GST was introduced a few years ago and introduced a list of terms and jargon. There are many terms that professionals will become familiar with. Some of these terms are HSN code and SAC code in GST. Here we explain in detail what is HSN code and SAC code.
HSN was developed as"Harmonized System of Nomenclature". The HSN code is a world-renowned system for classifying goods. Because HSN codes are used to classify goods. SAC codes are used to classify services. SAC codes are known as“Service Billing Codes”.
The HSN code was created by the company in 1988Weltzollorganisation (WZO). So far he has defined more than 5,000 items. It is a uniform, globally recognized classification system for goods.
India used HSN codes before GST. This system was used in India to classify goods for customs and central excise purposes. Previously, India used a six-digit system, but two more digits were later added to make the codes more specific.
Many countries around the world have adopted HSN codes to facilitate uniform classification of goods and international trade. India has been a member of the WCO since 1971.
Since its inception, the use of the HSN code in GST has put India in competition with countries that have been using HSN for years. It also helped professionals find an answer to the question: what is an HSN code?
The use of HSN codes in GST has led to the global adoption of the GST system in India.
The taxpayer can look up the applicable GST rate by simply entering the HSN code and the GST system will return the rate applicable to the goods.
The HSN code in GST is mandatory in India on the invoice.
Hopefully the above clarifies what an HSN code is? The next question that comes to mind is: what is the SAC code?
Because HSN codes are used to classify goods. SAC codes in GST are used to classify the services. SAC codes are known as“Service Billing Codes”.
The Service Tax Department of India developed the Service Accounting Codes. SACs are used to classify services and determine the tax rate for those services.
1. Do I need to include HSN/SAC codes on my tax invoice?
Yes, it is mandatory to indicate the HSN or SAC code on the tax invoice issued by the supplier of goods or services or both.
2. How do I find the HSN/SAC code that applies to a good or service?
To find the HSN code applicable to the goods or services provided, please visit https://cbic-gst.gov.in/gst-goods-services-rates.html.
3. What is the HSN and SAC code? What is the main difference between HSN codes and SAC codes in the GST?
They form a harmonized nomenclature system. HSN codesVATare used to classify goods while SAC is used to classify services.
4. Are there HSN/SAC codes for zero value or tax exempt shipments?
Yes, all types of goods or services, including duty-free and exempt goods, fall under HSN/SAC.
For example, raw coffee beans are GST-exempt commodities and their HSN code is 0901.
5. Who is not required to follow the HSN code system?
Merchants registered under the composition system do not have to follow the HSN code system. In addition, traders are having a turnover of less than Rs. 1.50 crores per year.
6. How many numbers do traders in the import and export industry use?
Merchants importing or exporting goods must use the 8-digit HSN code system.
7. Are the HSN codes the same for all countries?
HSN codes are a commodity classification system developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO). WCO member states use similar codes.
8. Is India a member of the World Customs Organization?
Yes, India has been a member of the WCO since 1971.
Description of Services | Service Accounting Code (SAC) |
Medical service | |
laboratory, diagnostic and imaging services | 999316 |
medical and dental services | 999312 |
Manufacture and supply of medical and dental instruments | 998897 |
Installation services for professional medical machinery and equipment and precision and optical instruments. | 998735 |
Experimental research and development services in the medical sciences and pharmacy. | 998113 |
Services provided by operators of a biomedical waste collective treatment facility to a clinical facility through the treatment or disposal of biomedical waste or related processes. | 9994 |
Advertising | |
advertising and related photographic services | 998382 |
advertising services | 998361 |
Professional and technical services | |
Other specialists, technical and business services | 9983 |
Scientific and technical consultancy services | 998393 |
business advice and management services; IT service. | 99831 |
Architectural services, urban and regional planning and landscape architecture services | 99832 |
technical services | 99833 |
Scientific and other technical services | 99834 |
market and opinion research services | 99837 |
Photography and videography and services related to the editing thereof | 99838 |
Other specialists, technical and business services. | 99839 |
freight transport services | |
Road transport services for goods including letters, packages, live animals, home and office furniture, containers etc. by refrigerated truck, truck, trailer, human or animal towed vehicle or other vehicle. | 996511 |
Rail transport services for goods including letters, parcels, live animals, home and office furniture, intermodal containers, bulk goods, etc. | 996512 |
Pipeline transportation services for crude oil and natural gas, water, sewage and other commodities | 996513 |
Other inland freight transport services nec | 996519 |
Coastal and transoceanic (overseas) water transport services for goods with reefer vessels, tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, etc. | 996521 |
Domestic transport of goods by reefers, tankers and other ships. | 996522 |
Air transport services for letters, packages and other goods | 996531 |
Transport of cargo space | 996532 |
warehousing and storage services | |
cold storage services | 996721 |
bulk storage services for liquids or gas | 996722 |
Other warehousing and storage services | 996729 |
rental services | |
Rental of road vehicles, including buses, coaches, cars, trucks and other motorized vehicles, with or without a driver | 996601 |
Rental of personal watercraft, including passenger ships, cargo ships, etc., with or without an operator | 996602 |
Rental of aircraft, including passenger aircraft, cargo aircraft, etc., with or without an operator | 996603 |
Rental of other means of transport nec, with or without operator | 996609 |
container handling services | |
container handling services | 996711 |
Agent service of the Customs Chamber | 996712 |
Billing and forwarding service | 996713 |
Other cargo and baggage handling services | 996719 |
construction work | |
Construction work for other buildings, nec | 995416 |
Construction services for other non-residential buildings such as educational institutions, hospitals, clinics including veterinary clinics, religious institutions, courts, prisons, museums and other similar buildings | 995415 |
Construction services for commercial buildings such as office buildings, exhibition and wedding halls, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, airports, railway or road terminals, parking garages, gas stations and gas stations, theaters and other similar buildings. | 995414 |
Construction services for industrial buildings, e.g. B. Buildings used for production activities (used for assembly line activities), workshops, warehouse buildings and other similar industrial buildings | 995413 |
Construction work for other residential buildings, such as retirement homes, shelters for the homeless, dormitories, etc | 995412 |
Construction work in the area of single-family houses, apartment buildings or multi-storey residential buildings | 995411 |
Construction of any complex, building, structure or part thereof, including any complex or building, intended for sale in whole or in part to the buyer unless all consideration has been received at the issuance, if any, of a certificate of completion from the Employers to the competent authority or after the first seizure, whichever comes first. (The value of the land is one third of the total amount charged for these deliveries.) | 9954 |
General construction work for other civil works, not elsewhere classified | 995428 |
General construction services for outdoor sports and leisure facilities | 995427 |
General construction work for power plants and associated infrastructure | 995426 |
General construction services for mines and industrial plants | 995425 |
General construction services for local water and sewage mains, power and communication cables and related works | 995424 |
General construction services for underground/overland/underwater lines, communication lines and power lines (cables) over long distances; pumping stations and related works; Substations and related activities. | 995423 |
General construction services for ports, waterways, dams, water works and pipelines, irrigation and other water works | 995422 |
General construction services for highways, roads, railways and airport runways, bridges and tunnels | 995421 |
Other construction services | 9954 |
Other specialized construction services, not elsewhere classified | 995458 |
Agricultural Services | |
Support services for agriculture, forestry, fisheries and animal husbandry. Services related to the cultivation of plants and the rearing of all animal species, with the exception of horse breeding, for food, fiber, fuel, raw materials or other similar agricultural products or products, through: directly related to agricultural production products, including cultivation, harvesting, threshing , crop protection or testing; b) labor supply on the farm; (c) agricultural processes, including tending, pruning, cutting, harvesting, drying, cleaning, trimming, sun drying, disinfecting, drying, grading, grading, refrigerating or packaging, and similar operations that do not alter the essential characteristics of the farm produce that however, are only suitable for primary market sale; d) rental or leasing of agricultural machinery or vacant land with or without buildings associated with their use; e) loading, unloading, packaging, stocking or storage of agricultural products; f) agricultural advisory services; g) Services provided by an agricultural marketing committee or board, or services provided by a broker for the sale or purchase of agricultural products. | 9986 |
Other supporting services for agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing | 998619 |
Leasing or rental of agricultural machinery and equipment, with or without an operator | 997312 |
Original research and development in agriculture | 998142 |
Research and development services in agricultural sciences. | 998114 |
Fumigation services in warehouse for agricultural products. | 9985 |
(h) Fumigation services at agricultural produce storage facilities | 9986 |
Services of the National Center for Cold Chain Development of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Cooperation and Social Welfare in the field of cold chain knowledge dissemination. | 9992 |
Services of the National Center for Cold Chain Development of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Cooperation and Social Welfare in the field of cold chain knowledge dissemination. | 9988 |
Freight forwarding company services in the nature of transportation of goods - (a) agricultural products; (b) Goods where the charge for the carriage of goods in a single consignment does not exceed Rs. 1,500. (c) goods where the charge for the carriage of all such goods does not exceed Rs. 750 for a single consignee; d) milk, salt and edible grains, including flour, legumes and rice; e) organic fertilizer; (f) newspapers or periodicals entered in the newspaper register; g) Aids intended for victims of natural or man-made disasters, natural disasters, accidents or catastrophes; or h) defense or military equipment. explanation. – A freight forwarding company is any person who carries out road freight transport and who issues a bill of lading, regardless of their name. | 9967 |
Freight forwarding company services in the nature of transportation of goods - (a) agricultural products; (b) Goods where the charge for the carriage of goods in a single consignment does not exceed Rs. 1,500. (c) goods where the charge for the carriage of all such goods does not exceed Rs. 750 for a single consignee; d) milk, salt and edible grains, including flour, legumes and rice; e) organic fertilizer; (f) newspapers or periodicals entered in the newspaper register; g) Aids intended for victims of natural or man-made disasters, natural disasters, accidents or catastrophes; or (h) defense or military equipment. explanation. – Goods transport company: any person providing services in the field of road transport of goods and issuing a bill of lading, regardless of their name. | 9965 |
Services rendered by electricity distribution companies consisting of the construction, construction, commissioning or installation of infrastructure to extend the electricity distribution network to an agricultural well or line for agricultural purposes | 99 |
Services provided by an unincorporated company or a not-for-profit company incorporated under applicable law engaged in: - (i) activities related to the welfare of industrial or agricultural workers or farmers; or (ii) the promotion of trade, commerce, industry, agriculture, arts, science, literature, culture, sports, education, welfare, charity and environmental protection among its own members in return for payment of a membership fee of up to Rs ) per member and year. | 9995 |
The conduct of an intermediate production process as a professional activity in the cultivation of plants and the rearing of all animal life, with the exception of horse breeding, for food, fiber, fuel, raw materials or other similar products or agricultural products. | 9986 |
General insurance services provided under the following schemes: Ð (a) Hut Insurance Scheme; b) livestock insurance under Swarnajaynti Gram Swarozgar Yojna (formerly known as Integrated Rural Development Programme); (c) family insurance program; (d) the Janata Personal Accident Policy and the Gramin Accident Policy; (e) Collective accident insurance for self-employed women; (f) insurance for agricultural pump sets and well failures; g) premiums for export credit insurance; h) Replace (Weather Dependent Crop Insurance Scheme or Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme) with [“Restructured Weather Dependent Crop Insurance Scheme (RWCIS)] on 2017-08-22 approved by the Government of Indonesia and implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture; (i) Politics of John Arogya Bima; j) [National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (Rashtriya Krishi Bima Yojana);] replaced by [Pradhan Mantri Fasal BimaYojana (PMFBY)] on 2017-08-22. k) seed harvest insurance pilot project; l) Central Sectoral Livestock Insurance Scheme; m) General health insurance scheme; (n) Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana; (o) coconut palm insurance program; (p) Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojna; (q) The Trust's Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme established under the National Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Handicap and Multiple Disability Act 1999 (44 of 1999). | 9971 |
General insurance services provided under the following schemes: Ð (a) Hut Insurance Scheme; b) livestock insurance under Swarnajaynti Gram Swarozgar Yojna (formerly known as Integrated Rural Development Programme); (c) family insurance program; (d) the Janata Personal Accident Policy and the Gramin Accident Policy; (e) Collective accident insurance for self-employed women; (f) insurance for agricultural pump sets and well failures; g) premiums for export credit insurance; h) Replace (Weather Dependent Crop Insurance Scheme or Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme) with [“Restructured Weather Dependent Crop Insurance Scheme (RWCIS)] on 2017-08-22 approved by the Government of Indonesia and implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture; (i) Politics of John Arogya Bima; j) [National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (Rashtriya Krishi Bima Yojana);] replaced by [Pradhan Mantri Fasal BimaYojana (PMFBY)] on 2017-08-22. k) seed harvest insurance pilot project; l) Central Sectoral Livestock Insurance Scheme; m) General health insurance scheme; (n) Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana; (o) coconut palm insurance program; (p) Pradhan Mantri Suraksha BimaYojna; (q) Establishment of the Trust's Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme under the National Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Handicap and Multiple Disability Act 1999 (44 of 1999). | 9991 |
Transportation services by rail or sea from one point to another in India, comprising the following goods: a) humanitarian relief supplies for victims of natural disasters or catastrophes, catastrophes, accidents or man-made accidents; b) defense or military equipment; (c) newspapers or periodicals entered in the newspaper register; d) railway equipment or accessories; e) agricultural products; f) milk, salt and edible grains, including flour, legumes and rice; and g) organic fertilizer. | 9965 |
The contract presented for the supply of works within the meaning of Article (119)(2) of the Central Tax on Goods and Services Act 2017 provided by construction, erection, putting into service or erection of original works relating to: (a) Railways, excluding (including those replaced as of January 25, 2018) monorail and subway; b) a single dwelling that is not part of a residential complex; (c) Affordable housing with up to 60 square meters of carpeted area per house on a housing scheme approved by the relevant authority under the Affordable Housing Partnership Scheme developed by the Irish Government's Department for Housing and Urban Poverty in India ; (d) Affordable housing with up to 60 square meters of carpeted area per house within a housing project approved by the relevant authority under the (1) Affordable Housing Partnership component of the Housing for All (Urban)/Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Mission ; (2) state government housing programs; (e) post-harvest storage facilities for agricultural produce, including a cold store for that purpose; or f) a mechanized system, machinery or equipment for the transport of food grain to units processing agricultural products as food other than alcoholic beverages. | 9954 |
hotel and accommodation industry | |
Room or residential units provided by hotels, inns, guesthouses, clubs, etc. | 996311 |
Accommodation in hotels including five star hotels and above, inns, boarding houses, clubs, camp sites and other commercial establishments intended for residential or lodging purposes, with the rent per room being Rs 7,500 and above per day per room | 9963 |
Services provided by hotels, inns, guesthouses, clubs, etc., including room service, take-away and door-to-door food delivery. | 996332 |
restaurants and similar establishments | |
Services provided by restaurants, cafes and similar food businesses, including take-out, room service and door-to-door food delivery. | 996331 |
Services provided by hotels, inns, guesthouses, clubs, etc., including room service, take-away and door-to-door food delivery. | 996332 |
Services in the canteen and other similar establishments | 996333 |
Catering-Service | |
Catering services in exhibition halls, events, wedding halls and other outdoor and indoor events. | 996334 |
Catering services on trains, planes, etc. | 996335 |
Meal preparation and/or delivery services, meal preparation, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for airlines and other transportation companies | 996336 |
Further catering services on request | 996337 |
Other foodstuffs, food preparations, services for serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, not otherwise classified | 996339 |
job placement | |
Other employment and job placement services nec | 998519 |
HR services for co-employment | 998517 |
National Workers' Insurance Corporation services for persons subject to the National Workers' Insurance Act 1948 (34 of 1948). | 9971 |
Services provided by the Employee Benefit Fund Organization to persons subject to the provisions of the Employee Benefit Funds and Miscellaneous Regulations Act 1952 (19 of 1952). | 9971 |
Business and employer organization services | 999511 |
administration services relating to government occupational pension schemes; Disability or survivor benefits, except for government employees | 999132 |
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