Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a unified tax system in India that has streamlined the taxation of goods and services, including mobile phones and their accessories. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the GST rates applicable to mobile phones, the corresponding Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) codes, and answers to frequently asked questions.
As of April 2025, mobile phones in India are subject to an 18% GST rate. This rate applies uniformly across all types of mobile phones, including smartphones and feature phones.
The HSN code is an international system used to classify products for taxation purposes. For mobile phones, the relevant HSN code is 8517.
Different accessories associated with mobile phones attract varying GST rates. Below is a table summarizing the HSN codes and corresponding GST rates for common mobile accessories:
Accessory | HSN Code | GST Rate |
---|---|---|
Mobile Phone Chargers | 8504 | 18% |
Lithium-ion Batteries | 8507 | 18% |
Power Banks | 8507 | 18% |
Earphones and Headphones | 8518 | 18% |
Memory Cards | 8523 | 18% |
Tempered Glass Screen Protectors | 7007 | 18% |
Plastic Screen Protectors | 3919 | 18% |
Leather Phone Cases & Back Covers | 4202 | 18% |
The implementation of GST brought about a uniform tax rate for mobile phones across India. Prior to GST, different states had varying tax rates, leading to price discrepancies. With the standardized 18% GST rate, mobile phone prices have become consistent nationwide. However, this uniform rate did lead to a slight increase in prices compared to the pre-GST era, where the average tax rate was around 12%.
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Businesses purchasing mobile phones for official use can claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on the GST paid, provided the following conditions are met:
Imported mobile phones are subject to an 18% GST rate, in addition to customs duties and other applicable charges. This makes imported phones relatively more expensive than domestically produced ones.