Water coolers are essential for homes, offices, schools, hospitals, and factories—providing access to cold drinking water, especially during hot Indian summers. But whether you’re buying one for home or business, it’s important to know the water cooler GST rate. This blog explains how GST applies to different types of water coolers, from household dispensers to industrial chillers.
The Government of India is updating GST rates effective after 22 Sep 2025. Below are the expected new GST rates for common water-cooling products (no compensation cess).
Water Cooler / Equipment | HSN Code | New GST Rate | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
Domestic water coolers (table/standing units) | 8418 (e.g., 8418 69 20) | 18% | Electric refrigerating equipment. |
Bottled water dispensers (hot/cold) | 8418 | 18% | Includes compressor or thermoelectric types. |
Industrial coolers / chillers for drinking water | 8418 | 18% | High-capacity canteen/factory installations. |
Solar water heaters | 8419 | 5% | Renewable-energy device category. |
“Solar-powered” water coolers (cooling function) | 8418 | 18% | Still 8418 unless classified as a solar water heater. |
Water purifier + cooler (combo) | 8421 / 8418* | 18% | *Classification depends on principal function. |
Classification tip: If the unit’s essential function is cooling, classify under 8418 @ 18%. If it is a solar water heater, classify under 8419 @ 5%. Combo purifier-coolers may fall under 8421 @ 18% when filtration is the principal function.
Category | Typical Usage | New GST Rate | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
Domestic water cooler | Homes, small offices | 18% | Plug-and-use models, bottle or direct line. |
Industrial water cooler / chiller | Factories, schools, canteens | 18% | High-capacity with storage & rapid cooling. |
Water dispenser (hot/cold) | Reception areas, office pantries | 18% | Heating/cooling combo included. |
Billing note: Spare parts and installation services generally follow their respective HSN/SAC; most accessories (shelves, taps, valves) are 18% unless a specific concessional entry applies.
Yes. Under the GST (Goods and Services Tax) regime, water coolers are classified as electrical appliances under HSN Code 8418, which includes:
Water Cooler Type | HSN Code | GST Rate |
---|---|---|
Domestic water coolers (small units) | 8418 | 18% |
Bottled water dispensers | 8418 | 18% |
Industrial water coolers/chillers | 8418 | 18% |
Solar-powered water cooling systems | 8418 / 8419 | 12% or 18% |
Category | Usage | GST Rate | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
Domestic | Homes, small offices | 18% | Plug-and-use coolers |
Industrial | Factories, large canteens | 18% | High-capacity cooling machines |
Water dispenser | Offices, reception areas | 18% | Includes heating/cooling combo |
Get a Free Demo – Electronics Goods Billing Software
If you’re a business buying water coolers for:
You can claim Input Tax Credit on the GST paid, as long as it’s for business use.
Service Type | SAC Code | GST Rate |
---|---|---|
Water cooler repair | 9987 | 18% |
AMC or maintenance plans | 9987 | 18% |
Whether you’re a homeowner buying a dispenser or a facility manager purchasing industrial coolers, understanding the GST on water cooler helps with pricing, GST invoices and returns , and claiming Input Tax Credit (ITC) where applicable.
Get a Free Trial – Best Accounting Software For Small Business