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.
Book A Demo
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
Get a Free Demo of – Best FMCG Accounting Software
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.
Get a Free Demo – Best Billing and Invoicing Software
