Meat is a staple in many Indian households—be it chicken, mutton, or seafood. But is meat taxable under GST? The answer depends on how the meat is processed and packaged. In this blog, we’ll explore the gst on meat in India, breaking it down into fresh, frozen, and processed categories so you understand exactly when GST applies.
Under the Goods and Services Tax regime, raw and unprocessed meat is exempt from GST, while processed or packaged meat is taxable. The GST law makes a clear distinction between:
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The Government of India is updating GST rates effective after 22 Sep 2025. Below are the expected new GST rates for Meat (no compensation cess).
Type of Meat | GST Status | New GST Rate | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
Fresh chicken, mutton, beef | Exempt | 0% | No GST on loose, unbranded meat |
Fish, prawns, seafood | Exempt | 0% | Fresh and unprocessed |
Poultry meat (non-packaged) | Exempt | 0% | No tax when sold without branding |
Type of Meat | GST Status | Old GST Rate | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
Fresh chicken, mutton, beef | Exempt | 0% | No GST on loose, unbranded meat |
Fish, prawns, seafood | Exempt | 0% | Fresh and unprocessed |
Poultry meat (non-packaged) | Exempt | 0% | No tax when sold without branding |
Meat Type | HSN Code | New GST Rate |
---|---|---|
Frozen meat (branded/packaged) | 0202 / 0203 | 5% |
Frozen poultry and seafood | 0303 / 0304 | 5% or 12% |
Meat packed in vacuum or sealed bags | 0207 / 0210 | 5% |
Meat Type | HSN Code | Old GST Rate |
---|---|---|
Frozen meat (branded/packaged) | 0202 / 0203 | 12% |
Frozen poultry and seafood | 0303 / 0304 | 5% or 12% |
Meat packed in vacuum or sealed bags | 0207 / 0210 | 12% |
Examples include:
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Meat Product | HSN Code | New GST Rate |
---|---|---|
Canned meat and sausages | 1601 / 1602 | 5% |
Meat pickles and pouches | 1601 / 1602 | 5% |
Cold cuts and meat rolls | 1602 | 5% |
Meat Product | HSN Code | Old GST Rate |
---|---|---|
Canned meat and sausages | 1601 / 1602 | 12% |
Meat pickles and pouches | 1601 / 1602 | 12% or 18% |
Cold cuts and meat rolls | 1602 | 12% |
Local butchers and farmers selling loose meat directly to consumers do not have to collect GST.
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