Agarbatti GST Rate: Tax on Incense Sticks and Fragrance Products

Agarbatti, or incense sticks, hold a special place in Indian homes, temples, and ceremonies. They’re not just religious items but also used for meditation, aromatherapy, and gifting. But how are these fragrant products taxed under GST (Goods and Services Tax)? Let’s explore the agarbatti gst rate, how it has changed, and what it means for sellers and buyers.

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    GST on Agarbatti: The Basics

    Under GST regime, agarbattis are considered household consumption products. Originally, they were kept under a lower tax bracket to support small-scale cottage industries.

    Product HSN Code GST Rate
    Agarbatti (Incense sticks) 3307 5%
    Dhoop sticks/cones (non-branded) 3307 5%
    Branded dhoop sticks/cones 3307 12%
    Scented candles, aroma oils 3307 / 3406 12%–18%

    GST on Dhoop Agarbatti and Cones

    Dhoop sticks and cones are similar to agarbattis but often come without wooden sticks. They’re thicker and burned for stronger aroma in rituals.

    • Unbranded dhoop = 5%
    • Branded or packaged dhoop = 12%

    Raw Materials Used in Agarbatti

    Most raw materials used in manufacturing agarbatti also attract GST:

    Raw Material GST Rate
    Bamboo sticks 12%
    Fragrance oils 18%
    Resin (Guggul, Loban) 5%–12%
    Binding powders 5%

    Manufacturers can claim Input Tax Credit on these inputs when they sell the final taxable product.

    GST Impact on Small Agarbatti Units

    • 5% GST made raw materials slightly costlier
    • Units with turnover below ₹40 lakh can skip GST registration
    • Larger units must register and charge GST on sales

    Packaging and Branding: The Game Changer

    GST rate changes depending on how the product is packaged and presented:

    • Loose agarbattis: 5%
    • Branded agarbattis in retail packs: 5%
    • Premium packaged dhoop cones: 12%

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    Conclusion

    Understanding the agarbatti gst rate helps both manufacturers and customers know how these aromatic products are taxed. While the government has kept most incense items at a low 5% rate, value-added and branded variants fall into higher brackets.

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