New GST for Bakery Products: Tax on Cakes, Bread, and Confectionery

Updated: Sep 9, 2026 12 min read Madan Murari
Quick Summary
  • The gst on bakery items depends on the product category and HSN classification.
  • Bread, including branded or packaged bread, is Nil-rated.
  • Cakes, pastries, biscuits, and other bakers’ wares generally attract 5% GST.
  • Sugar confectionery generally attracts 5% GST under the revised structure.
  • ITC is available on eligible inputs used for taxable supplies, subject to GST rules.
  • GST registration depends on the applicable turnover threshold and registration provisions.

If you’re running a bakery, managing a confectionery business, or simply buying bread, cakes, and cookies, it’s important to know how these products are taxed under  GST . Unlike packaged food with uniform rates, bakery items attract different GST slabs depending on their type, branding, and whether they’re fresh or preserved.

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New GST Rate on Bakery Products in India

The Government of India revised GST rates effective from 22 September 2025. Below are the current GST rates for common bakery items (no compensation cess).

Key takeaway: 12% is no longer a standard GST slab; items previously under this slab generally moved to 5% or 18%, depending on their classification. Exemptions continue where applicable.

GST Rate on Bakery Products

The bakery gst rate depends on the type of bakery product and applicable HSN classification, with bread being Nil-rated and many other bakers’ wares attracting 5% GST.

Bakery Product

Bread, branded or otherwise

HSN Code

1905

GST Rate (From 22 Sep 2025)

0%

GST Rate (Before 22 Sep 2025)

0%

Remarks

Bread remains GST-exempt

Bakery Product

Cakes, including fresh and pre-packed cakes

HSN Code

1905

GST Rate (From 22 Sep 2025)

5%

GST Rate (Before 22 Sep 2025)

18%

Remarks

GST reduced from 18% to 5%

Bakery Product

Pastries and muffins

HSN Code

1905

GST Rate (From 22 Sep 2025)

5%

GST Rate (Before 22 Sep 2025)

18%

Remarks

GST reduced from 18% to 5%

Bakery Product

Biscuits and cookies

HSN Code

1905

GST Rate (From 22 Sep 2025)

5%

GST Rate (Before 22 Sep 2025)

18%

Remarks

GST reduced from 18% to 5%

Bakery Product

Sweetmeats such as barfi

HSN Code

2106 90

GST Rate (From 22 Sep 2025)

5%

GST Rate (Before 22 Sep 2025)

5%

Remarks

GST rate remains 5%

Note: From 22 September 2025, pastries, cakes, biscuits and other bakers’ wares under HSN 1905 attract 5% GST instead of 18%. Bread remains GST-exempt.

Are Bakery Products Taxable Under GST?

Yes. Most bakery items are taxable under GST, with rates varying by product category.

Bakery products typically fall under:

  • HSN Chapter 19 – Bread, cakes, pastries, biscuits
  • HSN Chapter 21 – Food preparations such as sweet bakery items

Depending on the product classification, the applicable GST rate may be Nil or 5%.

GST Rate on Cakes and Pastries

Prepared cakes and pastries are generally taxed at 5% GST. This applies to bakery products such as:

  • Fresh cakes
  • Cream cakes
  • Pastries
  • Muffins
  • Similar bakery desserts

The cake gst rate is generally 5% for cakes and pastries classified as bakers’ wares under HSN 1905. The gst on cakes was reduced from 18% to 5% effective from 22 September 2025. 

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GST on Bread and Loaves

The gst on bread is Nil (0%) under HSN 1905. The bread gst rate remains Nil whether the bread is branded, packaged, or otherwise.

GST on Confectionery and Packaged Bakery Items

Bakery products falling under HSN 1905 now generally attract 5% GST, including:

  • Cookies and biscuits
  • Packaged muffins
  • Swiss rolls
  • Other packaged bakery products

The GST rate on pastries, cakes, biscuits and other bakers’ wares was reduced from 18% to 5% from 22 September 2025.

Input Tax Credit (ITC) for Bakery Businesses

Bakery businesses can  claim Input Tax Credit  on:

  • Raw materials (flour, sugar, cream, chocolate)
  • Packaging materials
  • Bakery equipment
  • Utilities and rent
  • Marketing or delivery services

Only GST-registered businesses are eligible to claim ITC on inputs taxed at 5% or 18%.

How to Calculate GST on Bakery Products

Calculating GST on bakery products depends on the type of product and its applicable GST rate. Common bakery products covered on this page generally attract Nil or 5% GST.

You can calculate GST on bakery products using this simple formula:

GST Amount = (Product Price × GST Rate) ÷ 100

Final Price = Product Price + GST Amount

Example 1: GST on Cakes (5%)

Suppose a bakery sells a birthday cake for ₹1,000.

  • GST Rate = 5%
  • GST Amount = ₹1,000 × 5% = ₹50

Final price including GST = ₹1,050

Example 2: GST on Packaged Bread (Nil)

Suppose the price of packaged bread is ₹40.

  • GST Rate = Nil
  • GST Amount = ₹0

Final price = ₹40

Example 3: GST on Unbranded Fresh Bread (Nil)

If a bakery sells unbranded fresh bread for ₹30:

  • GST Rate = Nil
  • GST Amount = ₹0

Final price = ₹30

Conclusion

Understanding the gst for bakery products is essential for both small businesses and large food retailers. Whether you bake at home, run a neighborhood cake shop, or operate an online bakery, applying the right GST rate ensures pricing transparency and tax compliance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to common queries about this topic.

What is the GST rate on bakery products in India?

The bakery gst rate depends on the type of product:

  • Nil GST – Bread, whether branded or otherwise
  • 5% GST – Cakes, pastries, biscuits, cookies, muffins, and other bakers’ wares

Is birthday cake taxable under GST?

Yes, all types of cakes attract 18% GST, whether freshly made or pre-packaged.

Are small bakeries exempt from GST?

Only if the annual turnover is below ₹20 lakh and they don't sell branded or packaged products.

Can bakeries claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on ingredients?

Yes, if registered under GST and selling taxable items, they can claim input tax credit on ingredients and materials.

What is the GST rate on biscuits and cookies?

Mostly 18%, if branded and packaged.
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Madan Murari

Chartered Accountant

Hi there! I’m a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of experience in financial accounting and a passion for writing. I enjoy simplifying complex topics like GST and income tax, believing that learning should be a lifelong journey. I'm here to share insights and make financial matters easier for everyone!

MRN: 509164 Patna