Noodles HSN Code

Understanding the HSN Code for Noodles

Noodles, a global culinary delight, come in countless varieties, from instant ramen to gourmet pasta. Their convenience and versatility make them a popular food choice worldwide. For businesses involved in the manufacturing, distribution, or sale of noodles, accurately identifying the HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) code is crucial for correct Goods and Services Tax (GST) compliance. Fortunately, the HSN classification for noodles is quite straightforward, grouping them under “pasta.”

Noodles HSN Codes and GST Rates

Noodles are classified under Chapter 19 of the HSN, specifically under the heading for “Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; pastrycooks products.” Within this chapter, noodles are explicitly mentioned as a type of “Pasta.”

The relevant HSN codes for noodles, encompassing various forms, all consistently attract a 12% GST rate, with effective dates from July 1, 2017, and revisions on November 15, 2017:

• Pasta, Whether Or Not Cooked Or Stuffed (With Meat Or Other Substances) Or Otherwise Prepared, Such As Spaghetti, Macaroni, Noodles, Lasagne, Gnocchi, Ravioli, Cannelloni; Couscous, Whether Or Not Prepared: This is the overarching description that includes noodles.
  • Uncooked Pasta, Not Stuffed Or Otherwise Prepared: This covers the most common forms of noodles before any cooking or stuffing.
    • HSN 19021900: This code specifically covers uncooked pasta, which includes noodles.
    • HSN 190212% (general): This general heading also applies to uncooked pasta.
    • HSN 19021100: Another code for uncooked pasta.
  • Stuffed Pasta, Whether Or Not Cooked Or Otherwise Prepared: This includes noodles that are pre-stuffed.
    • HSN 19022010: For stuffed pasta.
    • HSN 19022090: For other stuffed pasta.
  • Other Pasta: This covers prepared forms of pasta.
    • Dried: HSN 19023010. This would include dried instant noodles.
    • Other: HSN 19023090. This might cover other forms of prepared noodles.
  • Couscous: While distinct from traditional noodles, couscous is also categorized under this pasta heading.
    • Unprepared: HSN 19024010.
    • Other: HSN 19024090.

The consistent 12% GST rate across all these forms of pasta, including noodles, simplifies tax compliance for manufacturers and suppliers in the noodle industry. The descriptions clearly include “Noodles” within the “Pasta” category, making the classification straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions about Noodles HSN Codes

1. What HSN Chapter covers noodles? Noodles are covered under HSN Chapter 19, “Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk.”
2. What is the specific HSN code category for noodles? Noodles fall under the HSN category for “Pasta,” specifically within the 1902 series.
3. What is the GST rate for noodles? Noodles consistently attract a 12% GST rate.
4. Does it matter if the noodles are cooked or uncooked for HSN classification? The HSN code for noodles (1902 series) covers both cooked and uncooked pasta, including noodles.
5. Is there a different HSN for instant noodles? Instant noodles, being dried pasta, would typically fall under HSN 19023010 or other relevant codes within the 1902 series, maintaining the 12% GST rate.
6. Are stuffed noodles classified differently? Yes, stuffed pasta, including stuffed noodles, falls under HSN 19022010 or 19022090, but still at a 12% GST rate.
7. When did the current GST rates for noodles become effective? The current GST rates for noodles became effective on July 1, 2017, with revisions on November 15, 2017.
8. Do other pasta types like spaghetti or macaroni have the same HSN and GST as noodles? Yes, spaghetti, macaroni, and other pasta types are also under the 1902 series and attract a 12% GST rate.
9. Is “couscous” considered a type of noodle for HSN purposes? While technically different, couscous is grouped under the same HSN heading (1902) as pasta, including noodles, and has a 12% GST rate.
10. Why are noodles classified under “Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk”? Noodles are primarily made from flour (a cereal preparation) and are a processed food item, hence their classification in Chapter 19.