--- title: "New GST on Paints 2026: 18% Rate on Paints, Varnishes & Coatings" description: "New GST rate on paints in 2026 is 18% on wall paints, primer and enamel coatings. Get GST-ready with Busy and apply the correct rate on every invoice." canonical: "https://busy.in/gst-rates/paints/" author: "Madan Murari" published: "2025-05-15T09:54:37.000Z" category: "GST Rates" --- - The GST rate for paints in India has changed to 18% from 22 September 2025. - Paints, varnishes, dyes, and artists' colours attract 18% GST, classified under specific HSN codes. - Previously, paints and varnishes were taxed at 28%, while artists' colors had a 12% GST rate. - Businesses can claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on GST paid for paints used in manufacturing or business operations. - There are no GST exemptions for paints, and painting services are taxed separately at 18% GST. # New GST on Paints: What You Should Know If you’re building a new home, renovating, or running a paint business, it’s important to understand how the [Goods and Services Tax (GST)](https://busy.in/gst/) affects the cost of paints. This blog breaks down everything you need to know about **gst on paints** in India—from rates to billing and impact on pricing. ## New GST Rate on Paints, Pigments & Dyes in India The revised GST rates applicable from 22 September 2025 are provided below for key Chapter 32 items (no compensation cess). ## HSN Code and GST Classification | Product | HSN Code | New GST Rate | | --- | --- | --- | | Paints and varnishes (based on synthetic polymers or acrylics) | 3208 | **18%** | | Paints and varnishes (aqueous medium, including acrylic/vinyl emulsions) | 3209 | **18%** | | Dyes and colouring matter | 3204 | **18%** | | Artist and school colours | 3213 | **18%** | Note: Earlier 28% lines under paints/varnishes remain at **18%** post-rationalisation. Where a product is truly a school/artist colour under 3213, the rate is **18%** (not 12%). Confirm exact HSN description on the invoice/label before filing. **Get a Free Trial –** [**Best GST Accounting Software For Small Business**](https://busy.in/accounting-software/gst-accounting/) ## Old GST Rate on Paints ### (Old GST Rates – Applicable Until 21st September) Paints are classified under **HSN Code 3208** and are taxed at a **28% GST** rate, which is one of the highest slabs under GST. This rate applies to most types of paints, including: - Water-based paints - Oil-based paints - Emulsions - Distempers - Varnishes - Enamels - Primers Whether you’re buying paint for home use or stocking up as a dealer, this **paint GST rate** is uniform across India. **Get a Free Trial –** [**Best Accounting Software For Small Business**](https://busy.in/accounting-software/) ## HSN Code and GST Classification | Product | HSN Code | GST Rate | | --- | --- | --- | | Paints and varnishes (based on synthetic polymers or acrylics) | 3208 | 28% | | Water-based pigments | 3209 | 28% | | Dyes and coloring matter | 3204 | 18% | | Artist and school colors | 3213 | 12% | Note: Basic industrial colorants may fall under lower tax rates depending on use. **Get a Free Trial –** [**Best GST Accounting Software For Small Business**](https://busy.in/accounting-software/gst-accounting/) Live Demo Available Today ## Track Paint Batch Numbers and Shade Codes in Your Stock Trusted by 6,00,000+ Users 4.6 Google Rating \* No credit card required ## **GST Compliance for Paint Dealers** - **You must charge 18% GST on applicable paint invoices.** - You can claim **Input Tax Credit (ITC)** on eligible GST paid for purchases (raw materials, transport, etc.). - Make sure your bills clearly mention the correct HSN code and GST breakup. Staying compliant ensures smoother operations and helps you avoid tax penalties. ## **GST on Industrial Paints** The GST on paints used in the industrial sector (such as for machinery, automotive bodies, etc.) generally falls under the **18% GST rate** based on applicable HSN classification. Businesses can claim eligible Input Tax Credit (ITC) if the paints are used in the course of business or manufacturing. ## Are There Any Exemptions? Currently, there are no [GST exemptions](https://busy.in/gst/) on paints. Whether it’s household paint or commercial-grade material, GST is charged without exception. ## Conclusion Understanding **gst on paints** helps you plan your home projects or business pricing better. Whether you’re a consumer or a dealer, knowing the tax rate ensures you’re not caught off guard at the billing counter. ## About the author **Madan Murari** Hi there! I’m a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of experience in financial accounting and a passion for writing. I enjoy simplifying complex topics like GST and income tax, believing that learning should be a lifelong journey. I'm here to share insights and make financial matters easier for everyone! ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the GST rate on paints in India? The GST rate on paints in India is **18%**, which applies to most commercial and household paints under applicable HSN classifications. ### Are any types of paint exempt from GST? No. All paints—oil, water-based, emulsions, and primers—are taxed under GST. ### Can paint dealers claim Input Tax Credit? Yes. Registered dealers and contractors can claim **Input Tax Credit (ITC)** on their purchases. ### What is the HSN code for paint under GST? Paints fall under **HSN Code 3208** and are generally taxed at **18% GST** under the revised GST structure. ### Does GST apply to painting services? Yes. **Painting services** are taxed at **18% GST**, which is separate from the material cost. ## 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/)