GST Portal: Clarification on reporting 4-digit/6-digit HSN


Quick Summary
The GST helpdesk has clarified reporting requirements for 4-digit and 6-digit HSN (Harmonised System of Nomenclature) codes. Taxpayers with an aggregate turnover up to INR 5 crores must declare 4 digits, while those above INR 5 crores must declare 6 digits. It's crucial that reported HSN codes are valid and available in the Customs Tariff at the specified digit level. Invalid truncated HSNs are not accepted.

GST helpdesk is in receipt of some tickets at helpdesk wherein it was reported that certain 6-digit HSN codes are not available in HSN Master/ not accepted on e-invoice/e-Way bill portals.

Background: Notification No. 12/2017-Central Tax dated June 28, 2017, as amended vide Notification No. 78/2020 – Central Tax, dated October 15, 2020, mandates taxpayers to declare specified digits, as follows, of Harmonised System of Nomenclature (HSN) / Service Accounting Code (SAC) Code on raising of tax invoices, w.e.f. April 1, 2021.

GST HSN Code Reporting: 4-Digit vs 6-Digit Clarification

S. No.

Aggregate Turnover in the preceding Financial Year

Number of Digits of HSN Code

1.

Upto INR 5 crores

4

2.

More than INR 5 crores

6

It may be noted that specific 6-digit HSNs, as available in the HSN/Customs Tariff (with corresponding description of goods) are allowed in the system. It also follows that the declaration of HSN at 4/6 Digits has to be out of valid HSN codes only.

However, there are instances that some taxpayers are trying to report truncated first 6-digits out of an otherwise valid 8-digit HSN; which are actually not available in Tariff at 6-digit level and with no corresponding description of goods; these are invalid and hence not being allowed in the System.

Taxpayers may, therefore note that based on the harmonious interpretation of the Notifications, as referred above, read with Customs Tariff Act, 1975, as made applicable to GST; the number of digits of HSN, as specified vide Notifications No. 12/2017 & 78/2020 (Central Tax), are the minimum number of digits of HSN to be mentioned on the invoice.

Example: Where HSN 6 digits are specified to be reported in invoice, valid HSN codes as available in tariff, at both 6-digits and 8-digits can be mentioned. Similarly, where HSN at 4-digits are specified, valid HSN codes as available in tariff, at 4-digit, 6-digit and 8-digit can be mentioned. However, the 4/6 Digit HSN Codes, which are not available in the tariff; along with specific description, Unit and GST Rate; are not allowed to be mentioned.

Further, if the HSN of any Goods/Service is otherwise valid but not accepted on GST Portal / e-invoice Portal / e-way Bill portal, please raise a ticket on GST Self-Service Portal: https://selfservice.gstsystem.in/ > Report Issue > Type 'HSN' in 'Type of Issue/Concern' search box > Select relevant sub-category, e.g. 'e-Invoice – IRP - HSN Code related'

Thanking You,
Team GSTN

FAQ :

Taxpayers with an aggregate turnover up to INR 5 crores in the preceding financial year must declare 4 digits of the HSN code. Those with an aggregate turnover of more than INR 5 crores must declare 6 digits.

Only specific 6-digit HSNs that are available in the HSN/Customs Tariff with their corresponding descriptions are allowed. Truncated first 6 digits from an 8-digit HSN that are not valid at the 6-digit level are not accepted.

If a valid HSN code for goods or services is not accepted on the GST Portal, e-invoice Portal, or e-way Bill portal, you should raise a ticket on the GST Self-Service Portal.

Yes, if 6 digits are specified, you can mention valid HSN codes available in the tariff at both 6-digit and 8-digit levels. Similarly, if 4 digits are specified, you can mention valid codes at 4, 6, or 8-digit levels.

Declaring 4 or 6-digit HSN codes that are not available in the tariff, along with their specific description, unit, and GST rate, is considered invalid and not allowed.




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