Cello Tape HSN Code: Classification for Adhesive and Packing Cello Tapes
Cello tape is a very common item in homes, offices, and warehouses. It is used for packing, sealing cartons, stationery work, and many general purposes. Under GST, cello tape is treated as an adhesive tape product, usually made of plastic film with adhesive coating. Correct HSN classification is important for traders of stationery, packaging material, e commerce warehouses, and manufacturers of tape products.
What is the HSN Code for Cello Tape?
Most cello tapes are made of plastic film with adhesive on one side. Such products generally fall under the HSN chapter for self adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, tape and similar materials.
An indicative HSN mapping is shown below.
| Product Name | HSN Code | Product Description | Typical GST Rate* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transparent cello tape | 3919 | Self adhesive plastic tape used for general stationery | 18% |
| Packing cello tape | 3919 | Brown or clear heavy duty tape for cartons and packing | 18% |
| Printed or branded cello tape | 3919 | Custom printed carton sealing tape with branding | 18% |
*These rates are typical in many cases. Please confirm the current GST rate from official sources.
If the tape is made of another material like paper or cloth, classification can move to other HSN headings, but most common cello tapes remain in the 3919 family.
How Transparent Cello Tape is Classified under HSN?
Transparent cello tape is one of the most widely used forms. Key points for classification:
- It is a plastic based self adhesive tape
- Supplied in small rolls for office and home use
- Used for pasting paper, wrapping small packages, and craft work
Since it is not a simple plastic film but a self adhesive product, it is kept in the self adhesive tape chapter rather than basic plastic films.
The HSN Code for Packing Cello Tape
Packing cello tape is usually wider, thicker and stronger. It is used for sealing cartons and boxes in warehouses, courier companies and e commerce operations.
From HSN point of view:
- It is still a plastic based self adhesive tape
- It remains in the same HSN group as transparent tape
- The GST rate is generally the same, even though its use is industrial
You must still choose the correct 6 or 8 digit HSN based on the product description in the tariff and maintain consistency in invoices.
GST on Cello Tape Products
Most cello tapes attract a standard GST rate in the mid to higher slab range. For businesses:
- Output GST has to be charged at the applicable rate on invoices
- Input GST paid on purchase of cello tapes can be claimed as ITC when used in business
- For packaging material traders, correct HSN mapping avoids classification disputes
If you supply different types of tapes like masking tape, insulation tape and cello tape, maintain separate items in your inventory with correct HSN mapping for each.
I’m Fazeel Zaidi, a Chartered Accountant based in Prayagraj with 8 years of experience. I specialize in GST and Audits, helping businesses stay compliant and audit-ready. With a B.Com background, I focus on practical, clear guidance that simplifies regulations and supports better decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the HSN code for cello tape?
Commonly, cello tape falls in the self adhesive plastic tape group, often mapped to the 3919 HSN heading.
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Are transparent cello tapes classified separately under HSN?
Usually no. Transparent tapes remain within the same main HSN group as other self adhesive plastic tapes with only a different product description.
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How does GST apply to packing cello tape?
Packing cello tape generally attracts the same GST slab as other self adhesive plastic tapes, often around 18%, but you should verify the current rate.
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Can cello tape be categorized based on its use, such as packaging or stationery?
For HSN, the material and nature of the product is more important than use. However, description like packing tape or stationery tape should still be mentioned on the invoice.
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Does the material of the tape affect its HSN code?
Yes. Paper based tapes, cloth tapes, or aluminium foil tapes may fall under different HSN headings compared to plastic based cello tape.