What is an HSN code and how many digits do you need
Each pair of digits narrows the product: 2 digits name the chapter, 4 the heading, 6 the sub-heading and 8 the tariff item. The first 6 are the international Harmonized System; the last 2 are India’s, published by DGCIS as the ITC-HS classification (read 10 Oct 2026).
| Digits | Level | Example: 6109 10 00 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Chapter | 61: apparel, knitted or crocheted |
| 4 | Heading | 6109: T-shirts, singlets and other vests, knitted |
| 6 | Sub-heading | 6109 10: of cotton |
| 8 | Tariff item | 6109 10 00: T-shirts of cotton, knitted |
Source: DGCIS ITC-HS chapter 61, read 10 Oct 2026.
On a GST invoice: 4 digits if last year’s aggregate turnover was up to ₹5 crore, 6 digits above, since 1 April 2021 (CBIC Notification 78/2020–Central Tax); under ₹5 crore the code is optional on invoices to unregistered buyers. In the GSTR-1 HSN summary (Table 12): at least 4 digits up to ₹5 crore, 6 above, picked from the portal drop-down (GSTN GSTR-1 FAQ, checked 30 Oct 2026). A small Meesho supplier of cotton T-shirts invoices 6109; a large brand writes 6109 10.
How do I know my HSN code?
Open your product’s page below, search it in the HSN code finder, or confirm it on the GST portal Search HSN Code page. Answers online disagree because the same top is chapter 61 when knitted and chapter 62 when woven (DGCIS chapter notes). Decide knitted or woven first, then the fibre, then the heading. Selling without a GSTIN? See selling on Meesho without GST; the HSN code stays the same.
HSN codes for clothing and ethnic wear
Knitted clothes take chapter 61, woven clothes chapter 62; the heading follows the garment and the wearer. A knitted cotton T-shirt is 6109, a woven men’s shirt 6205, a plain cotton kurta and salwar set 6211 42 19 (GST portal master, read 11 Oct 2026). Sarees are coded as fabric, by fibre. GST on stitched garments is 5% up to ₹2,500 a piece and 18% above, from 22 Sept 2025 (PIB factsheet); see GST on clothes.
- Clothes HSN code, T-shirt HSN code, Shirt HSN code, Jeans HSN code, Pant HSN code
- Dress HSN code, Jacket HSN code, Saree HSN code, Kurti HSN code, Kurta HSN code, Ladies suit HSN code, Lehenga HSN code, Dupatta HSN code, Belt HSN code
- No page yet (use the HSN code finder): hoodies, bra, dress material, shawls
HSN codes for jewellery, bags and footwear
Artificial jewellery is 7117 and gold or silver jewellery 7113, both at 3% GST (Schedule IV, Notification 9/2025–IT(Rate)). Handbags, backpacks and wallets are heading 4202, with the material picking the sub-heading. Footwear is chapter 64, where the upper decides: canvas shoes with a rubber sole are 6404 (DGCIS chapters 42, 64 and 71, read 4–10 Oct 2026).
HSN codes for home, beauty, stationery and toys
Unstitched fabric is coded by fibre: woven cotton 5208 to 5212, polyester filament 5407, viscose filament 5408. Chairs are 9401, mattresses 9404, LED lights 9405 or 8539. Beauty sits in chapter 33 (perfume 3303, make-up 3304, hair care 3305), but soap is 3401. Toys are 9503 (DGCIS chapters 33, 52 and 95, read 10 Oct 2026).
- Fabric HSN code, Chair HSN code, Wooden furniture HSN code, Mattress HSN code, Pillow HSN code, Photo frame HSN code, Towel HSN code, Blanket HSN code, Curtain HSN code, Carpet HSN code, Candle HSN code, Hanger HSN code, Water bottle HSN code, LED lights HSN code, LED bulb HSN code
- Cosmetics HSN code, Shampoo HSN code, Hair oil HSN code, Soap HSN code, Stationery HSN code, Pen HSN code, Pencil HSN code, Toys HSN code
HSN code list with GST rates: most searched products
| Product (opens its page) | HSN heading | GST |
|---|---|---|
| T-shirts | 6109 (cotton 6109 10 00) | 5% to ₹2,500 a piece, 18% above |
| Kurti | 6206 woven, 6106 knitted; set with salwar 6211 42 19 | 5% to ₹2,500 a piece, 18% above |
| Jeans | 6203 42 men, 6204 62 women (cotton) | 5% to ₹2,500 a piece, 18% above |
| Saree | Silk 5007, cotton 5208–5212, synthetic 5407–5408 | 5% |
| Artificial jewellery; gold, silver | 7117; 7113 | 3% |
| Chair, office chair | 9401 (swivel 9401 39 00) | 18% |
| Mattress, pillow | 9404 (foam 9404 21 90) | 18%; quilts 5% up to ₹2,500 a piece |
| Toys | 9503 | 5%; electronic toys 18% |
Source: GST portal HSN master and DGCIS ITC-HS, read 11 Oct 2026; rates from Notification 9/2025–IT(Rate), in force 22 Sept 2025. A kurti at ₹2,500 or less is billed at 5%, one above at 18%, under the same heading. Last checked: 11 Oct 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is a HSN code?
The product code under the Harmonized System of Nomenclature that goes on a GST invoice. It starts from the World Customs Organization’s 6-digit system, and India’s ITC-HS list extends it to 8 digits.
How many digits of HSN code should I use?
On invoices, 4 digits if your turnover is up to ₹5 crore and 6 above, since 1 April 2021. In the GSTR-1 HSN summary (Table 12), at least 4 digits up to ₹5 crore and 6 above, picked from the portal drop-down.
Is HSN code the same for Meesho and Flipkart?
Yes; the code belongs to the product, not the marketplace. A knitted cotton T-shirt is 6109 on Meesho, on Flipkart and on your own GST invoice.
What is the HSN code for readymade garments?
Chapter 61 if knitted and chapter 62 if woven, with the heading set by garment type, such as 6109 for T-shirts or 6205 for woven men’s shirts. Both pay 5% GST up to ₹2,500 a piece and 18% above.
What is the HSN code for artificial jewellery?
7117, imitation jewellery, at 3% GST. Gold and silver jewellery is 7113, also at 3%.
Related
Checked by the StitchMagic team on 11 Oct 2026. StitchMagic is a set of free tools and one AI listing agent (ListMagic) for online sellers in India that helps them list faster on Meesho, Flipkart and Amazon.in and sell more. Found an error? Tell us; we correct with a dated note.