---
title: "Fish New GST Rate 2026: 0% / 5% Rate on Fresh Fish, Dry Fish"
description: "New GST rate on fish in 2026 is 0% on fresh fish and 5% on processed and frozen fish. Apply the correct GST rate automatically with Busy on every invoice."
canonical: "https://busy.in/gst-rates/fish/"
author: "Jagdish Prasad"
published: "2025-05-19T10:23:19.000Z"
category: "GST Rates"
---

-   Live, fresh and chilled fish are generally exempt from GST.
-   Frozen fish and fish fillets are generally taxed at 5% when pre-packaged and labelled; otherwise they are Nil-rated.
-   Prepared or preserved fish products under HSN 1604 generally attract 5% GST.
-   The applicable HSN code and packaging status should be checked to determine the correct GST rate.
-   Input Tax Credit can be claimed on eligible inputs and services used for taxable fish supplies, subject to GST rules.

# Fish New GST Rate: Fresh, Frozen, and Processed

Fish is an essential part of the Indian diet—affordable, nutritious, and widely consumed across the country. But how does GST apply to fish and seafood products? Whether you’re buying from a local fish market or importing frozen fillets, knowing the **fish gst rate in India** helps both sellers and buyers stay tax compliant.

## Is GST Applicable on Fish?

The answer depends on how the fish is sold:

-   Fresh and raw fish are largely exempt from GST
-   Frozen and processed fish attract GST based on preparation, packaging, and branding
-   Fish sold as part of ready-to-eat meals or in tins is taxed like any other packaged food item

## GST on Fresh Fish

| Product Type | GST Rate | Remarks |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fresh, raw fish | **Nil** | Fresh or chilled fish is Nil-rated |
| Live fish | **Nil** | No GST |
| Dried fish | **Nil** | If not pre-packaged and labelled |

Live Demo Available Today

## View All Fish Purchases and Sales in Today's Day Book

Trusted by 6,00,000+ Users

4.6 Google Rating

\* No credit card required

## **New GST on Frozen Fish**

| Product Type | HSN Code | GST Rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Frozen fish, not pre-packaged and labelled | 0303 | **Nil** |
| Frozen fish, pre-packaged and labelled | 0303 | **5%** |
| Frozen fish fillets or other fish meat, pre-packaged and labelled | 0304 | **5%** |

## New GST on Processed Fish Products

| Product Type | HSN Code | GST Rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Canned or tinned fish (sardines, tuna) | 1604 | 5% |
| Fish pickles or ready-to-eat packs | 1604 | 5% |
| Fish fingers, nuggets (ready to fry) | 1604 | 5% |

## GST for Fish Exporters and Businesses

-   Charge GST on taxable products (frozen/processed)
-   Use correct HSN Code for each fish product
-   Claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on cold storage, packaging, and transport
-   File GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B regularly

## **Old Impact of GST on Fish Market and Traders**

| Before GST | After GST |
| --- | --- |
| State VAT ranged between 0%–5% | **Uniform tax rate based on product type** |
| No input credit on transportation | **Full Input Tax Credit on logistics** |
| Tax confusion on frozen fish | **Clarity with defined GST slabs** |

Understanding the fish GST rate helps consumers avoid overpaying and allows sellers to remain compliant. Whether you run a seafood export business or a local fish stall, applying the right GST slab ensures accuracy and transparency.

## About the author

**Jagdish Prasad**

Jagdish Prasad is a Chartered Accountant with over 5 years of experience. He helps people and businesses with GST, income tax, and HSN codes. Jagdish makes sure his clients follow all tax rules and save money the right way. He also enjoys writing simple articles to help others understand taxes and stay updated with the latest rules.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the gst on fish in India?

-   Fresh or chilled fish = Nil
-   Frozen fish = 5% if pre-packaged and labelled; otherwise Nil
-   Prepared or preserved fish = 5%

### Is there gst on fresh fish bought from a local market?

No. The **gst on fresh fish** is exempt, as long as it's sold raw and unpackaged.

### What is the gst rate on frozen fish fillets?

Frozen fish fillets generally attract 5% GST when pre-packaged and labelled. If not pre-packaged and labelled, they are generally Nil-rated.

### Are fish pickles and ready-to-eat items taxable?

Yes. Fish pickles and other prepared or preserved fish products under HSN 1604 generally attract 5% GST.

### Can seafood businesses claim Input Tax Credit on transport and packaging?

Yes, registered seafood traders and suppliers can claim ITC on applicable inputs if dealing in taxable supplies.

## Related articles

- [New GST on Skincare Products: Rate, Branding & Retail Pricing](https://busy.in/gst-rates/skincare-products/)
- [New GST on Industrial Machinery: Slabs, ITC & MSME Effect](https://busy.in/gst-rates/industrial-machinery/)
- [New GST on Restaurant Meals: Dine-in, Takeaway & Delivery Compared](https://busy.in/gst-rates/restaurant-meals/)
- [New GST on Kitchen Utensils: What’s Taxed and What’s Not?](https://busy.in/gst-rates/kitchen-utensils/)
- [New GST on Online Education: Rate, Exemptions & EdTech Impact](https://busy.in/gst-rates/online-education/)
- [New GST on Packaging Materials: Tax Implication Across Industries](https://busy.in/gst-rates/packaging-materials/)
- [New GST on Digital Marketing Services: Tax Rates & Input Credit Explained](https://busy.in/gst-rates/digital-marketing-services/)
- [New GST on Pesticides: Rates, Agri-Exemptions & Sector Impact](https://busy.in/gst-rates/pesticides/)
- [New GST on Butter: From Dairy to Dining – What You Pay](https://busy.in/gst-rates/butter/)
- [GST on Honey: Rate, Applicability & Industry Outlook](https://busy.in/gst-rates/honey/)