HSN Code Finder: Complete List for Indian Retailers (2026)
A 2026 HSN code finder and list for Indian retailers - what HSN means, how many digits you must show, and 22 commonly-used codes for retail and 12 for services.
By Aveon GST Team
Every product you sell needs an HSN code, every service a SAC code. The code drives the GST rate and is one of the mandatory fields on a tax invoice. This 2026 HSN code finder guide explains the rules, how to look up the right code, and lists 22 popular HSN codes for Indian retailers plus 12 SAC codes for services.
HSN vs SAC - what the codes mean
- HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) - used for goods / products. India follows an 8-digit version
- SAC (Services Accounting Code) - used for services. India’s SAC starts with "99"
Classifying an item with the wrong code can mean the wrong GST rate and a notice. Spend a few minutes per item up front and store the code against the item once - the software auto-fills it on every future invoice.
How many digits must you show on the invoice?
The number of HSN digits required on your invoice depends on your aggregate annual turnover:
- Turnover up to 5 crore - at least 4 digits (mandatory on B2B invoices)
- Turnover above 5 crore - at least 6 digits on all invoices
- Exports and imports - 8 digits
When in doubt, show more digits rather than fewer. The 8-digit HSN is always safe.
How to find the right code (3 ways)
- 1. Start broad, narrow down - the HSN tree has 21 sections and 99 chapters; pick the section that matches your category first, then drill down
- 2. Match the description, not the brand - HSN is product-based, not brand-based. "Premium toothpaste X" is just toothpaste (HSN 3306)
- 3. Confirm the GST rate the code maps to - the CBIC site lists the rate against each HSN. If the rate looks wrong for your product, the code is likely wrong
22 popular HSN codes for retail
| HSN | Product | GST rate (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| 0401 | Milk and dairy | 0% / 5% |
| 0701 | Potatoes, fresh or chilled | 0% |
| 1006 | Rice | 0% / 5% |
| 1101 | Wheat flour | 0% / 5% |
| 1701 | Sugar | 5% |
| 1905 | Bread, biscuits, bakery | 5% / 18% |
| 2101 | Tea, coffee extracts | 5% / 18% |
| 2201 | Packaged drinking water | 18% |
| 2202 | Aerated drinks, juices | 18% / 28% |
| 3004 | Pharmaceutical medicines | 5% / 12% |
| 3306 | Toothpaste, oral hygiene | 18% |
| 3307 | Perfumes, deodorants | 18% / 28% |
| 3401 | Soap, washing preparations | 18% |
| 4901 | Printed books, newspapers | 0% |
| 4818 | Toilet paper, tissues | 12% / 18% |
| 6109 | T-shirts, vests, knitwear | 5% / 12% |
| 6403 | Footwear with leather upper | 12% / 18% |
| 8517 | Mobile phones | 12% / 18% |
| 8528 | TVs and monitors | 18% / 28% |
| 8703 | Motor cars | 28% + cess |
| 9403 | Furniture (non-metal) | 18% |
| 9503 | Toys, video games | 12% / 18% |
Indicative only. Confirm the latest rate on the CBIC GST rate finder before you bill.
12 SAC codes for common services
| SAC | Service | GST rate (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| 9954 | Construction services | 5% / 12% / 18% |
| 9963 | Accommodation, food and beverage services | 5% / 12% / 18% |
| 9965 | Goods transport services | 5% / 12% |
| 9971 | Financial and insurance services | 18% |
| 9972 | Real estate services | 18% |
| 9973 | Leasing or rental services | 5% / 18% |
| 9983 | Other professional, technical and business services | 18% |
| 9984 | Telecommunications, broadcasting services | 18% |
| 9985 | Support services | 18% |
| 9987 | Maintenance, repair and installation | 18% |
| 9988 | Manufacturing services on others’ goods (job-work) | 5% / 12% / 18% |
| 9992 | Education services | 0% / 18% |
Indicative only. Confirm the latest rate on the CBIC GST rate finder before you bill.
Common HSN classification mistakes
- Using the brand name to classify - HSN is product-based, not brand-based
- Showing too few digits for your turnover
- Picking a generic "other" code when a specific one exists - more specific is always safer
- Skipping HSN altogether on B2B invoices
Store HSN against the item, once
The fastest way to stop worrying about HSN codes is to store the correct code against each item in your master list. Aveon GST ships with a built-in HSN and SAC lookup; pick an item and the code plus GST rate fill in automatically on every future invoice.
Store HSN against each item once and never look it up again. Aveon GST has a built-in HSN / SAC lookup.
Start Free TrialFrequently asked questions
How do I find the HSN code for my product?
Start from the broad product category, narrow down to the chapter (4-digit), then heading (6-digit) and finally tariff item (8-digit). Confirm the GST rate the code maps to on the CBIC GST rate finder.
How many HSN digits must I show on the invoice?
4 digits if your turnover is up to 5 crore (B2B), 6 digits above 5 crore, and 8 digits for exports and imports. When in doubt, show more.
What is the difference between HSN and SAC?
HSN is for goods / products; SAC is for services and always starts with "99". The structure and digit rules are otherwise similar.
Can I use a generic HSN like "9999"?
No - HSN must be specific to your product. The more specific the code, the lower the chance of a notice for under-classification.
Does the HSN ever change?
Yes - the CBIC notifies changes from time to time. Recheck once a year, especially for items where the rate is debated.
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