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New GST on Delivery Charges: Logistics and Shipping Tax Rates

Quick Summary

  • Delivery charges are taxed under GST, and the rate depends on how they are billed with the product or service.
  • For food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato, a 5% GST is collected on the total order, including delivery.
  • Courier and logistics services are taxed at 18% if billed separately from the product.
  • If delivery charges are on the same invoice as the product, they follow the product's GST rate.
  • Businesses can claim Input Tax Credit on delivery charges if they are invoiced under the business GSTIN.

From online shopping to food delivery and courier services, delivery charges are now a part of almost every purchase. But are these delivery charges taxable under  GST ? If yes, at what rate? In this guide, we break down the delivery charges HSN code and GST rate, how it applies to different industries, and what sellers and customers need to know.

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New GST Rate on Delivery Charges in India

GST on delivery charges in India depends on how the charge is billed. If delivery or shipping is charged along with the main product on the same invoice and forms part of a composite supply, the delivery charge follows the GST rate of the main product. If courier, shipping, or logistics services are billed separately, the applicable GST rate depends on the service classification.

Delivery Charges GST Rate Comparison

Type of Delivery Service New GST Rate
(After 22 Sep 2025)
Old GST Rate
(Before 22 Sep 2025)
Delivery charges with product Same as product Same as product
Food delivery platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato 5% 5%
Courier and logistics service billed separately 18% 18%
Goods transport by GTA without ITC 5% 5%
Goods transport by GTA with ITC 18% 18%
Type of Delivery Service Delivery charges with product
New GST Rate
(After 22 Sep 2025)
Same as product
Old GST Rate
(Before 22 Sep 2025)
Same as product
Type of Delivery Service Food delivery platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato
New GST Rate
(After 22 Sep 2025)
5%
Old GST Rate
(Before 22 Sep 2025)
5%
Type of Delivery Service Courier and logistics service billed separately
New GST Rate
(After 22 Sep 2025)
18%
Old GST Rate
(Before 22 Sep 2025)
18%
Type of Delivery Service Goods transport by GTA without ITC
New GST Rate
(After 22 Sep 2025)
5%
Old GST Rate
(Before 22 Sep 2025)
5%
Type of Delivery Service Goods transport by GTA with ITC
New GST Rate
(After 22 Sep 2025)
18%
Old GST Rate
(Before 22 Sep 2025)
18%

GST on Delivery Charges of Goods in India

If a seller charges delivery or shipping on the same invoice as the goods, and that charge is naturally bundled with the sale, the GST on delivery charges follows the GST rate of the product.

Main Product Main Product GST Rate Delivery Charge GST Rate
Clothing priced up to Rs 2,500 5% 5%
Clothing priced above Rs 2,500 18% 18%
Electronics 18% 18%
Books that are exempt 0% 0% if part of the same composite supply

This is because the delivery charge becomes part of the value of the principal supply.

Main Product Clothing priced up to Rs 2,500
Main Product GST Rate 5%
Delivery Charge GST Rate 5%
Main Product Clothing priced above Rs 2,500
Main Product GST Rate 18%
Delivery Charge GST Rate 18%
Main Product Electronics
Main Product GST Rate 18%
Delivery Charge GST Rate 18%
Main Product Books that are exempt
Main Product GST Rate 0%
Delivery Charge GST Rate 0% if part of the same composite supply

GST on Courier and Logistics Services in India

When courier or logistics is billed separately and not as part of the goods invoice, GST applies based on the nature of the transport service.

Service SAC Code New GST Rate
Courier or parcel delivery 9968 18%
Goods transport by GTA without ITC 9965 5%
Goods transport by GTA (with ITC) 9965 18%

If freight is part of the same invoice as the goods and qualifies as composite supply, the delivery charge usually follows the goods rate instead of being taxed separately as a logistics service.

Service Courier or parcel delivery
SAC Code 9968
New GST Rate 18%
Service Goods transport by GTA without ITC
SAC Code 9965
New GST Rate 5%
Service Goods transport by GTA (with ITC)
SAC Code 9965
New GST Rate 18%

GST on Food Delivery Charges

For food delivery through platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato, 5% GST applies on the restaurant supply through the platform. The platform is liable to pay GST in such notified cases.

Are Delivery Charges Taxable Under GST?

Yes. Delivery, shipping, and transportation charges are taxable under GST.

If billed with the main product as part of one supply, the delivery charge usually takes the same GST rate as the product.

If billed separately as an independent service, it is taxed according to the service category, such as courier or GTA.

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How to Calculate GST on Delivery Charges

To calculate GST on delivery charges, first determine whether the charge is part of a composite supply with goods or a separately billed delivery service.

Formula:
GST Amount = Taxable Value × GST Rate ÷ 100

Invoice Total = Taxable Value + GST Amount

Example 1

Product price: Rs 2,000
Delivery charge: Rs 100
Product GST rate: 5%

Taxable value = Rs 2,100
GST = 2,100 × 5 ÷ 100 = Rs 105
Total invoice value = Rs 2,205

Example 2

Courier service billed separately: Rs 500
GST rate: 18%

GST = 500 × 18 ÷ 100 = Rs 90
Total invoice value = Rs 590

Example 3

Food order through platform: Rs 800
GST rate: 5%

GST = 800 × 5 ÷ 100 = Rs 40
Total amount = Rs 840

Input Tax Credit on Delivery Charges

Businesses can  claim Input Tax Credit  (ITC) on:

  • Courier/shipping invoices under business GSTIN
  • Freight and delivery services used in supply chain
  • Logistics billed for B2B supply

Conclusion

Understanding the gst on delivery charges helps sellers and buyers manage costs and stay tax-compliant. Whether it’s a food order or an eCommerce parcel, delivery services are an integral part of the  GST regime and must be handled correctly in invoicing and reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GST on delivery charges in India?

If delivery is bundled with the product, it usually takes the same GST rate as the product. If it is a separate courier or logistics service, it is generally taxed at 18% or as per GTA rules.

What is the GST rate for courier services?

Courier and parcel delivery services generally attract 18% GST.

Is GST applicable on food delivery charges?

Yes. Food delivery through notified platforms generally attracts 5% GST.

Can a seller charge a different GST rate on delivery than on the product?

Not usually, if the delivery charge is part of the same composite supply. In that case, it should follow the main product rate.

Can ITC be claimed on shipping costs?

ITC may generally be available for eligible business shipping and logistics expenses, subject to GST rules and documentation.