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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Type of Meat | GST Status | GST Rate | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
Fresh chicken, mutton, beef | Exempt | 0% | No GST on loose, unbranded meat |
Fish, prawns, and seafood | Exempt | 0% | Fresh and unprocessed |
Poultry meat (non-packaged) | Exempt | 0% | No tax when sold without branding |
Meat Type | HSN Code | 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 | 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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