub-classifications used in customs and GST, e.g. 85171210=push-button mobile phones).
Do I need 4, 6, or 8 digits on my GST invoice?▼
Depends on annual turnover. ≤ ₹5 crore: 4 digits required (B2B), optional B2C. > ₹5 crore: 6 digits required for all invoices. Exports/imports always require the full 8-digit code regardless of turnover. The CBIC's notification 78/2020 - Central Tax has the full schedule.
How is HSN different from SAC?▼
Same system, different scope. HSN covers goods (chapters 01-98). SAC (Services Accounting Code) covers services and uses chapter 99 specifically. Both are part of the same numbering scheme — when the GST Council launched in 2017, they extended the international HSN with chapter 99 for services. This tool currently covers HSN goods only; SAC service codes are coming in a future update.
How do I find the right HSN for my product?▼
Three approaches in order of reliability: (1) check past invoices from your existing supplier — they've already classified the same goods; (2) find your product on this page using a keyword (rice, mobile, t-shirt, etc.) — the description will guide you to the closest match; (3) when in doubt, ask your CA or use CBIC's official ITC-HS schedule. Wrong HSN can mean wrong GST rate, which means wrong tax paid; getting it right matters.
Why does the same product have multiple HSN codes?▼
ITC-HS is hierarchical and very granular at 8 digits. "Mobile phone" at 4 digits is just 8517, but at 8 digits it splits into push-button (85171210), smartphone (85171290), portable wireless (85171110), and many more variants. Pick the most specific 8-digit code that matches your product. If genuinely unsure between two, the broader "Other" sub-code (usually ending in 90 or 99) is the safer fallback.
Are the HSN descriptions in this tool the official text?▼
Yes — they match CBIC's ITC-HS schedule wording (the full uppercase format with hierarchical " - " separators is preserved from the official notification). The dataset is drawn from a public ITC-HS export covering ~11,500 8-digit codes across 97 chapters.
What about GST rates? They're not shown here.▼
Intentionally omitted. GST rates change at every Council meeting (~quarterly), and stale rate data is worse than no rate data. For current rates, go to gst.gov.in's rate finder, or your CA. This tool tells you the right HSN; the rate then comes from the official CBIC notification for that code.
Is this lookup free? Do you log searches?▼
Free, no signup. The dataset of 11,481+ HSN codes runs server-side at Pyrelo; lookups don't leave our infrastructure. We don't track which codes you search for.
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