New GST on Meat in India: Fresh, Frozen, and Processed

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.

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    Is Meat Taxable Under GST?

    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:

    • Fresh meat – sold without any branding or packaging
    • Frozen/processed meat – which is packaged, branded, or preserved

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    New GST Rate on Meat in India

    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).

    New GST on Fresh Meat

    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

    Old GST on Fresh Meat

    (Old GST Rates – Applicable Until 21st September)

    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

    New GST on Frozen Meat

    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%

    Old GST on Frozen Meat

    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:

    • Frozen chicken nuggets = 12%
    • Vacuum-packed raw fish = 5% or 12%
    • Ready-to-fry meat patties = 12%

    Also Know About – Meat  HSN Code

    New GST on Meat Products (Processed or Canned)

    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%

    Old GST on Meat Products (Processed or Canned)


    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%

    Who Needs to Pay GST on Meat?

    • Meat processing units
    • Frozen meat brands and packaging companies
    • Online meat delivery platforms
    • Supermarkets and cold storage sellers
    • Restaurants and food manufacturers

    Local butchers and farmers selling loose meat directly to consumers do not have to collect GST.

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    Nitin Bansal
    Chartered Accountant
    MRN No.: 430412
    City: Jaipur

    I am a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) and LLB graduate with 10 years of experience in corporate auditing, taxation, and financial consulting. My expertise includes corporate audits, income tax planning, HSN code classification, and GST rate advisory. Through my blogs and articles, I aim to simplify corporate taxation, auditing, and GST compliance, making financial matters more accessible for professionals and business owners.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Is there GST on meat in India?
      Yes and no. Fresh, unbranded, unpackaged meat is exempt, but processed or frozen meat is taxable under Goods and Services Tax (GST).
    • What is the GST on meat products like sausages or meat pickles?
      They are taxed at 12% or 18%, depending on processing and ingredients.
    • What is the GST on frozen meat?
      Frozen and packaged meat attracts 5% or 12% GST, depending on branding and product type.
    • Are seafood and fish also exempt under GST?
      Yes, fresh and raw fish are exempt. But frozen or packed seafood may attract 5% or 12% GST.
    • Is GST applicable to online meat delivery?
      Yes. Online platforms selling packaged, branded, or frozen meat must charge GST, usually at 12%.