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Published on:

March 3, 2025

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GST Rates and HSN Code 6204 for Women's Suits & Ensembles

One of the reasons why Goods and Services Tax (GST) has given outstanding success in the collection of taxes across India is the increase in the buoyancy of the textiles and apparel industries as well. Females' suits and ensembles that are under HSN Code 6204 are the items that GST rates are available. This is an essential thing that the companies that deal with raw materials supply, trading, and import/export, must consider. This article intends to break down HSN 6204 in minute detail by providing these pieces of information: the GST rates, the compliance requirements, and the tax benefits.

Knowledge of HSN Code 6204

The HSN (Code of the Harmonized System of Nomenclature) Code 6204 includes articles, especially for girls and women, such as suits, dresses, gowns, skirts, culottes, shorts, bibs, and brace overalls, and the like that are made from a variety of materials.

Categorization Under HSN Code 6204

Apparel Type	Description	Example Products
Women’s Suits	A complete matching set, including a jacket and trousers/skirt	Business suits, formal wear
Ensembles	Coordinated outfits of two or more garments sold together	Party wear sets, designer outfits
Jackets & Blazers	Outerwear designed for formal or semi-formal use	Blazers, coats
Dresses & Skirts	Single-piece garments covering the torso and legs	Evening gowns, summer dresses
Shorts & Trousers	Bottom wear options for casual and formal use	Culottes, leggings, formal trousers

GST Rates Applicable for HSN Code 6204

The rates of taxation for garments known as HSN Code 6204 are not flat but are subject to factors like the material used in making and the price at which they are sold.

Price-Based GST Rates

Price Range (per piece)	GST Rate
Below Rs.1000	5%
Rs.1000 and Above	12%

Material-Based GST Rates

Material Type	Price Below Rs.1000	Price Rs.1000 & Above
Cotton	5%	12%
Silk	5%	12%
Wool	5%	12%
Synthetic Fibers	12%	12%
Blended Fabrics	5%	12%

GST Compliance for Sellers

GST Registration

1. According to Section 22 of the CGST Act, every individual who is involved in supply or receiving only in the course of business is treated as a supplier and is to get themself registered independent of threshold limit in that section. However, anyone who makes exclusive supplies of only exempted services is not required to register, shoulder the burden of this compliance, or collect any applicable taxes on the supplies.

2. Small traders of the Composition Scheme may choose to do so based on the provisions of the Indian CGST and SGST Act. It is a privilege therefore not to pay for such a system because the entity is in the threshold brackets of the tax system and can be empowered to withdraw the complex system of tax collection and the requirements of filling up the forms with the sales.

Invoicing & Tax Collection

Invoice Requirement	Details
HSN Code	Must be clearly mentioned on the invoice
Applicable GST Rate	Should match product category
Taxable Value & GST Amount	Should be itemized separately
Supplier Details	Name, GSTIN, and address must be included
Buyer’s GSTIN (if applicable)	Required for B2B transactions

Input Tax Credit (ITC)

1. Businesses can claim ITC on GST paid for raw materials which in turn will mean that the overall tax burden will be lower.

2. ITC is not refundable to the final buyers.

Learn more about GST registration

GST Impact on Different Business Segments

1. Manufacturers & Wholesalers

a. Certainly have to be registered under GST to be eligible to receive tax and to be able to sell.

b. Are allowed to apply for ITC(Input Tax Credit) as they are either consuming or producing items.

c. Should adhere to the rules and regulations of invoicing and e-way bill.

2. Retailers

a. Retailers must apply GST at the point of sale.

b. They are compelled to issue GST invoices to clients only.

c. It is mandatory for them to opt for the Composition Scheme if their turnover exceeds the limit.

3. E-commerce Sellers

a. Attract as many people as possible to our site to reach a certain percentage of sales.

b. The buyer (TCS) according to the GST law should also collect GST.

c. Services like Amazon, and Flipkart press sellers to go along with GST requirements.

4. Importers & Exporters

a. Importers are needed to pay IGST at the time of customs clearance and can claim ITC.

b. Exporters can get refunds under the zero-taxed supplies that are GST-free.

5. Impact on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) take a key role in the textile industry. The type of GST that they have to pay can increase the total operating costs. This way, SMEs can be sure about the compliance requirements and the tax reduction and exemption opportunities, which in turn should help them to pick the best tax strategy.

a. GST Composition Scheme: With a turnover of Rs.1.5 crore or less SMEs can select the scheme to pay a reduced GST rate.

b. Compliance Costs: Even if GST makes taxes easier to understand and pay, it requires companies to be precise with their invoices and filing, which makes it very costly for small businesses.

c. Credit Utilization: Using properly Input Tax Credit (ITC) will help SMEs to lower shipping costs and maybe even get more money out of the deal.

6. Challenges Faced by Apparel Businesses Under GST

Even though GST is a great decision, it is a time-consuming process to implement and is making textile enterprises face difficulties. Some of the most common issues include:

Challenge	Impact
Classification Issues	Risk of incorrect HSN classification leading to penalties
Higher Tax for Premium Apparel	12% GST on products above Rs.1000 increases pricing for premium goods
Compliance Burden	Regular return filing and documentation increase the administrative workload
Refund Delays	Exporters often face delays in GST refund processing

Thus, businesses need to use GST automation tools, analyze the tax documentation with greater scrutiny, and rely on professional tax advisory services.

7. Role of Government Policies in GST Implementation

In India, the tax laws and regulations are revised periodically to achieve a fair taxation system. Where the recent GST rates, compliances, and exemptions for small businesses have easily been modified, small businesses have found their way to the market.

a. GST Rate Rationalization: It is quite common that the GST Council makes amendments to tax rates to ensure that certain sectors are not overburdened.

b. Ease of Compliance: The introduction of digital platforms has helped with the GST filing and invoicing process of businesses.

c. Export Incentives: With the implementation of special incentives such as GST refunds for the exporters, the global markets remain cost-efficient.

8. Future Outlook of GST in the Apparel Industry

While the textile sector is changing, the GST policies too will change to adhere to those new trends and business models. The main topics are:

a. Sustainable Fashion: More incentives for environmentally friendly fabric production may lead to price discounts.

b. E-commerce Expansion: More transparent and efficient online seller identification will be the result of stricter compliance measures for online sellers.

c. Lower Tax Rates for SMEs: The small-scale manufacturers of the apparel industry have been talking to the tax authority to restructure the tax slabs. And SMEs must adhere to government notifications and industry trends to sustain their business and make profits.

Conclusion

GST rates for women’s suits and ensembles under HSN Code 6204 are determined by pricing and fabric type. The complete understanding of GST registration and invoicing is the biggest task that comes in the way of businesses to face the penalties and taxation risk by the authorities and the tax authorities thus limiting the scope of fraud and error in this sector.” The classification of items has to be correct. Also, tax collection should be accurate which enables the businesses to run them hassle less and profitably. For more details on GST compliance and transparent apparel taxation, please visit our Swipe blog.

FAQs

1. What is HSN Code 6204?

HSN Code 6204 is a 4-digit classification of goods and services that is used in 160 countries worldwide.

2. What is the GST rate for women’s suits priced above Rs.1000?

The GST rate is 12%.

3. Is input tax credit available for retailers?

Yes, retailers are allowed to take the ITC on GST absorbed on goods used in their business.

4. How does GST impact importers of women's apparel?

Importers are required to "PAY” IGST at the prevalent customs rate at the time of the clearance process and are also eligible to claim the relevant ITC benefit.

5. What happens if a product is misclassified under GST?

Misclassification can cause penalties and interest charges. If you think that your product is not properly classified, don’t wait and get in touch with an expert.