New GST on Fruits: Exemptions and Taxable Categories

Updated: Jun 3, 2026 12 min read Jagdish Prasad
Quick Summary
  • Fresh fruits in India are exempt from GST, but processed or preserved fruits have a 5% GST rate.
  • Imported fresh fruits have a 0% IGST, but customs duties may apply.
  • Dried, canned, and frozen fruits, as well as fruit juices, generally have a 5% GST rate.
  • Carbonated fruit beverages are taxed at a higher rate of 40%.
  • GST rates for fruits can vary, so businesses must keep accurate records and use correct HSN codes.

Fruits are a basic necessity in every household, and they’re also big business in India’s food trade. But not all fruits are taxed the same. The gst on fruits in india depends on whether they are fresh, imported, or processed. Let’s explore the full tax treatment in this guide.

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New GST Rate on Fruits in India

The Government of India is updating GST rates effective after 22 Sep 2025. Below are the expected new GST rates for fruits and common fruit products (no compensation cess).

Are Fruits Taxable Under GST?

The good news: most fresh fruits are exempt from GST. However, processed or preserved fruits attract GST based on classification.

Fruit Category

Fresh fruits (local)

New GST Rate

0% (Exempt)

Fruit Category

Dried fruits (e.g., raisins, apricots)

New GST Rate

5%

Fruit Category

Canned or tinned fruits

New GST Rate

5%

Fruit Category

Fruit juice (without additives, non-carbonated)

New GST Rate

5%

Fruit Category

Fruit beverages with additives / carbonated

New GST Rate

5% or 40%*

Fruit Category

Frozen fruits

New GST Rate

5%

Fruit Category

Imported fresh fruits

New GST Rate

0% IGST (BCD/customs extra)

*Note: Non-carbonated fruit drinks/juices: 5%. Carbonated/sugar-sweetened beverages (including carbonated fruit drinks): 40%.

New IGST on Imported Fruits in India

Imported fruits attract Basic Customs Duty (BCD) as per the Customs Tariff and IGST at the same rate as domestic GST for the item.

Fruit Type

Fresh apples

New IGST Rate

0% (IGST) — BCD extra

Fruit Type

Kiwis, avocados

New IGST Rate

0% (IGST) — BCD extra

Fruit Type

Exotic berries

New IGST Rate

0% if fresh; 5% if processed

Note: IGST mirrors the domestic GST rate. Customs duties (BCD/cess, if any) are separate and remain as notified under the Customs Tariff.

Taxable vs Exempt Fruit Products

Product Type

Fresh fruits (apple, banana)

New GST Rate

0%

HSN Code

0801–0810

Product Type

Dried fruits (dates, raisins)

New GST Rate

5%

HSN Code

0804 / 0806 / 0813

Product Type

Frozen fruits

New GST Rate

5%

HSN Code

0811

Product Type

Canned fruits in syrup

New GST Rate

5%

HSN Code

2008

Product Type

Fruit pulp & purees

New GST Rate

5%

HSN Code

2007

Product Type

Fruit juices (with added sugar; non-carbonated)

New GST Rate

5%

HSN Code

2009

Product Type

Carbonated fruit beverages / fizzy drinks

New GST Rate

40%

HSN Code

2202

Notes: (i) Non-carbonated fruit juices and fruit-pulp based drinks shift to 5%. (ii) Carbonated/sugar-sweetened beverages (incl. fruit-juice-based fizzy drinks) fall under the special 40% slab.

Are Fruits Taxable Under GST?

The good news: most fresh fruits are exempt from GST. However, processed, imported, or preserved fruits do attract GST, based on their type and usage.

Fruit Category

Fresh fruits (local)

GST Rate

0% (Exempt)

Fruit Category

Dried fruits (e.g., raisins, apricots)

GST Rate

5%

Fruit Category

Canned or tinned fruits

GST Rate

12%

Fruit Category

Fruit juice (without additives)

GST Rate

12%

Fruit Category

Fruit juice with additives or carbonation

GST Rate

18%

Fruit Category

Frozen fruits

GST Rate

5% or 12%

Fruit Category

Imported fresh fruits

GST Rate

5% + Customs

Old GST on Fresh Fruits

gst on fresh fruits is 0%, meaning no GST is charged when buying bananas, apples, mangoes, etc., in their natural, unprocessed form.

  • Fruits sold by weight or in loose form
  • Unbranded or unpackaged fruit
  • Farm produce sold in mandis or retail outlets

Old GST on Imported Fruits

(Old GST Rates – Applicable Until 21st September)

Imported fruits are subject to Basic Customs Duty (BCD) and IGST. Even if the fruit is fresh, IGST applies when it enters India.

Fruit Type

Fresh apples

Import Tax (IGST)

5%

Fruit Type

Kiwis, avocados

Import Tax (IGST)

5%

Fruit Type

Exotic berries

Import Tax (IGST)

12% (if processed)

Taxable vs Exempt Fruit Products

Product Type

Fresh fruits (apple, banana)

New GST Rate

0%

HSN Code

0801–0810

Product Type

Dried fruits (dates, raisins)

New GST Rate

5%

HSN Code

0804 / 0806 / 0813

Product Type

Frozen fruits

New GST Rate

5%

HSN Code

0811

Product Type

Canned fruits in syrup

New GST Rate

5%

HSN Code

2008

Product Type

Fruit pulp & purees

New GST Rate

5%

HSN Code

2007

Product Type

Fruit juices (with added sugar; non-carbonated)

New GST Rate

5%

HSN Code

2009

Product Type

Carbonated fruit beverages / fizzy drinks

New GST Rate

40%

HSN Code

2202

Old GST on Fruits in India: For Traders and Retailers

  • No GST is collected on fresh, unprocessed fruits
  • Charge GST on imported or processed fruits as per slab
  • Maintain HSN-wise invoices and separate tax records
  • Use separate line items for 0% and taxable goods

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Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to common queries about this topic.

What is the GST on fruits in India?

0% on fresh, unprocessed fruits. Processed or imported fruits may attract 5% to 18% GST.

Is there GST on fresh fruits sold in supermarkets?

If they are unbranded and not packaged, then no GST is charged.

What is the GST on imported fruits?

Imported fruits attract 5% IGST and may also include customs duty.

Are dried fruits taxed under GST?

Yes, most dried fruits like raisins or apricots attract 5% GST.

What if I sell both fresh and canned fruits?

Charge 0% for fresh and 12% for canned, and bill accordingly with correct HSN codes.
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Jagdish Prasad

Chartered Accountant

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.

MRN: 433417 Delhi