iLoveGST

GST Rate Finder

Discover the correct GST rates for any product or service in India. Our comprehensive database covers all GST slabs with the latest updates and exemptions.

GST Rate Structure in India

India follows a four-tier GST structure with rates of 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%, plus some items that are exempt (0%) or attract additional cess.

GST Council

The GST Council, headed by the Union Finance Minister, decides GST rates and reviews them periodically. Our database is updated with every GST Council decision.

How to Find GST Rates

Search by Product/Service

Enter the name of your product or service in the search box

Use HSN/SAC Code

If you know the HSN or SAC code, enter it directly for precise results

Browse Categories

Navigate through product categories to find your item

Get Complete Information

View GST rate, HSN code, exemptions, and conditions

GST Rate Categories

0% GST (Exempted Items)

Items that are completely exempt from GST:

Common Exempt Items:

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Milk and curd
  • Eggs, fish, chicken (fresh)
  • Flour, besan, suji
  • Salt, jaggery
  • Books, newspapers
  • Stamps, judicial papers

Conditions:

  • No input tax credit available
  • Composition scheme dealers can't claim ITC
  • Export of goods (with conditions)

5% GST (Essential Items)

Items considered essential for daily life:

Food Items:

  • Rice, wheat, other cereals
  • Packed paneer, lassi
  • Cashew nuts, raisins
  • Tea, coffee
  • Spices and condiments

Other Items:

  • LPG for domestic use
  • Coal for domestic use
  • Medicines and drugs
  • Kerosene
  • Postage stamps

12% GST (Standard Rate - Lower)

Common Items:

  • Mobile phones
  • Processed foods
  • Textiles and garments
  • Exercise books, note books
  • Umbrella, walking sticks
  • Ayurvedic medicines

Business Services:

  • Works contract services
  • Restaurant services (non-AC)
  • Tailoring services

18% GST (Standard Rate - Higher)

Goods:

  • Computers, laptops
  • Cameras, printers
  • Electrical appliances
  • Soap, toothpaste
  • Hair oil, shampoo
  • Biscuits, bread, cakes

Services:

  • Information technology services
  • Telecommunications
  • Financial services
  • Professional services
  • Hotel accommodation
  • Restaurant services (AC)

28% GST (Luxury Items)

Luxury Goods:

  • Motor cars
  • Motorcycles above 350cc
  • Aerated drinks
  • Tobacco products
  • Luxury items and services

Additional Cess: Many items in this category also attract compensation cess:

  • Cars: 1% to 25% cess
  • Tobacco: Up to ₹5,718 per 1000 sticks
  • Coal: ₹400 per tonne

Rate Determination Factors

Product Classification

  • Nature of product: Raw material vs finished goods
  • Processing level: Processed foods attract higher rates
  • Brand vs generic: Branded items may have different rates

Service Classification

  • Type of service: Professional vs basic services
  • Service provider: Restaurant vs home delivery
  • Location: AC vs non-AC establishments

Special Categories

Composition Scheme

  • Flat rates: 1%, 2%, or 6% of turnover
  • No input tax credit available
  • Simplified compliance

Reverse Charge

  • Recipient pays GST instead of supplier
  • Applies to specific goods and services
  • Unregistered suppliers to registered recipients

Important

Some goods and services are subject to reverse charge mechanism where the recipient (not the supplier) pays GST. Always check if reverse charge applies.

Industry-Wise GST Rates

Food & Beverage Industry

CategoryExamplesGST Rate
Fresh ItemsFruits, vegetables, milk0%
Basic FoodsRice, wheat flour, salt5%
Processed FoodsBiscuits, namkeen, sweets12%/18%
BeveragesSoft drinks, juices12%/18%
AlcoholBeer, wine, spirits28% + State taxes

Electronics & IT

CategoryExamplesGST Rate
Mobile PhonesSmartphones, feature phones12%
ComputersLaptops, desktops, tablets18%
TV & AudioTelevisions, speakers, headphones18%
Home AppliancesRefrigerators, washing machines18%
ComponentsElectronic parts, accessories18%

Automobile Industry

CategoryExamplesGST Rate
Two WheelersMotorcycles up to 350cc18%
High-end BikesMotorcycles above 350cc28%
Cars (Small)Engine up to 1200cc (petrol)28% + 1% cess
Cars (Large)Engine above 1200cc28% + 15-25% cess
Electric VehiclesElectric cars, bikes5%/12%

Textile Industry

CategoryExamplesGST Rate
Raw MaterialsCotton, silk yarn5%
FabricsCotton fabrics, synthetic fabrics5%/12%
GarmentsReadymade clothes12%
FootwearShoes up to ₹10005%
Branded FootwearShoes above ₹100018%

Service Industry

CategoryExamplesGST Rate
ProfessionalLegal, CA, consulting18%
IT ServicesSoftware development, support18%
TransportationGoods transport by road5%
RestaurantsFood service (AC establishments)18%
HotelsRoom tariff above ₹750018%

Recent Rate Changes

Latest Updates (2024)

  • Online gaming: 28% GST on full face value
  • Cryptocurrency: 1% TDS, 30% income tax (not GST)
  • Medical devices: Rate rationalization ongoing
  • Electric vehicles: Continued incentives at lower rates

Rate Review Process

The GST Council reviews rates every 3-6 months based on:

  • Revenue collections
  • Industry representations
  • Economic impact assessments
  • Compliance ease

Special Situations

Export of Goods/Services

  • Zero-rated supply: 0% GST with input tax credit
  • Documentation required: Shipping bills, export documents
  • Refund claims: Input tax credit refunds available

Import of Goods

  • IGST applicable: Based on customs value + customs duty
  • Additional duties: May apply based on product type
  • Input tax credit: Available for business use

Inter-state vs Intra-state

Same GST rate applies, but tax components differ:

  • Intra-state: CGST + SGST
  • Inter-state: IGST

Stay Updated

GST rates can change frequently. Always verify current rates on the official GST portal before finalizing transactions or filing returns.

Compliance Tips

For Businesses

  • Regular rate verification: Check rates quarterly
  • Transitional provisions: Understand rate change impacts
  • Input tax credit: Ensure correct rate application for ITC
  • Price determination: Factor in rate changes for pricing

For Consumers

  • Bill verification: Check if correct GST rate is applied
  • Complaint mechanism: Report incorrect billing
  • Exemption awareness: Know your rights for exempt items

Common Queries

How often do GST rates change?

GST rates are reviewed by the GST Council typically every 3-6 months, but can change more frequently if needed.

What if I apply the wrong GST rate?

Incorrect rates can lead to penalties. File rectification returns and pay differential tax with interest.

Are there different rates for B2B vs B2C?

GST rates are generally the same for B2B and B2C transactions, but compliance requirements differ.


For the most current GST rates and notifications, visit the official GST portal or check our Knowledge Base for detailed rate analysis and updates.