Pickle HSN Code: Classification and Taxation
Pickles are an important part of Indian meals and are sold by home businesses, local brands and large food companies.
Understanding the pickle HSN code helps you decide the correct GST rate for bottled, packed and bulk pickles.
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HSN Code for Mango Pickle and Other Vegetable Pickles
Most vegetable pickles, including mango pickle, lemon pickle and mixed vegetable pickle, are classified under chapter 20 which covers preparations of vegetables, fruit and other edible parts of plants.
A commonly used heading is 2001 which covers vegetables, fruit and nuts prepared or preserved in vinegar or acetic acid. Packed pickles in jars, bottles or pouches generally fall under this heading.
For GST, such processed and preserved food items are often taxed at either five percent or eighteen percent depending on branding, packaging and specific notifications. Packed branded pickles usually fall under the higher slab.
HSN Code for Homemade Pickles and Loose Pickles
Homemade pickles sold without registered brand names or sold in loose form may attract a lower GST rate or in some cases may be exempt if they meet the conditions of unbranded and unregistered producer supply.
However, once the product is packed with a brand name and supplied through organised trade, the usual processed food heading under chapter 20 applies. Small businesses should carefully read exemption conditions before treating any supply as exempt.
Keeping separate records for loose, unbranded pickles and packed branded pickles helps maintain clear GST reporting.
How Pickle HSN Code Affects GST and Import Duties?
The chosen pickle HSN code determines the GST rate as well as customs duty in case of imports. Misclassification can lead to disputes on the applicable rate, especially where there is a difference between five percent and eighteen percent slabs.
If you deal in niche products like oil based pickles, chilli pastes or ready to eat accompaniments, compare your product composition with tariff descriptions to find the closest matching heading.
When in doubt, use neutral wording in contracts and keep product specifications ready in case the department asks for clarification.
Pickle HSN Code Classification and GST Rates
Here are some commonly used HSN codes and GST rates for this category
| Section | |
|---|---|
| Section No | 4 |
| Section Title | Guide to HSN Section 04 |
| Section Description | PREPARED FOOD STUFFS, BEVERAGES, SPIRITS AND VINEGAR, TOBACCO AND MANUFACTURED TOBACCO SUBSTITUTES |
| Chapter | |
|---|---|
| Chapter No | 20 |
| Chapter Title | Preparations of Vegetables, Fruits, Nuts or Other Parts of Plants |
| Chapter Description | Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other parts of plants |
4 Digit HSN Code Classification
8 Digit HSN Code Classification
| HSN Code | HSN Code Title | GST Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 20011000 | Vinegar-Pickled Cucumbers and Gherkins | 12% |
| 20019000 | Vegetables & Fruits Preserved in Vinegar | 12% |
| 20051000 | Homogenised Vegetables | 12% |
| 20052000 | Potatoes | 12% |
| 20054000 | Peas (Pisum, Sativum) | 12% |
| 20055100 | Shelled Beans | 12% |
| 20055900 | Other Beans | 12% |
| 20056000 | Processed Asparagus | 12% |
| 20057000 | Other Prepared or Preserved Vegetables | 12% |
| 20058000 | Sweet Corn (Zea Mays Var. Saccharata) | 12% |
| 20059000 | Soya Milk Drinks: Non-Alcoholic Beverages | 12% |
| 20059100 | Bamboo shoots | 12% |
| 20059900 | Mixed vegetables, other | 12% |
| 20081100 | Nuts, Ground-nuts & Other Seeds, Mixed or Not: Ground-nuts | 12% |
| 20081910 | Other Prepared/Preserved Nuts | 12% |
| 20081920 | Frozen Octopus | 12% |
| 20081930 | Other Roasted/Fried Vegetable Products | 12% |
| 20081940 | Other Roasted Nuts/Seeds | 12% |
| 20081990 | Other Nut Mixtures | 12% |
| 20082000 | Pineapples | 12% |
| 20083010 | Oranges, Citrus Fruit | 12% |
| 20083090 | Other Citrus Fruits | 12% |
| 20084000 | Prepared or Preserved Pears | 12% |
| 20085000 | Canned Apricots | 12% |
| 20086000 | Cherries (Processed) | 12% |
| 20087000 | Peaches, Including Nectarines | 12% |
| 20088000 | Strawberries | 12% |
| 20089100 | Palm Hearts: Other Vegetable Mixes (Non-Subheading 2008 19) | 12% |
| 20089300 | Cranberries/Lingonberries | 12% |
| 20089700 | Other Mixtures Not of Sub-Heading 2008 19 | 12% |
| 20089911 | Mango Squash | 12% |
| 20089912 | Lemon Squash | 12% |
| 20089913 | Orange Squash | 12% |
| 20089914 | Pineapple Squash | 12% |
| 20089919 | Other Squash | 12% |
| 20089991 | Other Fruit Cocktail | 12% |
| 20089992 | Other Grapes | 12% |
| 20089993 | Other Apples | 12% |
| 20089994 | Other Guava | 12% |
| 20089999 | Other Preserved Fruits | 12% |
* GST rates may vary based on the latest GST notifications
Conclusion
The pickle HSN code is usually drawn from chapter 20 which covers preserved vegetables and fruits.
Correct classification and clear documentation help you apply the right GST rate, manage margins and avoid later disputes on processed food tax treatment.
