Calling Bell HSN Code

Understanding the Calling Bell HSN Code

Calling bells, from the traditional doorbell to modern wireless systems, are ubiquitous in homes, offices, and commercial establishments. They serve a simple yet crucial function: to alert occupants of an arrival or a need for attention. For manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers of these devices, understanding the correct Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) code is essential for accurate GST compliance.

The HSN classification for a calling bell primarily depends on whether it is electric or non-electric.

For Electric Calling Bells (most common):

Electric calling bells (like your standard doorbell, wireless doorbell, or musical doorbell) fall under Chapter 85: “Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles.”

More specifically, they are categorized under HSN 8531: “Electric sound or visual signalling apparatus (for example, bells, sirens, indicator panels, burglar or fire alarms), other than those of heading 8512 or 8530.”

Within this heading, the most relevant HSN codes for electric calling bells are:

• HSN 85318000: This is the most common HSN for “Other Electric Sound Or Visual Signalling Apparatus.” This broad category often includes various types of electric calling bells, doorbells (including wireless and musical ones), and similar signalling devices not specifically covered elsewhere.
• HSN 85311090: While primarily for “Burglar Or Fire Alarms And Similar Apparatus: Other,” some specialized remote calling bells that might integrate with alarm systems could potentially fall here.

Electric calling bells classified under HSN 8531 (including 85318000 and 85311090) generally attract an 18% GST rate.

For Non-Electric Calling Bells:

If the calling bell is non-electric (e.g., a simple metal bell that rings when struck, like a bicycle bell or a traditional hand bell made of brass), it falls under Chapter 83: “Miscellaneous articles of base metal.”

• HSN 83061000: This code specifically covers “Bells, Gongs And The Like, Non-Electric, Of Base Metal; Statuettes And Other Ornaments, Of Base Metal; Photograph, Picture Or Similar Frames, Of Base Metal; Mirrors Of Base Metal – Bells, Gongs And The Like.”
• Non-electric bells under HSN 83061000 typically attract a 12% GST rate.

Therefore, identifying whether the calling bell operates electrically or mechanically is the crucial first step in determining its correct HSN code and the applicable GST rate.