GST rates and HSN code for Paper napkins.
| Chapter | Description | HSN Code | Rate (%) | CESS (%) | Effective Date | Rate Revision |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (waste and scrap) <strong>paper</strong> or paperboard | Sanitary Towels And Tampons, Napkins And Napkin Liners For Babies And Similar Sanitary Articles | 481840 | 18% | – | 01/07/2017 | – |
| Uncoated Paper And Paperboard, Of A Kind Used For Writing, Printing Or Other Graphic Purposes, And Non-Perforated Punch Card And Punch Tape Paper, In Rolls Or Rectangular (Including Square) Sheets Of Any Size, Other Than Paper Of Heading 4801 Or 4803; Han | 48026230 | 12% | – | 01/07/2017 | – | |
| Uncoated Paper And Paperboard, Of A Kind Used For Writing, Printing Or Other Graphic Purposes, And Non-Perforated Punch Card And Punch Tape Paper, In Rolls Or Rectangular (Including Square) Sheets Of Any Size, Other Than Paper Of Heading 4801 Or 4803; Han | 48025640 | 12% | – | 01/07/2017 | – | |
| Paper And Paperboard, Coated On One Or Both Sides With Kaolin (China Clay) Or Other Inorganic Substances, With Or Without A Binder, And With No Other Coating, Whether Or Not Surface – Coloured, Surface-Decorated Or Printed, In Rolls Or Rectangular (Includ | 48103920 | 12% | – | 01/07/2017 | – | |
| Uncoated Paper And Paperboard, Of A Kind Used For Writing, Printing Or Other Graphic Purposes, And Non-Perforated Punch Card And Punch Tape Paper, In Rolls Or Rectangular (Including Square) Sheets Of Any Size, Other Than Paper Of Heading 4801 Or 4803; Han | 48023000 | 12% | – | 01/07/2017 | – | |
| Uncoated Paper And Paperboard, Of A Kind Used For Writing, Printing Or Other Graphic Purposes, And Non-Perforated Punch Card And Punch Tape Paper, In Rolls Or Rectangular (Including Square) Sheets Of Any Size, Other Than Paper Of Heading 4801 Or 4803; Han | 48026240 | 12% | – | 01/07/2017 | – | |
| Paper Or Paperboard Labels Of All Kinds, Whether Or Not Printed – Other: Other | 48219090 | 18% | – | 01/07/2017 | – | |
| Paper Or Paperboard Labels Of All Kinds, Whether Or Not Printed – Printed : Paper Tags | 48211010 | 18% | – | 01/07/2017 | – | |
| Other Paper, Paperboard, Cellulose Wadding And Webs Of Cellulose Fibres, Cut To Size Or Shape; Other Articles Of Paper Pulp, Paper, Paperboard, Cellulose Wadding Or Webs Of Cellulose Fibres – Moulded Or Pressed Article Of Paper Pulp : Wood Pulp Board | 48237020 | 18% | – | 01/07/2017 | – | |
| Paper, Paperboard, Cellulose Wadding And Webs Of Cellulose Fibres, Coated, Impregnated, Covered, Surface-Coloured, Surface-Decorated Or Printed, In Rolls Or Rectangular (Including Square) Sheets, Of Any Size, Other Than Goods Of The Kind Described In Head | 48114900 | 18% | – | 01/07/2017 | – | |
| Cartons, Boxes, Cases, Bags And Other Packing Containers, Of Paper, Paperboard, Cellulose Wadding Or Webs Of Cellulose Fibres; Box Files, Letter Trays, And Similar Articles, Of Paper Or Paperboard Of A Kind Used In Offices, Shops Or The Like – Other Sacks | 48194000 | 18% | – | 01/07/2017 | – | |
| Paper, Paperboard, Cellulose Wadding And Webs Of Cellulose Fibres, Coated, Impregnated, Covered, Surface-Coloured, Surface-Decorated Or Printed, In Rolls Or Rectangular (Including Square) Sheets, Of Any Size, Other Than Goods Of The Kind Described In Head | 48119091 | 18% | – | 01/07/2017 | – | |
| Miscellaneous manufactured articles | Sanitary Towels (Pads) And Tampons, Napkins And Napkin Liners For Babies And Similar Articles, Of Any Material | 961900 | 0 | – | 01/07/2017 | – |
| Soap, organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, lubricating preparations, artificial waxes, prepared waxes, polishing or scouring preparations, candles and similar rticles, modelling pastes, dental waxes” and dental preparations with a basis o | Polishes And Creams, For Footwear, Furniture, Floors, Coachwork, Glass Or Metal, Scouring Pastes And Powders And Similar Preparations (Whether Or Not In The Form Of Paper, Wadding, Felt, Nonwovens , Cellular Plastics Or Cellular Rubber, Impregnated, Coate | 3405 | 18% | – | 01/07/2017 | – |
| Miscellaneous articles of base metal | Fittings For Loose-Leaf Binders Or Files, Letter Clips, Letter Corners, Paper Clips, Indexing Tags And Similar Office Articles, Of Base Metal; Staples In Strips (For Example, For Offices, Upholstery, Packaging), Of Base Metal – Other, Including Parts:Pins | 83059010 | 18% | – | 15/11/2017 13/10/2017 | – |
| Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials | Worked Mica And Articles Of Mica, Including Agglomerated Or Reconstituted Mica, Whether Or Not On A Support Of Paper, Paperboard Or Other Materials Other: Micapaper Or Reconstituted Mica Paper | 68149040 | 18% | – | 15/11/2017 – 1/07/2017 | – |
| Worked Mica And Articles Of Mica, Including Agglomerated Or Reconstituted Mica, Whether Or Not On A Support Of Paper, Paperboard Or Other Materials Other: Moulded Glass Bonded Or Glass Bonded Mica | 68149050 | 18% | – | 15/11/2017 – 1/07/2017 | – | |
| Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof of base metal | Other Articles Of Cutlery (For Example, Hair Clippers, Butchers Or Kitchen Cleavers, Choppers And Mincing Knives, Paper Knives); Manicure Or Pedicure Sets And Instruments (Including Nail Files) – Manicure Or Pedicure Sets And Instruments (Including Nail F | 82142090 | 18% | – | 15/11/2017 – 1/07/2017 | – |
| Photographic or cinematographic goods | Photographic Film In Rolls, Sensitised, Unexposed, Of Any Material Other Than Paper, Paper-Board Or Textiles; Instant Print Film In Rolls, Sensitised, Unexposed Other Film, For Colour Photography (Polychrome): Of A Width Not Exceeding 16 Mm And Of A Lengt | 37025290 | 18% | – | 01/07/2017 | – |
| Other vegetable textile fibres; <strong>paper</strong> yarn and woven fabrics of <strong>paper</strong> yarn | Woven Fabrics Of Other Vegetable Textile Fibres; Woven Fabrics Of Paper Yarn Woven Fabrics Of Other Vegetable Textile Fibres; Woven Fabrics Of Paper Yarn : Of Other Vegetable Textile Fibres : Dyed | 53110013 | 5% | – | 01/07/2017 | – |
Paper napkins are an everyday essential, found in homes, restaurants, and various businesses. For manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in India, understanding the correct HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) code and the associated GST (Goods and Services Tax) rate for paper napkins is crucial for accurate invoicing and compliance.
The HSN classification for paper napkins falls under Chapter 48, which covers “Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or of paperboard.” Specifically, paper napkins are categorized under HSN heading 4818.
HSN 4818 includes “Toilet paper and similar paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres, of a kind used for household or sanitary purposes, in rolls of a width not exceeding 36 cm, or cut to size or shape; handkerchiefs, cleansing tissues, towels, tablecloths, serviettes (napkins) and similar articles of a kind used for household, sanitary or hospital purposes, apparel and clothing accessories, of paper pulp, paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres.”
More precisely, the data explicitly mentions “Napkins And Napkin Liners For Babies And Similar Sanitary Articles” under HSN 481840, which carries an 18% GST rate. While this specific entry points to baby-related napkins, general paper napkins for household or commercial use are broadly covered within HSN 4818.
It’s important to note that the GST rate for such paper products used for sanitary or household purposes is typically 18%. This rate has been in effect since July 1, 2017, the nationwide implementation of GST in India. Businesses must ensure they classify their paper napkin products correctly under HSN 4818 to avoid discrepancies in their tax declarations.
Paper napkins primarily fall under HSN Chapter 48.
Paper napkins are covered under HSN heading 4818.
Paper napkins generally attract an 18% GST rate.
Accurate HSN classification ensures that businesses apply the correct GST rate, maintain proper accounting records, and comply with tax regulations.
No. While some paper products, like certain labels (HSN 4821) and packaging containers (HSN 4819), also carry an 18% GST, other paper and paperboard items, particularly writing or printing paper (HSN 4802), can be at 12%.
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