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Published on:

December 31, 2024

Udeetta Sarma

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Basics of GST

HSN Code and GST Rate for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Products - Chapter 30

Concerning India, medicines and pharmaceutical products are classified under Chapter 30 of Harmonized System Nomenclature (HSN), which is taxable in nature. It brings uniformity in product categorisation and taxation under the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The medicine HSN code is crucial for identifying goods in both international and domestic markets.

For instance, the 3004 HSN code pertains to pharmaceutical products such as medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic use, packaged for retail sale. These codes provide the basis for taxation and duty on businesses as well as consumers of pharmaceutical products.

The HSN code and its relevant GST rates are critical and should be known by distinct stakeholders of the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Proper allocation under the respective HSN code is not only key to compliance distinction but also impacts the price and availability of medicinal products.

What is the Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN)?

The Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) is an internationally accepted system for systematically classifying goods. This system was created by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and is used in many countries, including India. To harmonise taxation nationwide and aid in global commerce, India chose the HSN (Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System) when it implemented GST.

HSN codes are the foundation of GST implementation in India. These figures are numerical descriptors for products that allow corporations and tax authorities to identify the sort of product and the tax category that coincides. They are designed to ensure consistency across states, minimise conflicts and simplify compliance.

Chapter 30: Pharmaceutical Products

Chapter 30 of the HSN covers Pharmaceutical products including, but not limited to:

Therapeutic or prophylactic medicaments
Vaccines for human and veterinary use
Blood products and serums
Homeopathic medicines
Traditional medicines, such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani
Wound dressings, speciality bandages, and gauze

This chapter also further divides based on each product's composition, usage and form. It is a key factor in deciding the GST rates so that essential and life-saving medicines are available at lower rates.

HSN Code 3004:

HSN code 3004 is one of the significant HSN codes under Chapter 30 for pharmaceutical products. It pertains to:

Medicaments (other than those of heading 3002, 3005 or 3006)
Therapeutic or prophylactic products containing mixed or unmixed ingredients
Goods are presented in measured doses (tablets, capsules) or retail-ready forms (syrups, ointments and so on).

Medicines covered under HSN 3004 include a broad therapeutic scope, from common antibiotics to specialised treatments for chronic conditions.

GST Rates for HSN Code 3004

HSN Code 3004 is very much broader in terms of the GST rates covered under the products. The type and quality of the product determine these rates. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. GST at 5%

It is the concession rate that we insert for products like drugs, essential medicines and drugs. These typically include:

Drugs for diseases like cancer, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS
Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha and homoeopathic medicines
Certain generic medicines

The affordable GST rate is in line with the objective of affordable health care of the government and keeps it accessible for the common man.

2. GST at 12%

This higher rate applies to:

Branded Medicines and Pharma Formulations
Antibiotics, corticosteroids and hormones
Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs

Drugs falling under this category are typically the non-essential or specialist medicines with the highest tax levy — odd percentages right up to 23 per cent.

You might also be interested in “‍Gst on Medical and Diagnostics Services”.

Examples of GST Rates for Specific Products

HSN Code 300410

These are medicines that contain penicillins or derivatives with a penicillanic acid structure or streptomycins. They are used clinically as antibiotics against bacterial infections. The GST rate, ranging from 5 % to 12 %, would depend on the product being branded or essential.

HSN Code 300420

Other medicaments containing antibiotics, including those for a wider range of bacterial infections. Similar to the last category, the GST rate is based on the type of product and its therapeutic use.

HSN Code 300450

This category also includes medicaments containing vitamins or other products for therapeutic purposes. These products are subject to either a 5 per cent or a 12 per cent tax, depending on how they are used and branded.

To learn more about other HSN codes, you can also refer to Plants & Parts of Plants HSN Code & GST Rate.

GST Rates and HSN Codes for Pharmaceutical Products

The following table covers a broader range of pharmaceutical items and their applicable GST rates.

HSN Code	Description of Goods	GST Rate
3001	Glands and other organs for organo-therapeutic uses	5%
3002	Human blood, animal blood prepared for therapeutic use, vaccines	Exempt
3003	Medicaments (excluding goods of heading 3002, 3004) not in measured doses	12%
3004	Medicaments in measured doses or packaged forms for retail sale	12%
3005	Wadding, gauze, bandages, and similar articles, impregnated or coated with pharmaceutical substances	5%
3006	Pharmaceutical goods specified in Note 4 to Chapter 30 (e.g., sterile surgical catgut, blood-grouping reagents)	12%
3002.15	Immunological products (vaccines, toxins, cultures of microorganisms)	5%
3003.9	Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha, homeopathic, and biochemic medicaments	5%
3004.9	Antibiotics and antibacterial formulations	12%
3006.1	Sterile surgical catgut, similar sterile suture materials	12%
3006.2	Blood grouping reagents	Exempt
3006.3	Opacifying preparations for X-ray examinations	12%
3006.5	First-aid boxes and kits	5%
3006.7	Gel preparations for human and veterinary medicine (lubricants, disinfectants)	18%
3006.9	Other pharmaceutical products (including coated or impregnated articles)	12%

Why Accurate Classification is Crucial

A correct HSN code classification is of utmost importance for the business in the pharmaceutical sector. Misclassification may result in:

Fines for non-adherence: Wrong submissions can lead to halting operations as well as fines and interest on unpaid taxes.

Operational disruptions: Incorrect classification may lead to delays in the supply chain.

Reputational damage: Recurring compliance problems can tarnish a company’s reputation with regulators and customers.

Businesses can avoid these problems by ensuring proper product categorisation along with expert advice or automated GST filing software.

Impact of GST Rates on Pricing and Accessibility

Tax rates under GST for medicines influence their prices and, as a consequence, access:

Essential medicines:

To make these products affordable for the masses, GST rates have been kept at 5% on life-saving drugs and vaccines. This is essential for the health of the people and the prevention of common diseases.

Of Branded/ No-longer manufactured medicines:

Branded and patented drugs are subjected to higher GST rates than unbranded generics, leading not only to revenue generation but also in command of expensive results. This impacts companies to a large extent, leading them to several options for low-cost manufacturing and supply chain strategies.

This healthcare should be made affordable to all sections of society. Hence, that is where the balance between taxes and affordability must come into the picture.

Benefits of the HSN System for the Pharmaceutical Industry

However, the system of coding for goods and services, such as HSN Codes under goods and service tax (GST), has benefited the pharmaceutical sector in numerous ways.

Simplified Taxation:

Generic codes make returns easier to file and reduce the possibility of fighting with tax authorities.

Harmonisation with Global Standards:

With HSN being worldwide in nature, it makes Indian pharmaceuticals at kidney with the worldwide/international trade principles and helps in increasing exports.

Equality and Fairness:

A consistent tax rate across states prevents regional differences and ensures fair competition.

Future Trends and Recommendations

The GST system is constantly changing, and the pharma sector must be conversant with changes to rates and classifications Here are some stakeholder recommendations:

Regular training

Get teams trained on how to handle HSN classifications as well as GST compliance.

Technology adaptation

You can start using GST software to make tax calculation and filing processes easier.

Engaging with policy-makers

Despite many other things that are already there, this can be a powerful ever enhancement to Industry bodies, and they will now have the government better address our issues to help resolve them, including pushing more favourable tax policies.

Conclusion

The HSN codes and GST rates of medicines, pharmaceuticals and other pharma products will help manufacturers, distributors and retailers to know how much tax they have to pay. The use of correct tariff code 3004 is imperatively essential to remain in regulatory compliance and keep affordable prices for essential /life-saving drugs.

Businesses need to refer to the official GST rate list and may require expert opinions on product descriptions and respective GST rates for all. The correct methodology encourages stakeholders to fit into the system and move towards achieving India — 'universal healthcare for all'.

Minimise GST compliance burdens with Swipe!

It is difficult to deal with HSN codes and GST rates for medicines and pharmaceutical products, which is why Swipe is here! Provide Comprehensive Compliance From HSN Code Classifications up to Return Submission Our full GST compliance platform does accurate HSN code classification, tax calculations as well as return submission. Swipe brings efficiency to pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and retailers across the board with amazing tools and support.

We have GST made easy for the healthcare sector!

FAQ

1. What is HSN code 3004, and why is it important?

Medicaments, consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic use, read more. They are essential for the correct determination of GST rates, compliance and proper pricing of pharmaceutical products.

2 . Effect of GST Rate on Medicine Pricing?

Lower GST rates would bring down medicine prices. A 5% GST rate on essential medicines increases their affordability for consumers and helps in meeting public health objectives, whereas a 12% GST leads to an escalation of cost, especially when it is pertaining to new branded or specialised drugs.

3. What are the impacts on pharmaceutical companies with wrong HSN categorisation?

Misclassification also carries many drawbacks like non-compliance penalties, operational delays or damaging your reputation. If the incoming sales orders are not correctly classified, this can lead to incorrect tax filings and consequently make it a lot harder for you to run your business.

4 . How can Swipe assist in HSN code identification & Maintaining GST compliance?

Swipe — Tools for HSN Classification, Tax Calculation & Return Filing Simplifying. Pharma & Health It facilitates Pharma sector businesses to be on the right side of the law while it can break GST complexity for companies.

5. What are the GST rates applicable under HSN code 3004?

Different Types of Medicines, which are classified under HSN code 3004: These medicines attract GST at the rate of 5% or, in some cases, so it is levied with a total of 12%. The lowest rate of 5% is for essential drugs and generic medicines, and the middle or revenue-neutral bracket, at 12%, covers branded versions of those same formulations as well as specialised products.