Shampoo HSN Code: Classification for Different Types of Hair Care Products
Shampoo is a common personal care item sold in bottles, sachets and dispenser packs. In GST it is grouped under preparations for use on hair. A correct shampoo HSN code helps cosmetic traders and salons charge the proper tax rate.
HSN and GST Rate Table for Shampoo
| HSN Code | Product Name | Product Description | Product Type or Variant | GST Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3305 | Regular shampoo | Liquid or gel preparation used to wash hair | Daily use hair shampoo | 18% |
| 3305 | Anti dandruff shampoo | Shampoo with ingredients that help control dandruff | Scalp care and anti dandruff shampoo | 18% |
How Anti Dandruff and Organic Shampoo are Classified under HSN?
Anti dandruff shampoos are still treated as hair preparations even though they have active ingredients for scalp care. In normal trade practice they remain under the same HSN as regular shampoos in heading 3305.
Organic or herbal shampoos also remain in the same heading when their main purpose is to clean hair. The presence of natural ingredients alone does not usually change the HSN classification.
Differences Between Hair Shampoo and Other Hair Care Products
Hair oil, hair serum and styling gels are also under hair preparations but may use different subheadings. The main use and presentation decide whether a product is treated as shampoo or some other hair preparation.
For example, a product sold mainly as a hair treatment oil will follow the subheading for hair oil and not the one for shampoo.
GST and Its Impact on Shampoo Products
Most shampoos attract GST at 18 percent on their sale value. This rate applies on local sales as well as imports, whether the product is branded or unbranded.
Correct HSN coding in invoices and GST returns ensures that input tax credit for retailers, salons and distributors is not blocked during verification.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the HSN code for shampoo?
Shampoo is generally classified under Chapter 33 and heading 3305 which covers preparations for use on hair.
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Are anti dandruff shampoos classified differently under HSN?
In most cases anti dandruff shampoos remain under the same heading 3305 as regular shampoos, unless the product is sold strictly as a medicine with separate conditions.
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How is organic shampoo classified in terms of HSN code?
Organic or herbal shampoos are also treated as hair preparations under heading 3305 as long as they are used mainly to clean hair.
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How does GST affect the pricing and tax on shampoo?
Shampoo normally attracts GST at 18 percent, so the tax component directly affects the retail price and the credit that downstream businesses can claim.
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Are hair care products like conditioners classified separately from shampoo?
Hair conditioners and similar products may use related subheadings under the same chapter, but they are still treated as hair preparations and not as shampoos themselves.