Digital clamp meter HSN Code

Understanding Your Digital Clamp Meter HSN Code

If you’re in the electrical or electronics industry, a digital clamp meter is likely a staple in your toolkit. This handy device allows you to measure current without breaking the circuit, making it indispensable for troubleshooting and maintenance. But when it comes to taxes and trade, every product needs an HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) code. Let’s shed some light on the HSN code for digital clamp meters and their GST implications.

The HSN classification system places digital clamp meters under Chapter 90: “Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof.” This chapter is where most measuring and testing instruments reside.

Specifically, digital clamp meters typically fall under HSN codes related to instruments for measuring or checking electrical quantities. While the provided data heavily features HSN codes for telecommunication apparatus (Chapter 85), which also contain the word “digital,” a digital clamp meter is distinctly a measuring instrument.

Based on common HSN classifications for such devices, and information from trade portals, digital clamp meters are generally found under HSN codes within Heading 9030. This heading broadly covers “Oscilloscopes, spectrum analysers and other instruments and apparatus for measuring or checking electrical quantities.”

More precisely, you’ll often find digital clamp meters under:

• 90303390: This HSN code often applies to “Other instruments and apparatus for measuring or checking voltage, current, resistance or electrical power, without recording device: Other.” Many standard digital clamp meters fit this description.
• 90308990: This is a broader “Others” category within instruments for measuring or checking electrical quantities, often encompassing various testing equipment including digital clamp meters.
• 90303100: This specifically denotes “Multimeters without a recording device.” Some digital clamp meters offer multimeter functionalities, which could lead to this classification.

The prevailing GST rate for digital clamp meters under these HSN codes is generally 18%. This rate has been in effect since July 1, 2017, though specific revisions for related sub-headings might have occurred over time, as seen with some of the Chapter 85 entries.

Correctly identifying the HSN code for your digital clamp meter is vital for businesses to ensure accurate GST billing, smooth import/export procedures, and overall compliance with taxation laws. So, while your clamp meter helps you measure electricity, its HSN code helps measure its place in the world of commerce.