Quick answer
The HSN (ITC-HS) code is an 8-digit number that classifies your product for Indian customs. The first 6 digits are international; the last 2 are India-specific. It decides your Basic Customs Duty, your IGST rate, and whether you need BIS, FSSAI or other approvals. Find it by reading the chapter and heading descriptions for what the product is made of and what it does, then confirm the 8-digit line with your customs broker or supplier before you order.
How an HSN code is built
| Digits | Example (8504 40 30) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 2 – Chapter | 85 | Electrical machinery and equipment |
| 4 – Heading | 8504 | Transformers and static converters |
| 6 – Sub-heading | 8504 40 | Static converters (international level) |
| 8 – Tariff item | 8504 40 30 | Battery chargers (India-specific) |
The first 6 digits are the same worldwide, so your Chinese supplier's export code is a useful clue. The last two digits are India's own and decide the exact duty line.
Why the code matters so much
- Customs duty. Basic Customs Duty is set per tariff line: two similar products can carry 10% and 20%.
- GST. The IGST at customs follows the GST rate for the code.
- Licences and standards. BIS registration, Quality Control Orders, FSSAI, WPC and other requirements are linked to codes.
- Anti-dumping duty. Some codes from China carry extra duty.
Wrong classification is one of the main reasons containers are held at Indian ports, and it can lead to extra duty, penalties and delays.
How to find the right code
- Describe the product precisely: what it is, what it's made of, and what it does. "Stainless steel vacuum bottle, 500 ml" classifies very differently from "bottle".
- Ask your supplier for the 6-digit HS code they export under.
- Read the chapter and heading notes in the Customs Tariff to find the matching 8-digit line.
- Search our calculator. The landed cost calculator lets you search common HSN codes by product and loads their duty and GST rates.
- Confirm with a customs broker (CHA) before you order, especially for electronics, chemicals and food.
Common classification mistakes
- Classifying a set (e.g. a gift box with mixed items) under the cheapest item instead of the item that gives the set its main character.
- Treating parts as finished goods, or the other way round.
- Copying the code from a different product on the same invoice.
- Using an outdated code after a Budget changes the tariff.
Frequently asked questions
Is HSN the same as HS code?
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Yes. HS is the international 6-digit system; India's ITC-HS adds two digits to make the 8-digit HSN code used for customs and GST.
Can I choose the HSN code with the lowest duty?
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No. The code must genuinely describe the product. Customs can reassess the code, charge the difference in duty and impose penalties.
Where can I check the current duty for an HSN code?
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The CBIC customs tariff and ICEGATE's duty calculator show official rates. Our landed cost calculator gives indicative rates for common codes.
This guide is general information, not legal or customs advice. Duty rates and import rules change — confirm current requirements for your HS code with DGFT, CBIC or a licensed customs broker.
