VyaparKit

HSN / SAC Code Lookup

Search HSN codes for goods and SAC codes for services with GST rates. Free HSN lookup for India.

Free · no login neededMade for India · ₹, GST, UPI, WhatsApp

In short

An HSN / SAC code lookup finds the classification code and the usual GST rate for a product or service. VyaparKit's free HSN and SAC finder searches a curated dataset of commonly used codes by product name, service name or code number, shows the description and indicative GST rate, and lets you copy the code straight into an invoice or product master.

GST rates shown are indicative for the most common items under each code. Always confirm against the latest CBIC notification for your specific product.

What is an HSN code?

Harmonised System of Nomenclature: a global classification for goods. Indian GST invoices need 4-digit HSN for turnover up to ₹5 crore and 6-digit above that (B2B).

What is a SAC code?

Services Accounting Code: the equivalent classification for services under GST, always starting with 99.

Is HSN mandatory on invoices?

Yes for B2B invoices. Businesses with turnover up to ₹5 crore may skip it on B2C invoices.

Which digits should I use?

Use the first 4 or 6 digits of the 8-digit code as required. The full 8-digit code is used in customs/export documents.

About the hsn / sac code lookup tool

Every GST invoice in India carries an HSN code for goods or a SAC code for services. HSN (Harmonised System of Nomenclature) is the international customs classification, and India uses 4, 6 or 8 digits of it depending on turnover. SAC (Services Accounting Code) is the six-digit service classification, always starting with 99. The code decides the GST rate and appears in the HSN summary of GSTR-1, so getting it right matters beyond the invoice.

Searching the CBIC tariff PDF for 'plastic bottle' or scrolling a 1,200-row Excel from a WhatsApp group is slow, and people end up copying a neighbour's code without checking the rate. The lookup lets you type a plain word like rice, cement, software or restaurant, filter by HSN or SAC, and see the code, the description and the rate side by side. The dataset covers the codes small businesses use most often; it is not the full customs tariff, so rare items may need the CBIC schedule.

Once you have the code, save it against the item in VyaparKit's product master with its unit and GST rate. Every invoice, quotation and purchase bill then picks up the HSN and rate automatically, and the HSN summary for GSTR-1 comes from the same data.

How to find an HSN or SAC code for your product or service

  1. 1

    Type a product or service name

    In the search box enter a plain word such as 'rice', 'mobile phone', 'cement' or 'consulting'. Results appear as you type after two characters.

  2. 2

    Or search by code

    If you already know part of the code, type the digits, for example 8471 or 9983, to see the matching entries and their descriptions.

  3. 3

    Filter by HSN or SAC

    Use the 'All', 'HSN (goods)' and 'SAC (services)' switch to narrow the list when a word like 'software' matches both goods and services.

  4. 4

    Check the description and rate

    Read the description to confirm it matches what you sell. The GST column shows the indicative rate for the most common items under that code.

  5. 5

    Copy the code

    Press the copy button on the row and paste the code into your invoice line or item master. Use 4 or 6 digits as required for your turnover.

How HSN and SAC codes are built, with examples

  • HSN structure: the first 2 digits are the chapter, 4 digits the heading, 6 digits the sub-heading and 8 digits the Indian tariff item. Example: 8471 is automatic data processing machines (computers), commonly 18%.
  • SAC structure: all service codes start with 99; the next two digits give the section and the last two the service. Example: 9983 covers other professional, technical and business services, commonly 18%.
  • Digits required on B2B invoices (Notification 78/2020): 4 digits if aggregate turnover is up to ₹5 crore, 6 digits if above ₹5 crore. Exports and imports use the full 8 digits.
  • B2C invoices: businesses with turnover up to ₹5 crore may leave the HSN off B2C invoices, though including it keeps the item master consistent.
  • The same heading can carry different rates. Under 1006 (rice), pre-packaged and labelled rice is 5% while loose rice is exempt. Always read the description, not just the code.
  • GSTR-1 needs an HSN-wise summary (Table 12) with quantity, taxable value and tax, so the code on the invoice must match the one in your returns.
  • Restaurant services fall under SAC 9963 (commonly 5% without input credit for standalone restaurants), while catering and hotel rooms use other sub-codes and rates.
  • The rates shown are indicative. Confirm against the latest CBIC rate notification for your exact product, or ask your CA, before printing invoices.

Who uses the hsn / sac code lookup

New GST registrants

A first-time seller setting up a product list finds the code and rate for each SKU before raising the first invoice.

Freelancers and agencies

A freelance developer in Kochi confirms that software development is SAC 9983 at 18% and uses it on every service invoice.

Traders with mixed inventory

A hardware store selling cement (2523), paint (3208) and tools checks which rate each category attracts for stock entries.

Accountants preparing GSTR-1

CA staff verify HSN codes on client invoices before filing the HSN summary in Table 12.

HSN / SAC Code Lookup: frequently asked questions

How many digits of HSN code are mandatory on a GST invoice?
For B2B invoices, 4 digits if your aggregate turnover in the previous financial year was up to ₹5 crore and 6 digits if it was above ₹5 crore. Businesses up to ₹5 crore may omit HSN on B2C invoices. Exports and imports require the full 8-digit code.
What is the difference between an HSN code and a SAC code?
HSN codes classify goods and follow the international Harmonised System used by customs worldwide. SAC codes classify services and are specific to India's GST, always beginning with 99. A trader selling laptops uses an HSN like 8471; an IT consultant uses a SAC like 9983.
Can I use the same HSN code for all my products?
No. Each product must carry the code that matches its description, because the code determines the GST rate and appears in your HSN summary. Using a single convenient code for everything leads to wrong tax and mismatches in GSTR-1. Group similar items under the correct heading instead.
What is the HSN code for services?
Services do not have HSN codes; they use SAC codes. All SAC codes start with 99 and are six digits long, for example 998313 for IT consulting and support or 996331 for restaurant services. On an invoice the SAC goes in the same column where HSN would appear for goods.
Does this lookup contain every HSN code in the tariff?
No. It is a curated dataset of the codes Indian small businesses use most often, with descriptions and indicative rates. The full customs tariff has thousands of 8-digit lines. If your product is unusual or you do not find a close match, check the CBIC tariff schedule or ask your CA.
Where does the HSN code go on a GST invoice?
Rule 46 of the CGST Rules requires the HSN or SAC against each line item, usually in a column next to the description. VyaparKit's invoice tool stores the code with each saved item and prints it automatically on every invoice, quotation and purchase bill.

Guides from the blog

More from GST Tools

GST CalculatorFREEAdd GST to any amount at 5%, 12%, 18% or 28%.Reverse GST CalculatorFREEFind the base amount and tax from a GST-inclusive price.CGST / SGST / IGST CalculatorFREESplit GST by supply type: intra-state or inter-state.GSTIN CheckerFREEValidate GSTIN format, checksum and decode the state.

See all GST Tools