Every line on a GST invoice needs an HSN code (goods) or SAC code (services) — and the code decides the tax rate, the GSTR-1 HSN summary, and whether your customer's ITC matches. Yet most small businesses copy codes from a supplier's bill and hope. This finder lets you search by product or service name, shows the code with its current GST rate under the post-September-2025 slabs, and tells you how many digits you must print based on turnover. It runs on a curated database in your browser; no lookups are sent anywhere.
HSN and SAC, briefly
HSN (Harmonised System of Nomenclature) is the World Customs Organization's 6-digit classification, extended to 8 digits in India's Customs Tariff. Chapter (2 digits) → heading (4) → sub-heading (6) → tariff item (8). Chapter 09 is coffee, tea and spices; 0902 is tea; 090240 is black tea in bulk. SAC (Services Accounting Code) is India's 6-digit scheme starting with 99: 9954 construction, 9983 professional services, 9984 telecom, 9988 job work, 9997 personal services. The structure and pitfalls are explained in HSN and SAC codes explained.
How many digits you must show
| Aggregate turnover (previous FY) | B2B invoices | B2C invoices |
|---|---|---|
| Up to ₹5 crore | 4-digit HSN mandatory | 4-digit optional |
| Above ₹5 crore | 6-digit HSN mandatory | 6-digit mandatory |
| Exports and imports | 8 digits | 8 digits |
Services always use the 6-digit SAC (4 digits accepted for turnover up to ₹5 crore). The same digit rule applies to the HSN-wise summary in Table 12 of GSTR-1, and e-invoices reject codes with fewer digits than required.
How to use the finder
- Type a product or service — "biscuits", "LED bulb", "software development", "courier".
- Pick the closest match; the tool shows the HSN/SAC, the GST rate and notes on conditions (for example, footwear rate by price, textiles by fibre).
- Copy the code into your GST invoice line, or check the rate in the GST calculator.
- For borderline items, note the chapter and confirm on the CBIC rate schedule; the tool links you to the relevant notification.
Why the right code matters
- Rate: cotton handloom fabric at 5% versus synthetic at 18%; a wrong code means short-paid or over-charged tax.
- ITC matching: buyers' systems compare your HSN against their purchase master; mismatches cause invoice rejection in IMS.
- Penalty: wrong or missing HSN can attract a general penalty up to ₹25,000 under Section 125, and repeated errors invite scrutiny.
- E-way bills and e-invoices require the code at the mandated digit level.
- Customs: for exporters, the 8-digit code fixes duty drawback and RoDTEP rates.
Rate changes under GST 2.0 moved hundreds of items between slabs; if your master data predates September 2025, re-verify each code with the GST 2.0 rate changes guide.
Classification tips
- Classify by what the item is, not what it is used for — a plastic chair is furniture (9401), not "plastics".
- Composite supplies take the code and rate of the principal supply; mixed supplies take the highest rate among components.
- Job work on someone else's goods is a service (9988), taxed at 5%, 12%-legacy or 18% depending on the goods.
- Packaged and branded versions of exempt goods (rice, wheat flour) attract 5%.
- Keep a product master with the code, rate and effective date; update it when rates change.
Related tools
- GST invoice generator — HSN per line, with the digit rule enforced.
- GST calculator — the rate applied to a price.
- Price tag generator — print the right inclusive price after finding the rate.
- Purchase order — put HSN on POs so suppliers invoice correctly.
- GSTIN validator — check the supplier's GST number while you are at it.
- GST filing calendar — the HSN summary goes into GSTR-1 each month.