--- title: "New GST on Meat 2026: 0% Rate on Fresh Meat, Frozen Meat" description: "New GST rate on meat in 2026 is 0% on all fresh meat and meat products sold in India. Simplify GST billing with Busy and apply the right rate every time." canonical: "https://busy.in/gst-rates/meat/" author: "Nitin Bansal" published: "2025-05-19T12:05:57.000Z" category: "GST Rates" --- - Fresh, unbranded meat like chicken, mutton, and seafood is exempt from GST in India. - Frozen and packaged meat is subject to a 5% GST, with some products like frozen poultry and seafood taxed at 5% or 12%. - Processed meat products such as canned meats, sausages, and cold cuts have a GST rate of 5%. - Previously, frozen and processed meat products had higher GST rates, ranging from 12% to 18%. - GST is applicable to meat processing units, packaging companies, and supermarkets, but not to local butchers selling directly to consumers. # 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. ## Is Meat Taxable Under GST? Under the [Goods and Services Tax](https://busy.in/gst/) 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**](https://busy.in/accounting-software/fmcg/) ## 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 | Live Demo Available Today ## Record All Meat Purchases and Sales in Today's Day Book Trusted by 6,00,000+ Users 4.6 Google Rating \* No credit card required ## 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](https://busy.in/hsn/) ## 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**](https://busy.in/accounting-software/invoicing-and-gst-billing/) ## About the author **Nitin Bansal** 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%**. ## Related articles - [New GST on Skincare Products: Rate, Branding & Retail Pricing](https://busy.in/gst-rates/skincare-products/) - [New GST on Industrial Machinery: Slabs, ITC & MSME Effect](https://busy.in/gst-rates/industrial-machinery/) - [New GST on Restaurant Meals: Dine-in, Takeaway & Delivery Compared](https://busy.in/gst-rates/restaurant-meals/) - [New GST on Kitchen Utensils: What’s Taxed and What’s Not?](https://busy.in/gst-rates/kitchen-utensils/) - [New GST on Online Education: Rate, Exemptions & EdTech Impact](https://busy.in/gst-rates/online-education/) - [New GST on Packaging Materials: Tax Implication Across Industries](https://busy.in/gst-rates/packaging-materials/) - [New GST on Digital Marketing Services: Tax Rates & Input Credit Explained](https://busy.in/gst-rates/digital-marketing-services/) - [New GST on Pesticides: Rates, Agri-Exemptions & Sector Impact](https://busy.in/gst-rates/pesticides/) - [New GST on Butter: From Dairy to Dining – What You Pay](https://busy.in/gst-rates/butter/) - [GST on Honey: Rate, Applicability & Industry Outlook](https://busy.in/gst-rates/honey/)