What is an HSN code?
HSN full form: Harmonized System of Nomenclature. It is a globally standardised numbering system for classifying goods, developed by the World Customs Organization and used by more than 200 countries. India adopted HSN for customs in 1986 and uses it to decide which GST rate applies to every product sold since GST launched in 2017.
Services use a parallel system called SAC — Services Accounting Code. Every SAC code starts with 99, so if your business sells services rather than goods, your code will look like 9983 or 998313.
How the digits work
When is HSN mandatory on invoices?
Since 1 April 2021 (Notification 78/2020 – Central Tax), every GST-registered business must print HSN codes on tax invoices:
- Aggregate turnover up to ₹5 crore: at least 4-digit HSN on B2B invoices (optional for B2C).
- Aggregate turnover above ₹5 crore: 6-digit HSN on all invoices.
- Imports and exports: the full 8-digit code is required on customs documents.
Wrong or missing HSN codes can mean the wrong GST rate, mismatched returns (GSTR-1 table 12), and penalties — so it pays to get the code right first.
Find your code
Search by product name (works with everyday words like “steel water bottle”), browse the full HSN code list by chapter, or answer a few questions in the guided finder. Every rate shows the CBIC notification it comes from.
Frequently asked questions
What is the full form of HSN?
HSN stands for Harmonized System of Nomenclature — an internationally standardised system of names and numbers for classifying traded products, developed and maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO).
What is the difference between HSN and SAC codes?
HSN codes classify goods (chapters 01–98), while SAC — Services Accounting Code — classifies services. All SAC codes start with 99. Both determine the GST rate that applies.
How many digits does an HSN code have?
The international standard is 6 digits. India extends it to 8 digits for customs. Under GST, invoices use 4 or 6 digits depending on your turnover.
Is mentioning the HSN code mandatory on GST invoices?
Yes. Businesses with aggregate annual turnover up to ₹5 crore must mention at least a 4-digit HSN code on B2B invoices; businesses above ₹5 crore must mention 6 digits on all invoices (Notification 78/2020 – Central Tax, effective 1 April 2021).
How do I find the HSN code for my product?
Search by product name on findmyhsn.com — it matches everyday product words to official tariff entries and shows the current GST rate with its source notification. You can also browse the full chapter list or answer a few questions in the guided finder.
not tax advice — verify with your tax advisor before filing