9989 SAC Code: Services in publishing, printing & bookbinding

SAC code 9989 is specifically designated for services related to printing and publishing. This comprehensive code encompasses a wide range of services within the printing and publishing industry, including printing, copying, graphic design, typesetting, bookbinding, and publishing.

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Categorisation of SAC Code 9989

SAC Code 9989 under GST can be classified in the following ways:

SAC Code

9989

Description

Services by way of printing of all goods falling under Chapter 48 or 49 [including newspapers, books (including Braille books), journals and periodicals],(which attract IGST @ 12 per cent. or 5 per cent. or Nil- inserted w.e.f 13/10/2017), where only content is supplied by the publisher and the physical inputs including paper used for printing belong to the printer is supplied by the publisher and the physical inputs including paper used for printing belong to the printer.

New Rate

12 %
Standard

Old Rate

12 %

Notes

This composite printing service is aligned to the rate of the printed goods: where the goods are taxable at 12%, service is typically 12% with ITC; where goods are at 5% or Nil, concessional treatment applies in line with the main goods entry. The 56th Council Appendix does not list any specific change for this 9989 printing service, so existing 12% treatment (for 12% goods) continues pending any future notification.

SAC Code

9989

Description

Other manufacturing services; publishing, printing and reproduction services; materials recovery services.

New Rate

18 %
Standard

Old Rate

18 %

Notes

This is the residual 9989 bucket covering publishing, printing and materials recovery services not already covered by a specific concessional entry. It remains taxable at the general 18% rate; there is no mention of reduction for this generic line in the new service rate Annexure.

SAC Code

998911

Description

Publishing, on a fee or contract basis

New Rate

18 %
Standard

Old Rate

18 %

Notes

When publishing is supplied as a service for a consideration (for example contract publishing of books or journals), it is treated as a support / manufacturing service and generally taxed at 18%. Where the transaction instead results in supply of exempt or low rated printed books in the clients name, the effective rate follows the goods entry, but that is a separate condition.

SAC Code

998912

Description

Printing and reproduction services of recorded media, on a fee or contract basis

New Rate

18 %
Standard

Old Rate

18 %

Notes

Printing job work on physical inputs is often classified under 9988 as well, with specific entries at 5% or 12% for printing of particular goods (such as books or newspapers) and 18% for others. For a generic SAC wise table, the typical commercial service rate is shown as 18% with ITC, with a note that concessional rates can apply where the printed output itself is taxed at a lower slab.

SAC Code

998920

Description

Moulding, pressing, stamping, extruding and similar plastic manufacturing services

New Rate

18 %
Standard

Old Rate

18 %

Notes

These are classic manufacturing services on goods owned by another person and are treated similarly to 9988 job work, with 18% as the standard GST rate for general commercial contracts, even though schedules mention 1.5% / 5% / 12% / 18% and Nil for specific scenarios.

SAC Code

998931

Description

Iron and steel casting services

New Rate

18 %
Standard

Old Rate

18 %

Notes

Casting iron and steel for a customers goods is a manufacturing service aligned with the job work heading; consolidated job work references put the typical rate at 18% both before and after the Sept 2025 rationalisation.

SAC Code

998932

Description

Non-ferrous metal casting services

New Rate

18 %
Standard

Old Rate

18 %

Notes

Casting of non ferrous metals follows the same logic as iron and steel casting, with 18% with ITC taken as the standard rate for SAC level presentation.

SAC Code

998933

Description

Metal forging, pressing, stamping, roll forming and powder metallurgy services

New Rate

18 %
Standard

Old Rate

18 %

Notes

Metal forming and powder metallurgy job work services are part of manufacturing services on physical inputs and use the normal 18% rate in most GST discussions, with lower or Nil slabs confined to specific notified use cases only.

SAC Code

998941

Description

Metal waste and scrap recovery (recycling) services, on a fee or contract basis

New Rate

18 %
Standard

Old Rate

12 %

Notes

Job work on metal scrap under 9989 was notified with a 12 / 18 structure in earlier rate schedules. SAC wise lookups now show 18% as the operative rate. With 12% slabs removed under GST 2.0, the typical rate moves to 18% with ITC for normal recycling contracts.

SAC Code

998942

Description

Non-metal waste and scrap recovery (recycling) services, on a fee or contract basis

New Rate

18 %
Standard

Old Rate

12 %

Notes

Non metal recycling services share the same 12 / 18 pattern as 998941 in the manufacturing services table. Post rationalisation, the concessional 12% line is effectively merged into the standard 18% band, so normal B2B recycling is at 18% with ITC.

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Scope of SAC Code 9989

In the printing sector, services covered under SAC code 9989 involve activities such as commercial printing of books, magazines, brochures, flyers, and other printed materials. It also includes services like photocopying, digital printing, and large-scale printing for advertising purposes.

Within the publishing industry, services under SAC code 9989 include activities related to the production and distribution of books, newspapers, periodicals, and other publications. This encompasses services like editing, proofreading, layout design, cover design, and the overall publishing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to common queries about SAC Code 9989 and GST compliance.

What is the GST rate for printing services under SAC 9989?

Most commercial printing services under SAC 9989 are taxed at 18% GST, unless a specific entry gives a lower rate or exemption. Some printing combined with supply of goods is treated as goods and taxed at the rate for those goods

Does GST change under SAC 9989 if the customer provides paper?

 Yes. When the customer supplies paper and the printer only provides printing service, it is treated as a pure service under 9989, usually at 18% GST. When the printer supplies both paper and printing, it can be treated as a supply of goods with different rates.

Is digital printing or photocopying covered under SAC 9989?

Yes, Digital printing, offset printing, colour photocopying and similar reproduction services on paper, banners or other media are generally covered under SAC 9989, unless you are supplying mainly goods like printed books or packaging, which may be classified as goods.

Can ITC be claimed on services billed under SAC 9989?

Input tax credit is allowed if the printed material is used for taxable business purposes, and you meet all normal ITC conditions. ITC is not allowed when the output is exempt, personal in nature, or blocked under section 17 of the GST law.

Are educational printing services exempt under SAC 9989?

Printing of question papers, answer sheets and some exam-related material for recognised educational institutions is often exempt because it is treated as an education-related service. Other educational printing, like coaching material, is normally taxable at 18%

Do binding or lamination services fall under SAC 9989?

Yes, Simple binding, spiral binding, lamination and similar finishing work linked to printed material are usually treated as part of printing and reproduction services under SAC 9989 and taxed at the standard 18% GST, unless covered by a specific exemption.

How is outsourced or contract printing classified under SAC 9989?

If you do printing as a job work service on material owned by your customer, it is usually classified under 9989 and taxed at 18% GST. Where printing is only a small part of a bigger supply, you must see whether the main supply is goods or services.

Important Disclaimer

The above does not constitute professional advice or a formal recommendation. We recommend consulting a professional tax consultant before acting on the information contained in this piece of content.